ACCOMODATIONS

One of my favorite hotels is of course the Hyatt Regency. You get the best service, food, entertainment, everything your heart desires here. There are breathtaking waterfront and city views. I always book the Regency Club King room ocean view. For only $259 US p/nite, this room offers a private club room where you can enjoy breakfast, snacks, beverages, dinner and cocktail hour free, free, free! They also offer Carnival packages.

www.trinidad.hyatt.com

Welcome to The Carlton Savannah

 Nestled on a mountain in Cascade, located minutes from downtown Port of Spain and adjacent to the Queen's Park Savannah the Carlton Savannah makes it easy for you to achieve your business goals or relax and and unwind in the culture that is Trinidad and Tobago and experience first class service in the center of it all. 

http://www.thecarltonsavannah.com

CALENDER OF EVENTS 2012-2013

http://www.gotrinidadandtobago.com/system/creatives/646/original/TDC_2012_2013_Calendar_of_Events_for_web.pdf

EXPERIENCE TRINIDAD & TOBAGO - TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

My beautiful country offers travelers a unique experience like no other. Explore my Caribbean islands rich history, culture, and biodiversity.

Trinidad offers a range of adventure and activities for all ages and abilities with rain forest, hiking trails, limestone caves, hidden waterfalls, bird watching, turtle watching and much more.  

Visit the below sites to learn more about what my country has to offer

http://travel.usnews.com/Trinidad-Tobago/

http://www.gotrinidadandtobago.com/

CARNIVAL, CARNIVAL, CARNIVAL

An explosion of color  music, revelry, and creativity, Trinidad's Carnival has spawned similar celebrations around the world; but nothing on earth can rival the abandon, euphoria and stunning spectacle of our festival. With its massive masquerade bands, spectacular costumes, pulsating music and unparalleled stamina for partying, Trinidad's Carnival is often described as the greatest show on earth. It is a time for release and everyone is invited to join the party.

J'Ouvert Morning, Blow yuh whistle!

Each year at 4 am on Monday, Carnival begins under a cloak of darkness. Fueled by exhilaration and the energetic rhythms of Soca music, revelers take to the streets for the predawn party of J'Ouvert.

J'Ouvert (from the French 'jour ouvert' or 'day open') is almost ritualistic in its celebration of the darker elements of the island's folklore and history. Bathed in chocolate, mud, oil and paint, bands of revelers depict devils, demons, monsters and imps. Choose your medium of expression; J'Ouvert is a time for loosening of inhibitions.

Carnival Monday

Come daytime, the J'Ouvert revelry clears and massive costumed bands of "Pretty Mas" players flood the street with riotous color. A cast of thousands take to the street "jumping up" and "wining" (gyrating of the hips) to the sound of Soca blaring from speakers piled on music trucks. The excitement is at fever pitch, but Carnival Monday is only a "warm-up" for Carnival Tuesday.

Carnival Tuesday

Carnival Tuesday begins promptly at 8 a.m. Thousands of masqueraders are in full costume, ready and impatiently awaiting their chance to strut in front of the television cameras as bands cross the main judging points. Each band has its own historical, mythological or tropical concept with various sections depicting aspects of the main theme.
Bands are judged in three categories: small, medium and large and winners are announced after all the bands have crossed the stage. The Champion Band is crowned Masquerade Band of the Year

Pre-Carnival Celebrations

Officially Carnival is the Monday and Tuesday preceding Ash Wednesday but celebrations begin right after Christmas. From Boxing Day it is non-stop partying until Carnival Sunday. It is during this post Christmas period that calypso tents open their doors to the public and cultural shows, from Limbo competitions to massive soca concerts, begin.

Radio stations begin to play the latest soca hits and many masquerade bands launch their new themes.
Steelbands begin intense preparations for Panorama, the annual competition for steel pan bands.

Mas Bands

Many "Mas Bands" provide costumes, security, food and drinks during J'ouvert, Carnival Monday, and Carnival Tuesday in Trinidad each year. Many visitors choose to "play mas" with one of the large, all-inclusive bands, like Tribe, Island People, Yuma or Harts. I personally enjoy playing mas with Trini Revellers, a medium-size band which has won band of the year Here are some of the "main" or "popular" Mas Bands you can contact for more information. I'll put a star next to the bands I have participated in. Don't forget to plan early:

