The Beauty in my Backyard

I have lived D'abadie for the past twenty years and never once have I looked at the Arima Borough as a place of beauty and significance in Trinidad and Tobago. Arima is literally a five minute drive away from my home in D'Abadie so hence the term "my backyard".

I have always attended the Borough day celebrations and Carnival in Arima but never have I given it a second thought as a place of great historical significance.

Doing research for this project has really opened up my eyes to some of the beautiful and historical places that Trinidad and Tobago has to offer.

I took my five minute drive in to Arima this afternoon with the intention of making the Arima Dial my third must see destination in Trinidad but instead my focus was drawn to a grand gold statue on my right hand side as soon as I entered Arima. Bear in mind that I have never noticed this statue before but I have driven that route hundreds of times before.

Hyarima Statue

After I made the full circle of the Arima Veldrome, I was greeted by a statue of an Amerindian Chief named Hyarima who is the reason for Arima being named what it is today. 

Though I did manage to visit the Arima Dial and the bust dedicated to Arima's son the late great calypsonian Lord Kitchener I chose to make the focus of my project Chief Hyarima.

My journey today though very informative it also taught me a life lesson "never ignore the beauty in your own backyard".

Follow my journey at:

http://www.facebook.com/TriniTravelGuide

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-zioMNZCe0&feature=youtu.be

http://www.i955fm.com/ttportal/tt-directory/item/136/1643.html

A fair mix of Business & Pleasure

Whoever said that you should not mix business with pleasure never visited Maracas Bay on an assignment like mine.  Today was like a long awaited mini vacation even though I went to "work".

Maracas Bay is one of the unique beaches located on the Northern coast of Trinidad and Tobago.

Though the weather was not that of the typical "beach day" it was good enough for me to enjoy the time with my family and friends.

The Sun Sand and Sea came up short on the Sun but it was still a day to remember. The scenery heading through the northern hills to Maracas Bay was breathtaking. We were surrounded by sights, sounds and smells that you could not find in the bustling towns of Trinidad. 

Adorning the hillsides is the Balisier, this country's national flower. With the  poignant smell of salt water in the air, this gives the passengers on the roadways a gentle reminder that they are almost to a place of relaxation.

The weather held up just enough for me to be able to document some of the beautiful scenery that Maracas Bay and its environs had to offer.

Contributing to one of Trinidad's cultural experiences, the perfect mix of a rural and urban setting this beach helps to show the true personality and attitude of our twin nation. Just a ninety minute drive outside of our nation's capital its a must see location.

Here are my top three reasons why Maracas should definitely be on your "must visit" list-:

The sights of the coconut trees swaying in the cool breeze
The sound of sweet Trini soca music coming from Uncle Sam's bar
The smell emanating from the many Bake and Shark tents located in the parking lot across from the beach.

Get details on my journey and locations at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nQTDWO95NdA
http://www.facebook.com/TriniTravelGuide 
https://maps.google.tt/maps?hl=en&authuser=0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&v=G5XRbJmIbuM

Memorial erected in Sesdass Sadhu's honour in 1994 when Trinidad and Tobago commemorated 150n years on indentured labourers in the country

The Trouble in Trying

So today I set out on the first day of my fifteen week journey to visit some of the sites and landmarks in Trinidad and Tobago that has played a significant role in shaping our country's culture and way of life.

Day one of my journey was actually supposed to take me to the San Fernando hills. First off I figured that just by knowing the general direction I should go in to get to San Fernando that this meant I would be able to find San Fernando hills on my own. Boy was I wrong!! 

In addition to not knowing how to get into San Fernando to find these hills the traffic to get in and out of San Fernando was dreadful. With absolutely no patience and no sense of direction I turned around and began to head home.

On my way back down the highway a sign caught my eye "Temple in the Sea next left". I figured why not? It always peaked my interest as to how far out in the sea this Temple was built and what was stopping the mighty ocean from demolishing it.

Needless to say it was pretty simple to find as it was at the end of a very long road.

So after the door of opportunity closed on me due to the lack of proper direction another window opened up which resulted in the Sewdass Sadhu Temple in the Sea being my first must see destination in my journey across TnT.

Check me out at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XN6qX9EaA8o
http://www.facebook.com/amanda.verge.5

Waterloo Temple in the Sea Trinidad

Welcome!!!!!! Your one stop guide to exploring TNT's True Beauty

Trinidad and Tobago can be called the land of Sand and Sea. Its made up by two islands with two totally different takes on what life should be. Trinidad is more fast paced and energetic and full of people hustling and bustling. Tobago on the other hand is a more laid back type of people, the perfect destination to just kick back, relax and take in the beauty it has to offer. When combined its the perfect tourist destination.

The purpose of this blog is to give a little insight to those persons living both inside and outside of Trinidad and Tobago on our nations history and rich culture. 

Over the course of the next fifteen weeks my goal is to visit 10-15 of the popular and not so popular sites, locations and landmarks that help to make Trinidad and Tobago the rich and multi cultured nation that it is. 

I will be documenting my progress and findings using three social mediums and referring you guys to couple of travel and historical links along the way.

You can look out for some interesting fun facts and information on what makes TnT the nation we have come to know and love. The many historical and religious influences that have helped to shape our culture and our lives.

I hope that you take this journey with me!!!!!