Trinidad And Tobago by Katrina Coker
Trinidad and Tobago…"Two Islands, One HART." That is the slogan of Hart's Carnival, the band that I had the amazing opportunity to work with and play mass with during Carnival 2011.
Carnival
While it can cost quite the pretty penny for the Monday and Tuesday events, the extravagance, glamour, and lusciousness of this "lime" is well worth the price. Some bands (aka companies) will allow persons to work for their costume instead of paying the cost (or at a reduced rate); however this may require a longer availability on your part. I did this, and I am still in awe at the year-long planning, precision, and detail that goes into making it a success. Either way, when choosing a band to play with, ask if the "potty truck" and drink wrist bands are included in your costume price. And even if you decide to sit on the sidelines, this offers a unique experience in its own. More than likely the sound of Soca will have you on your feet, as you are sure to hear the calypso near and far.
Carnival is T&T's most well-known event, though T&T has so much more to offer than just this one celebration. There are a variety of ethnicities and cultures in Trinidad and Tobago, so there is always a party going on. Trust me… Trinis know how to have a great time all year long and all day long.
Study Abroad
I participated in a week long study abroad in 2007 to both Trinidad and Tobago and then returned on a two week personal trip visiting a friend in 2011 just to Trinidad, for the celebration as mentioned above. During both trips, I was fortunate to hang with the locals, and this is certainly the way to do it in any country - this will offer you a back door to common attractions, possible discounts, and, sometimes, a front door to places tourists may not be allowed.
One thing I recently started doing was contacting the nearest embassy or consulate for that country ahead of time to get brochures and contacts. Let them know what you are traveling for, and they may be able to make some connections. This is especially great for students who may be looking for job leads, and this is especially great in T and T where I've been told, "you gotta know someone."
My recent trip was primarily for pleasure, but I am a graduate student in Conflict Management, and I wanted to make use of my resources. I requested a meeting with the Office of the Ombudsman. My experience is that everyone was more than willing to speak to me. Note though that email is still a new phenomenon in the country, so responses may be slow…If you are from the US, or another monochronic culture, in-person activities may seem slow as well.
No worries though. If you're ready to have a great time and are willing to be flexible, your time in TT will be well spent.
Notable Tips
- Driving:
- Food:
- Getting between islands:
- Theft is still prevalent.
- Indoor A/C is also new.
- Official language is English.
They drive on the left side of the road… So, prepare for this if you plan to rent a car.
I noticed that traffic signals are usually used when there is no traffic… I thought it was weird, but was provided the explanation that traffic lights create traffic…alrighty then.
Even when there are structured signals or rules for the road, it appears that they are considered more of guidelines and people drive where and how they wish.
There are always water leaks on the roads and can get dangerous.
Generally prepared VERY spicy, as "Pepper" is the most common ingredient, so be careful when ordering it in this manner. Your meal will come out scorching. The first meal I ordered was Cucumber Salad, a very common southern meal. But, within one bite I felt I was going to breathe fire.
There are roadside food stands everywhere. I thought they were cool, but my friends were able to show me the ropes on safe vendors. You gotta try the Rotis, Shark and Bake, and the spiced pineapple, but if you order "boneless" it may seem like a foreign language to them.
There are US chain restaurants. KFC is the largest.
Ferry: I DO NOT recommend taking the ferry from Trinidad towards Tobago. We went in March, and even half the crew got sick. This has led me to swear off that route totally, but I was told it depends on the season. The ferry from Tobago to Trinidad was ok.
Plane: There are fairly cheap flights between islands.
Don't be surprised to see three sets of safety locks and bars on windows and doors in businesses and homes.
Ask about this when planning your lodging. It's pretty cool at night though.
There are some Canadian schools on the islands and Trinidad is only 7 miles East of Venezuela, so you may find a few people who also speak French or Spanish, but still rare.
Places of Interest in Trinidad
- Halyconia Inn:
- Hilton in Port of Spain:
- Queen's Park:
- Cricket stadium:
- Maracas Beach:
- Pitch Lake:
- Cocoa Plantation in Maraval Valley:
- MovieTown:
- Club Zen:
Family owned. It's kind of like a hostel, with bunk beds, but we loved it.
It's an upside down hotel where you enter the lobby at the top of the hotel and the floor numbers increase as you descend.
Home to most of the Carnival festivities and the world's largest roundabout.
Not my forte, but a lot of people find it interesting.
Center in the valley of two hills. There are various vendors to do some shopping, and you never have to leave your seat. Persons selling jewelry walk around throughout the day. It is here that I also held a live Boa Constrictor (5TT to take a picture) and also received a beachside massage (120TT- approx. $20USD). For spa lovers, you KNOW this is a bargain!!! If I remember correctly though, I think you have to pay 1TT to use the restroom.
A land of Tar, but includes natural sulphur water, used for healing purposes. I found this fascinating.
Home to cocoa, honey, and many fruits and wildlife. Unfortunately, there were recent floods and mudslides in this region, and I'm not sure if the plantation was impacted.
For those that need a little western civilization. It houses shops, restaurants, and a movie theater.
For the night-owls. Ask locals how to get on the VIP list. The VIP lounge is on the roof. Mondays and Tuesdays are the downtime in the country, but be prepared for hell on wheels the rest of the time. Clubs close at 5 or 6am… even on "school nights." Saying "I gotta work tomorrow" is not in their vocabulary. They will party, get an hour of sleep, and still show up to work on time.
Places of Interest in Tobago
- Tropakist Hotel:
- Paradise Point:
- Sunday School:
- Sheep and goat racing:
- Scuba diving:
- Glass Bottom Boat:
- Tobago Rainforest:
- Bird watching:
- Water sports:
Right on the beach. Beautiful and peaceful. Requires a 15-20 minute walk or 2 minute taxi drive to the shops.
Beach and shops
A play on words, it's a local dance party every Sunday night.
I didn't attend this, but was shown the arena.
Kelleston Drain is the world's largest brain coral.
Literally, it's a boat with a glass bottom, great way to see what's below the surface
I didn't get a chance to go here, but heard it's fabulous. It's a nature reserve.
LOTS of birds
Kite boarding, Windsurfing, Catamaran Ride, etc. Most of these companies are owned by the British, and the prices are equivalent to that.
In Trinidad and Tobago, the motto "No Worries" resounds over and over again. I like structure and I am a "To Do List" person, and it was there that I began to learn how to really appreciate life day to day. Trinis and Tobagonians are so carefree. After a hard day's work, you may find them "limin'" on the front steps or "winin'" in the streets, laughing at us Americans whenever we ask "What time is it?".
They bring to life the phrase "Work Hard and Play Harder." Just like the Carnival festivities, the overall end goal is to have a great time and a great life. As cliché as it sounds, there really is something to do for everyone. That's what makes the country so special and why I LOVE Trinidad and Tobago. Whether it's the turquoise water in Tobago, the coconut milk and the soca rhythm in my ear in Trinidad, or the boast of "Red, Black, and White," these two islands will always have a special place in my one heart.
Katrina L. Coker
Master of Science in Conflict Management
Cohort XII
Kennesaw State University
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