Thursday, 14 August 2014
Best Hiking Trail
Tuesday, 5 August 2014
Trini Legends
Superstition is very much a part of Trinidad. Some believe these tales are true, others say they are just...tales. here are a few of the ones that scared me the most when I was a child
1. Soucouyant.
The soucouyant is a woman who peels her skin off and transforms into a ball of fire. At night, she roams villages seeking blood ( much like a vampire). To prevent her from entering your house, you must throw a bag of rice at your door, as it is said she will spend the night picking the rice up from the floor, grain by grain, as if compelled to do so.
2.La Diablesse
French for female devil, La Diablesse is born a human but her dealings witht he devil has made her a malicious shape shifting spirit.
To others, her poise, figure and dress make her seem beautiful, but her hideous face is hidden by a large brimmed hat and her long dress hides the fact that on one leg ends a cow hoof. She can cast spells on unsuspecting male victims whom she leads into the forest with the promise of sexual favours. When in the forest she disappears and the man, confused and lost, runs around in the forest until he falls into a river or ravine and dies.
3. Papa Bois.
In reality, Papa Bois isnt scary or malicious- but I was scared of him for some odd reason.
He is the protector of the forest and all the animals that live there
His appearance is thought tot be that of a short old man of African descent with cloven hooves and a beard of leaves. Despite his age, he sports strong muscles and can run faster than a deer. His body is completely covered in hair and small horns sprout from his body. He carries a hollowed out bull horn, which he uses to warn animals of a hunter's approach. He is also known to have the power of metamorphosis and commonly thought to transform himself into a deer, luring hunters into the forest and getting them lost.
1. Soucouyant.
The soucouyant is a woman who peels her skin off and transforms into a ball of fire. At night, she roams villages seeking blood ( much like a vampire). To prevent her from entering your house, you must throw a bag of rice at your door, as it is said she will spend the night picking the rice up from the floor, grain by grain, as if compelled to do so.
French for female devil, La Diablesse is born a human but her dealings witht he devil has made her a malicious shape shifting spirit.
To others, her poise, figure and dress make her seem beautiful, but her hideous face is hidden by a large brimmed hat and her long dress hides the fact that on one leg ends a cow hoof. She can cast spells on unsuspecting male victims whom she leads into the forest with the promise of sexual favours. When in the forest she disappears and the man, confused and lost, runs around in the forest until he falls into a river or ravine and dies.
In reality, Papa Bois isnt scary or malicious- but I was scared of him for some odd reason.
He is the protector of the forest and all the animals that live there
His appearance is thought tot be that of a short old man of African descent with cloven hooves and a beard of leaves. Despite his age, he sports strong muscles and can run faster than a deer. His body is completely covered in hair and small horns sprout from his body. He carries a hollowed out bull horn, which he uses to warn animals of a hunter's approach. He is also known to have the power of metamorphosis and commonly thought to transform himself into a deer, luring hunters into the forest and getting them lost.
Best Beach House - Tobago
For visitors to Tobago- both domestic and foreign alike, a hotel can be quite expensive. As such, a more affordable mode of accommodation while visiting Tobago would be a beach house. Here are some of the beach houses that i will consider to be the "best"
1. Birdsong Lodge
This is an all wood lodge, perched 20 feet above ground. It offers stunning views of the beach and headland looking up the coast and the rocky cliffs and bays looking down to the west to the spectacular sunsets. Birdsong sits gently on the land and relies on the natural forces the wind to generate a cooling breeze through wooden louvers of windows that channels the air and vents the heat through the roof.
2. Half Moon Blue
Eight suites and a spectacular penthouse loft overlook the horizon, the half moon shaped Bacolet Bay and the infinity swimming pool where midnight swims are a must! The decor of the spacious rooms sets the mood for serene and lazy days and romanitc exotic nights. These colonial styled suites with jalousied windows and doors open onto verandas with rattan chaise-lounges, creating the perfect spot for whatever your heart desires
Directly above one of Tobago's most spectacular beaches, the Mahi Mahi Suite is one of eight luxury 3- bedroom apartments in an elegant and upscale new seaside development, described as the most beautiful building on the island.
The beach is literally on your doorstep.
Simply step outside of your building and step onto one of the most beautiful beaches the island has to offer- Grafton Beach, which is wonderful for snorkelling, swimming, surfing, fishing, and turtle watching.