J'ouvert Bands
Blue Devils Info: 868-499-1469 | 868-629-3997
Chocolate City Info: 868-625-8MAS | 868-685-0738 Website: http://www.dkrewecarnival.com *
Cocoa Devils Website: http://www.dcocoacrew.com *
Jungle Fever Info: 868-776-0521 (Nice band but their drinks are not always cold and limited)
Insomniacs Info: 868-622-6017
Red Ants Info: 868-624-2245 or 868-625-6800 *
Yellow Devils Info: 868.789.6168**

Carnival Bands
Island People Tel: (868) 625-1FUN (1386) Website: http://www.islandpeoplemas.com *
Legacy Tel: (868) 622-7466 Website: http://www.legacycarnival.com
MacFarlane Carnival Tel : (868) 625-8931 Website: http://www.macfarlanecarnival.net
Tribe Tel: 868-625-6800 Website: http://www.carnivaltribe.com *
Trini Revellers Tel: (868) 625-1881 Website: http://www.trinirevellersmas.com ***
Harts Tel: (868) 622-8038 Website: http://www.hartscarnival.com *
Ronnie & Caro Carnival Band Tel: (868) 781-7651 Fax: (868) 629-4112 Website: http://www.ronnieandcaro.com

 

WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT T-N-T

Welcome to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago! 

My beautiful island is geographically located in the southern part of the Caribbean Sea lying to the northeastern coast of Venezuela and south of Grenada.  It possesses a tropical climate and the general temperature is 32°C. We offer a two-island experience, but in one country, all of your senses will be stimulated. There is the richness of the foods, the natural beauty, both above and below the water, and so many types of birds, flowers, and butterflies creating an explosion of color.

The capital of Trinidad is Port of Spain. The twin towers and new government buildings are landmarks to let you know you're heading in the right direction.

Our lovely Prime Minister Kamla Persard-Bissessar is the first female to become Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago

Show me the money!!! Our bills are all different colors to be easily identified.

    Currency: Trinidad and Tobago Dollar (TTD)

Trinidad is well known for its Carnival and is the birthplace of Steelpan, Soca, Calypso, and Chutney.

We invented this!!!

Carnival

                     

           
     










http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=tSJ7znmQxAw#t=9s

We are also the home to many stars... Hip Hop star Nicki Minaj, 2011 Project Runway winner Anya Ayoung-Chee,  Greatest batsmen of all time Brian Lara, 2012 Javelin Gold medal winner, Keshorn Walcott  and the list goes on...

           

             Ms. Universe 1977 Janelle Commissiong                                                                                       

Anya Ayoung-Chee

      Miss Universe 1998 - Wendy Fitzwilliam   

Brian Lara

Keshorn Walcott

My country is very diverse in its culture, food, and entertainment. There is a very laid back, homey feeling in the atmosphere. Once you get a whiff of it, guaranteed you'll keep coming back for more.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=zWvGHJlQQ1g

SHOPPING & MORE ON FREDERICK STREET

To delve into the city's art scene, stroll over to Frederick Street (also known for its shopping).
                   
Visit the National Museum, once the Royal Victoria Institute, and the Art gallery. In addition to works of local artists, there are exhibits on the history of steelpan and the evolution of the island's sugar, cocoa, and coconut industries.
    
The House of Angostura is the second largest rum distillery (after Bacardi) in the Caribbean.


Made with the same original secret recipe since 1824, the world famous Angostura® aromatic bitters remains the quintessential and definitive ingredient for classic and contemporary cocktails. This is a unique flavour enhancer (seasoning) for the preparation of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as, any savoury or sweet food dishes.
To learn more about this mysterious cocktail additive visit their website http://www.angosturabitters.com/AromaticBitters

LOCAL DISHES

"We doh make joke wid we belly"...We don't play when it's time to eat!

When it’s time to eat it's not hard to find a place to calm your cravings. Whether it's casual and fancy places serving Indian, Chinese, South American, Thai, and Middle Eastern food.
If it's McDonald's, Wendy's, Subway, Americn dishes you want, we have that too.

But I suggest for a truly memorable meal, seek out West Indian spots like El Pecos, Hot Shoppe, Mangoes and Trini Flava just to name a few (located mainly in the Port of Spain area). There you’ll find Trini specialties like West Indian stewed beef with dumplings, crab and callaloo made from spinach-like greens, macaroni pie, pelau, and flying fish with coconut sauce, mmmmm.

And be sure to try roti, perhaps the island’s most famous dish: an oval of chewy flatbread flecked with ground chickpeas served alongside or stuffed with your choice of curried fillings, ranging from pumpkin and potatoes to chicken and goat.

