Visiting Trinidad
Just returned from what can be termed as a short family visit to Trinidad. This time, the target was my dear mother, who is well past her eightieth birthday, and could do with a little cheering up. I travelled to the island via New York, deciding to take a couple days to look around that great city before heading to my final destination. It did not go all smoothly, American Airline cancelling the second leg of my journey at the last minute, all part of their routine checking of the functionality of their aircraft. Luckily, I was able to get on to a later flight which got me to Piarco International Airport by half past ten that evening.
Since I was born on the island, these visits allows me a comparative look at life and people, and especially those who belong to my extended family. After arrival, I was promptly collected my younger sister and we headed for home in Tacarigua which was a short distance from the airport. In less than half an hour we were there. This makes it a very convenient point for family members when leaving the country. Because of my late flight, I decided on an early night, and awoke to find the warm sunlight streaming through the bedroom.
Tacarigua is a small town about of about ten thousand people. I got up early and had a walk around looking for changes since my last visit two years ago. I did not notice many, except for a few new buildings, here and there. I checked the tree scape for the local poui , and found there were many including some that were in bloom. I postponed the picture taking till later, and joined my sister to observe one of her physio class.
Poui is the local word for the tabebuias. Tabebuias are native to Central and South American, and known for their resplendent beauty during their flowering period between the months of March and May. Their tree trunks are also useful for furniture, and in decking. Since the hardwood produced is exceptional, it used in export in many countries in Latin America. Some countries also use the bark of the trees for medicinal purposes, but this rarely happens in Trinidad. Later that day, I started my local stroll, taking photographs of trees and plants that caught my fancy.
The following day I headed for the Asa Wright Nature Centre. Although I had known of its existence for years, it was my first visit, and it was well worth it. Because I only had one day to spare I had to take the guided tour. Residents with private accommodation at the centre had a better option, involving uncontrolled access, and were able to venture along the trails as they please. The Nature Centre, situated on the valleys of the Northern Range of Trinidad, presents to the outsider a convincing glimpse of the Eco-system of the mountain. Using various fruits as stimulus, it easily attracts many birds in close range. The guided tour, further explains the purpose of the centre, and identifies plants and trees, as well as birds, as you walk along. It was a day well spent, even including the meal. I would like to return one day.
Sunday morning and I was heading for the South Trinidad where my mother lived. I had spent the night at West Moorings By the Sea, on the edge of Port of Spain, where another of my sister lived. Here again, I encountered numerous poui trees, which kept my camera busy. This was a very cute suburban area with lots of lovely trees and plants. The journey from Port of Spain to the small village of Guapo took about just over an hour, provided a striking contrast to big city life.
Guapo is the village in which I grew up, and where my mother still lives. It is always very pleasing to visit. The change, from then to now, is truly remarkable. I always remember it as a noisy place, full of kids. Today, that is no more. The young have all grown up and moved away, and only retirees live there now. There is an unusual quiet, punctuated often by the whistling of the birds. I usually use my time there to retrace familiar steps, noting the landmarks that still remain. Surprisingly, at the edge of the village, there was some activity where it is being expanded to accommodate new residents. The locals, optimistically, viewed this as progress.
The last day of my visit was reserved for a creative walk around the Savannah, in Port of Spain. I always do this, as this part of the city provides the best example of an open space in the country. I had planned to be there very early, around nine thirty, but actually made it for eleven. The start of my walk was interrupted by my sister who insisted we do lunch. I reluctantly agreed, and soon we were driving to one of the malls. Our meal consisted of the traditional Asian delicacy, roti. Roti Trinidad style, means curried beef and vegetables delicately wrapped in soft form of chapati. Very delicious , and certainly one of my favourite meals.
Leaving my sister, I started my walk at Archbishop's House, and slowly made my way around the Savannah. During the walk you can admire the the architectural style of the buildings in view. Most of my attention, though, were on the tropical trees which border the Savannah. Rather conspicuous were the poui trees, ( the local name for the tabebuias ) many of which were in bloom. At the roundabout, I ignored the Zoo, and headed for the Botanical Garden. Here I indulged in some of my favourite trees which included the African Tulip Tree (spathodea camanulata ), the famous sausage ( kigelia pinnata ) tree, a huge baobab ( adansonia digitata ) and a honorary blue poui ( jacaranda mimosifolia). Then, I headed east with the traffic, taking in all the trees which bordered the road. Mine was a gentle walk, which altogether took almost two hours. But if you are pushed for time, you can easily do it in one hour.
By eight o'clock the following morning , I was on my way to Miami to catch an evening plane to London. It was a short holiday lasting a week, but quite enjoyable. For all those things which I missed on this trip, I will endeavour to do the next time.
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