1. Birdsong Lodge
This is an all wood lodge, perched 20 feet above ground. It offers stunning views of the beach and headland looking up the coast and the rocky cliffs and bays looking down to the west to the spectacular sunsets. Birdsong sits gently on the land and relies on the natural forces the wind to generate a cooling breeze through wooden louvers of windows that channels the air and vents the heat through the roof.
Eight suites and a spectacular penthouse loft overlook the horizon, the half moon shaped Bacolet Bay and the infinity swimming pool where midnight swims are a must! The decor of the spacious rooms sets the mood for serene and lazy days and romanitc exotic nights. These colonial styled suites with jalousied windows and doors open onto verandas with rattan chaise-lounges, creating the perfect spot for whatever your heart desires
Directly above one of Tobago's most spectacular beaches, the Mahi Mahi Suite is one of eight luxury 3- bedroom apartments in an elegant and upscale new seaside development, described as the most beautiful building on the island.
The beach is literally on your doorstep.
Simply step outside of your building and step onto one of the most beautiful beaches the island has to offer- Grafton Beach, which is wonderful for snorkelling, swimming, surfing, fishing, and turtle watching.
Monday, 21 July 2014
Best Roti Shop
Well this one isn't even a competition. In my opinion, the best roti can be found at Mona's Roti Shop in Marabella. Everything about them is PERFECT. The roti melts in your mouth...I cant even complete this entry because I am on my way to buy one right now. If you disagree with my opinion, feel free to leave a comment.
Sunday, 20 July 2014
Best Beach (Tobago)
Tobago is famous for its breathtakingly beautiful beaches. There are so many to choose from that I cannot declare a clear winner. Instead I will simply highlight three of my favourites. Here goes
1. Pirate's Bay
One of Tobago's less crowded beaches, it is excellent for snorkeling. The film, "Robinson Crusoe ( 1952) was filmed here
2. Pigeon Point
Perhaps the most popular beach in Tobago, Pigeon Point is located to the south west of the island. The sand at Pigeon Point is one of Tobago's finest with with a seashell tint and the water's colour, a mixture of bright turquoise and teal. This beach is well known for the constant hub of activities partly due to its proximity to the airport and hotels surrounding it
3. Englishman's Bay
A secluded beach on the leeward side of the island, it is located between Castara and Parlatuvier. Though its not as popular as Pigeon Point, it remains of the the gems of Tobago
1. Pirate's Bay
2. Pigeon Point
3. Englishman's Bay
Saturday, 19 July 2014
Best Road March of the last Decade
So what's a Road March?
The Road March is an essential part of the revelry for Trinibagonians on carnival Monday and Tuesday. It is the most demanded song by masqueraders as they cross the judging points. In other words, its the song that the masqueraders want to hear as they cross the "stage" At the end of the two day period, the song that was played the most at all judging points, is declared the "Road March"
While my personal favourite is Superblue's "Fantastic Friday", its difficult to declare an outright winner. So- you be the judge :)
2014. Ministry of Road- Machel Montano
2013. Fantastic Friday- Superblue
2012. Machel Montano- Pump Yuh Flag
2011. Machel Montano- Advantage
2010 J.W and Blaze- Palance
2009. Fay-Ann Lyons- Meet Superblue
2008. Fay- Ann Lyons- Get On
2007. Machel Montano- Jumbie
2006. Machel Montano and Patrice Roberts- Band of d Year
2005. Shurwayne Winchester - Dead or Alive
2004. Look De Band Coming
The Road March is an essential part of the revelry for Trinibagonians on carnival Monday and Tuesday. It is the most demanded song by masqueraders as they cross the judging points. In other words, its the song that the masqueraders want to hear as they cross the "stage" At the end of the two day period, the song that was played the most at all judging points, is declared the "Road March"
While my personal favourite is Superblue's "Fantastic Friday", its difficult to declare an outright winner. So- you be the judge :)
2014. Ministry of Road- Machel Montano
2013. Fantastic Friday- Superblue
2012. Machel Montano- Pump Yuh Flag
Best Doubles
Doubles is a common street food in Trinidad and Tobago. While the average trini, may not call it a sandwhich, that's the easiest way to explain it. It comprises of two bara ( flat fried bread) filled with curried channa and topped with various condiments such as pepper sauce, tamarind sauce, chadon beni, cucumber, coconut chutney and the like. Many Trinis have it for breakfast, but it can be eaten at anytime.