Pelau

Roti

But wait how could I forget doubles, that's right we have a dish called "Doubles". Why is it called that? You see it has two bara (two round flat fried pieces similar to bread) and in the middle its filled with curry chana and condiments of your choice. It's a common street food found on almost every corner of Trinidad. Want breakfast but not in the mood to turn on the stove, buy some doubles. You want lunch go buy some doubles, you just finish liming by the bar and your tummy is crying, you got it, go buy some doubles.

If you want to know what ingredients make up a doubles or you want to experiment checkout the link below. 

Anytime, anywhere, doubles is there

 http://www.theoneonefour.com/2009/09/09/recipe-of-the-week-trinidadian-doubles/

"Alyuh" (you all) won't believe but I made "meh"(my) self hungry just by typing this...Think I'll head to Ali's on Utica Ave or Trinidad Golden Palace on Nostrand Ave. Both of these restaurants offer all of the above dishes and are located in Brooklyn. Check them out you wont regret it!

DID I HEAR MARACAS?

Relaxation at its best

If it’s surf you seek, delicious bake and shark, or just want to relax, then drive to Maracas on Trinidad’s north coast, my favorite especially on a Sunday. Here you will find the best and I mean the BEST Bake and Shark sandwich you’ll ever taste. This traditional “Trini’’ invention consists of a fried bread (we call fry bake) round slit and stuffed with tender fried shark, mmmmm! But it’s the condiments that make the sandwich, and at Richard’s you’ll find a veritable salad bar of toppings, including shredded lettuce, cucumber and tomato slices, pickled mango, pineapples, onions, and myriad sauces, including garlic, tamarind, hot pepper, and chadon beni (a bright green dressing made from a local cilantro-like herb). Just prepare yourself for the long lines...

If you don't try a Richard's bake and shark, you have wasted your time driving to Maracas.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UDhfDuAN5M&feature=player_detailpage#t=156s

  Don't forget the pineapples!!!

Of course it's not only about Richard's Bake and Shark, Maracas has so much more to offer. On Sunday evenings you can check out Uncle Sam's where the vibes is always nice, drink a few beers, chat, dance and watch the beautiful ladies (men too) model in their bathing suits.

Check out the link below. It gives you a fair idea of what to expect at Uncle Sam's EVERY Sunday. Yes, this is how we prepare ourselves for the work week ahead .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nb04ggnj6XA&feature=player_detailpage

"Lewwe" go OUT ON THE AVENUE

Ariapita Avenue also called  'D Avenue'  is in the city of  Woodbrook, Port of Spain. This entire stretch is filled with restaurants, bars and lounges which have various opening hours that begin about 10a.m. for breakfast. There are shops for interior decorating (lighting, plumbing fixtures, flooring, blinds), business supplies, banks, insurance agents etc.

 

"We" Trinidadians take our "liming" (entertainment. hanging out, chiilling) very, very seriously and 'D Avenue' is filled with activities to keep u entertained alllll night long.



For some reason Trinidadians like to lime on the "pavement" (sidewalk). But then again "dais" (that's) where the best "limes" take place.  

Find your way to the bar for exoctic drinks

You must try a STAG one of Trinidad's national beer next to the Carib. They say "it's a mans beer" I guess becasue its as sweet as a woman, lol 

                                           

There are a multitude of bars, nightclubs and lounges along the strip that has just the right vibes to soothe u after a long week of hard work.

 

Stumblin Bar & Lounge

42 Ariapita Ave, Woodbrook

(868)223 5017

 

 

 Crnr Ariapita Ave & Cornelio St

(868)624-6612

www.shakerstrinidad.com

 

 

www.levelsultrabar.com
(868)622-5350
 

Frankies Restaurant & Bar
68A Ariapita Ave, Woodbrook
(868)622-6609

 

I think Machel Montano, one of our talented artist, said it best in is his song "On the Avenue". Take a listen below, hope u enjoy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQv0Wc5IA5Q&feature=player_detailpage#t=8s

During Carnival, Ariapita Avenue is a top spot to watch the Carnival bands as they assemble for the judging point in Queens Park Savannah. Carnival is suppose to be celebrated on two days, Carnival Monday, where the participting masqueraders don't have to wear their costumes, and Carnival Tuesday, which they are required to wear costumes.  But because we soooo love to enjoy ourselves, we start celebrating Carnival as soon as lent is over, which begins the day after Carnival called Ash Wednesday and lasts for a period of 40 days...I'm just kidding. We begin preparation for the Carnival season as soon as Christmas is over.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDTzVPzgqdE&feature=player_detailpage#t=0s