TRINIDAD & TOBAGO: Land of Carnival, Steel Band, Calypso and Soca

I would be remiss if I did not brag a little. . .ok, A LOT (brag, brag, brag!)…about President Barack Obama's visit to my homeland, sister islands Trinidad and Tobago (TnT). Mr. Obama, along with other Caribbean and Latin American leaders, will be attending the April 2009 Trinidad and Tobago Fifth Summit of the Americas. This is the first time that TnT will host this Summit and the world spotlight will be on the Caribbean island nation.

This is the perfect opportunity for me to tell you about TnT and encourage you to visit. If you have never been to TnT, then you are missing a double dose of what the islands have to offer. Though one nation rich in natural resources, Trinidad and Tobago have two different personalities. Trinidad is more upbeat, almost hyperactive with activities, while Tobago offers a more relaxed, carefree atmosphere. The two compliment each other and has made TnT one of the most recognized islands in all the Caribbean and the world.

These twin islands have changed hands more than a couple of times during colonial times and now boasts a rich multicultural heritage. This multiculturalism transforms into many aspects of life and has become a melting pot for food, music, dance and the people themselves. This diversity makes TnT one of the most cosmopolitan of all the Caribbean islands. People from many different backgrounds call TnT home and they have helped to make TnT rich in culture and tradition. They have had a hand in "flavouring the pot" for all to enjoy.

Though some may disagree, TnT boasts the best Carnival in the world. Yes, I may be a bit biased, but I speak only the truth. (Well, ok, my truth, but many Trinidadians and Tobagonians will agree!) The yearly event is rivaled by none. For days before Ash Wednesday, the island of Trinidad transforms from industrial haven to what is dubbed the biggest street party in the world where different cultures collide in fun and festivities. The home of steel band and calypso affords this festive atmosphere year round, and culminates with the "biggest celebration on earth" that is TnT Carnival. But don't take my word for it, experience it for yourself!

The food in TnT is a blend of African, Indian and Creole cooking. When you go there, try one of the national dishes, a one-pot meal of rice, pigeon peas and meat (usually chicken or beef), called pelau. Talk about having a "sweet hand," Trinidadians love to eat well-seasoned, spicy foods. Most, if not all places that serve food (including street vendors), will have some kind of "pepper sauce" available and you add the sauce to your taste. Beware, some of them can be very, very hot! Don't worry though because you can cool off with a Carib beer, TnT's own brew.

I normally don't like to engage in too much small talk about the weather, but in TnT the weather is no small talk. You won't be needing a jacket, because it is warm year-round with two seasons, dry and rainy, but you will always be able to enjoy the warm island breezes. You and your friends can go to the beach as often in January as you can in July. Some of the beaches are spectacular and so very inviting and the waters of the Caribbean sea is made of some of the most beautiful shades of green and blue you have ever seen. Check out Maracas Bay and try a TnT staple sandwich called "bake and shark" while you are there. In Tobago you can go snorkeling at Bucco Reef and see some of the most exotic coral and fish I some of the most vibrant colours you've ever seen. You can also take a swim in the Nylon Pool. Imagine getting on a glass-bottom boat and heading out to sea until you can barely see the shore then diving out and being able to swim comfortably in water where your feet can touch the sand!

A big part of the culture in TnT is "liming" or hanging out. Some people in TnT take this pastime very seriously. For some, it's serves as a stress reliever after a long day of work, and for others, it's a regular occurrence and part of their daily lives. Liming is a social connection where you catch up with friends over drinks or eats and can last several hours.

In TnT you can go bird watching at the Caroni Bird Sanctuary, where over 200 species of birds reside. You can learn to play the steel drum or learn how to play cricket. The locals would love to teach you. You can go to the beach and do absolutely nothing while soaking up the Caribbean sun. And for some added fun and entertainment, you can place a bet on goat racing in Tobago.

If you ever wanted to eat good food, drink good rum, party day and night, go bird watching, check out limestone caves, listen to steel band and calypso up close and personal, relax on some of the best beaches, go scuba diving and snorkeling at some amazing coral reefs, take a walk around the world's largest roundabout, watch a cricket or football match, and interact with some of the friendliest people in the world, then go to TnT, what are you waiting for? These two islands are gems in the Caribbean.

I know that I have painted a rosy picture, however, TnT does have it share of economic strife and domestic issues to deal with, but TnT is a stable democracy and a law-abiding state and welcomes all visitors.

Written by Screen name TriniDiva on April 16, 2009. The views expressed are my own.
Sources cited: http://www.fifthsummitoftheamericas.org/, http://www.gotrinidadandtobago.com/home/home.php