Since Trinis take doubles VERY SERIOUSLY, I will not dare to bestow a title. Instead I will leave it up to you the readers to thrash it out in the comment section
Saturday, 12 July 2014
Best Beach (Trinidad)
Now readers, we have to take into consideration that there are two islands that constitute the twin island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Therefore, I will only be considering beaches in Trinidad in this post as it kinda difficult to compare both islands. ( Tobago will be dealt with later on).
Many a Trini will assert that the best beaches are to be found on the north coast. While i generally agree with this, one of my favourite beaches is Mayaro, which is to the south-east of the island. There is almost an uninterrupted line of coconut trees which adds to the stunning beauty of the beach. However, bathers need to be careful, since Mayaro is known to have very strong currents.
While i like Mayaro a lot, I do not think it is the best Trinidad has to offer.
Maracas Bay is without a doubt the most popular beach in Trinidad. In many ways, Maracas has everything a Trini needs for a good "lime". There is good food. Particularly "bake and shark" which is a delicacy I strongly recommend you try. There is good music, which can be heard at any of the nearby bars along the beach, and of course, being the most popular beach, there is no shortage of eye candy.
Beside the warm blue waters and beautiful sand, what i think makes Maracas Bay beautiful is the clear view of the northern range. In fact, to get to the beach, one has to drive through the mountains and it provides quite beautiful scenery. So one can say the Maracas experience begins even before you hit the beach.
On the downside, because of its popularity, there can be a lot of traffic on public holidays and weekends. So I suggest that you get there early and leave by 4pm if you don't want to have to deal with that.
While many may disagree with me, I don't believe it is the best Trinidad has to offer.
When I think of the best beach, Paria comes to mind. The average person may not consider even going there, but I never hesitate. I am not sure if its the picturesque seascape, the river's mouth, the beach or the waterfall, or the spectacle of turtle hatchlings emerging from the sand- whatever it is, I am drawn to Paria like a moth to a flame. The main deterrent for many, however, is the two hour walk from Blanchisseuse to get to the beach. If you are a nature lover, the scenic trek is definitely worth it.
In my opinion, Paria is the best beach Trinidad has to offer. Beautiful white sand, blue water, untouched beauty and when you are there, its like you are in a world of your own. No reminder of the hectic lifestyle that is a two hour walk behind you- its just you and the beach.
Many a Trini will assert that the best beaches are to be found on the north coast. While i generally agree with this, one of my favourite beaches is Mayaro, which is to the south-east of the island. There is almost an uninterrupted line of coconut trees which adds to the stunning beauty of the beach. However, bathers need to be careful, since Mayaro is known to have very strong currents.
While i like Mayaro a lot, I do not think it is the best Trinidad has to offer.
Maracas Bay is without a doubt the most popular beach in Trinidad. In many ways, Maracas has everything a Trini needs for a good "lime". There is good food. Particularly "bake and shark" which is a delicacy I strongly recommend you try. There is good music, which can be heard at any of the nearby bars along the beach, and of course, being the most popular beach, there is no shortage of eye candy.
Beside the warm blue waters and beautiful sand, what i think makes Maracas Bay beautiful is the clear view of the northern range. In fact, to get to the beach, one has to drive through the mountains and it provides quite beautiful scenery. So one can say the Maracas experience begins even before you hit the beach.
On the downside, because of its popularity, there can be a lot of traffic on public holidays and weekends. So I suggest that you get there early and leave by 4pm if you don't want to have to deal with that.
While many may disagree with me, I don't believe it is the best Trinidad has to offer.
When I think of the best beach, Paria comes to mind. The average person may not consider even going there, but I never hesitate. I am not sure if its the picturesque seascape, the river's mouth, the beach or the waterfall, or the spectacle of turtle hatchlings emerging from the sand- whatever it is, I am drawn to Paria like a moth to a flame. The main deterrent for many, however, is the two hour walk from Blanchisseuse to get to the beach. If you are a nature lover, the scenic trek is definitely worth it.
In my opinion, Paria is the best beach Trinidad has to offer. Beautiful white sand, blue water, untouched beauty and when you are there, its like you are in a world of your own. No reminder of the hectic lifestyle that is a two hour walk behind you- its just you and the beach.
Tuesday, 10 June 2014
Welcome to Best of Trinidad and Tobago
My name is Joel and I am a regular Trinbagonian. Like all other Trinbagonians, I believe our beautiful twin island paradise has the best of everything. However, this blog is about the best of the best- best doubles, best corn soup, best five a side football team, best fete, best beach....you get the point.
So join me in my quest to find the best that Trinidad and Tobago has to offer
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