Paramin Village, Trinidad

Three years ago I toured Paramin for the first time and fell in love with it. This village is stunning – the scenery, the variety of panoramic views, and even the crops on the steep hillside are mesmerising. I kept wondering how people were able to plant on such steep terrain in the first place. 

This is one of the few communities where some of the older residents still speak French patois. In fact there is even a church service on Dimanche Gras fully in Patois. 

Located high in the hills between Maraval and Diego Martin, Paramin’s air is clean and crisp, and it is here that the famous seasonings that are sought out nationwide are grown. In the wee hours of the morning, panel jeeps chock full of seasonings and other crops drive out of Paramin, market bound. During the Christmas season the village comes alive with sweet sounds of Parang music, and at Carnival the blue devils come out in their numbers in what has become an important feature on the Carnival schedule. At other times, Paramin is quiet and set apart from the pace of the neighboring villages and city that it looks onto. It is a gem that immediately transports you to a place of tranquility.

On Wednesday, the rain was giving us a break and the sun was making its appearance. We jumped in the car and headed to Paramin, a bit concerned as to how we were going to get up the notoriously steep winding road from Maraval Village, as my car does not possess anything resembling 4X4 capabilities. Remembering there is a road off the North Coast Road that leads to Paramin as well, we felt more confident and headed in that direction. This road is less steep and winding and is definitely the way to go if you are checking out Paramin for the first time.

We excitedly chugged up the long grooved concrete road to the breath-takingly beautiful village I remembered from my visit years ago. We took our time, enjoying the views and marvelling at how bright green everything was, from the crops to the leafy underbrush. The sound of birds accompanied us as we made our way in a light drizzle through the village. We only encountered a handful of people, most of whom were passengers in vehicles (the famous Paramin jeeps) that passed us on the way. With the seclusion, the fresh air and the beautiful rolling hills, it was hard not to break out into Fraulein Maria’s "The Hills are Alive".

Near the end of our tour, we found ourselves at the Paramin church. We were lucky to find that it was open, and some lovely ladies allowed us to take a look around. They proudly put on the inside fountain and pointed out the fish that were swimming in it. It was an amazing way to end our drive, as this church is a delight to view. It is intricately decorated and well maintained, from the shining floors and polished wooden pews to the stunning stained glasses windows.

As we left we bravely chose the steep, winding main road, which appeared less daunting driving down. Before we knew it we were back in Maraval, energised and at peace.

Aisha and Ariann are ready to reacquaint themselves with and in some cases ‘meet’ Trinidad and Tobago. Follow as these two travel to different places and interact with a multitude of faces while ‘Discovering T&T’.

In case you've ever wondered who goes to Jamaica's Hedonism II...

Discover your islands this weekend, T&T!

It's hump day. Half the week done...but half the week to go. We know. But with this fantastic weather outside (in Port of Spain at least) where our entire staff would rather break biche and go to Maracas, maybe planning a new adventure for the weekend will help get you over the hump?

Dip in to Discover Trinidad & Tobago for countless ideas – from spa retreats to eco adventures and everything in between. You can already view countless articles from previous issues of Discover T&T on our website. And now you can also view, download and embed our current 2010 issue of Discover for free wherever you are!

And of course, if you'd like a print copy to put in your car for when you're out exploring, or to leave on your coffee table just to read up about T&T, or have just about anywhere you are since it's small and portable enough to be with you on the go, you can always stop by our offices or order your copy online!

Sold yet? ;) Happy exploring!

Discover Trinidad & Tobago Travel Guide 2010

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• New Photo Gallery on Discover T&T site (meppublishers.blogspot.com)
• Discover Trinidad & Tobago Media Kit (slideshare.net)

Argyle Waterfall, Tobago

Argyle Waterfall is the highest waterfall in Tobago, and the facilities and guides available on site make it very attractive to visitors. Getting there is very easy, as just before the town of Roxborough in the northeast of the island, there is a large welcome sign marking the access road (Cameron Canal road).

After buying our admission tickets at a little booth at the beginning of the road (and a few snacks) we drove to the car park. As we were about to get out the car to go into the Argyle Riverdale Lodge, rain started to pour, buckets a drop. Sadly we sat in the car waiting for the storm to stop but eventually we decided it was a lost cause. The women at the ticket booth kindly wrote a note saying we could use the tickets tomorrow instead.

Fifteen minutes later, the rain stopped and we discovered an attractive spot where goats were tied between coconut trees on grass encroaching a beach. We began to take pictures and soon realised that the sun was coming back out and we decided we should drive back to the waterfall. 

The ladies gave us an amused look as we drove back in and phoned ahead telling the guides we were coming back today. We locked the car door and gave our tickets to a guide who welcomed us. She pointed us in the right direction but did not accompany us. As we began our walk we crossed our fingers hoping the rain would not start back, catching us with the camera equipment and no change of clothes.

The adventure begins

The 15-20 minute nature walk to the fall was amazing. With lush vegetation on both sides, a beautiful shade of green due to the afternoon light, and the sound of the rushing river at certain parts of the route, the walk was a tranquil experience. The path to the waterfall is easy and is suited for all ages, but after sliding in mud along the way I would suggest proper shoes especially in the rainy season (not flip flops like me) to make it even easier.

Ah the falls!

The water tumbled down loudly over a series of three small cliffs into pools on each level, the third one being the largest. There were a few people enjoying the waterfall at this level with the company of a guide. 

We rested our bags down including my tripod and decided to climb up to the other levels. Camera in hand, I held on to the muddy ropes that were tied to the trees and pulled myself up wondering why I chose to not put on my sneakers that lay enjoying the dryness of the car back at the parking lot. 

This part of the walk becomes a hike and may not be suitable for everyone, but is a lot of fun to explore. The second level was a small plateau with a pool for swimming and a beautiful view of down below. By this time we were in explorer mode and with a quick glance up at the sky to make sure the rain was not about to start back (how would we ever get back down in the rain?), we started the ascent to the top level. 

Here the water force was the hardest and we were getting drenched in the spray. Luckily there is a large rock to serve as protection for those who want to see but not get soaked, and there is another pool for swimming. There was a track that looked like it was going further up, but since the rain had given us such a great reprieve we decided not to push it and headed back down where our sandwiches and towels awaited us. 

Motmot sighting!

The walk back out to the car park was very entertaining as several Blue-crowned Motmot birds graced us with their presence and I tried to capture their beauty and grace on camera. Most of them would not allow me to get very close, and without a proper zoom lens on hand I employed the super slow motion method and got as close as I could before they flew away. We enjoyed trying to sight them while we made our way out and were not too bothered that the rain started to fall heavily again. As we sat in the car drying ourselves off, we laughed and chatted, expressing how happy we were that we had decided to come back that day. 

Fast facts:

• Admission including the cost of a guide: Adults: TT$30 for residents, TT$40 for non-residents
• Children 5-11 years: TT$10 for residents, TT$20 for non-residents
• Opening hours: Monday – Saturday 9am – 5pm
• The guides wear uniformed t-shirts and sit in the lodge
• Make sure to put on insect repellant in advance.

This way to Argyle Waterfall

Scenes on the way to the falls

Views from the three levels of the waterfall

Views from above- People enjoying the bottom pool and the water flowing off of the top level

Beautiful scenery

Blue-crowned Motmot

Aisha and Ariann are ready to reacquaint themselves with and in some cases ‘meet’ Trinidad and Tobago. Follow as these two travel to different places and interact with a multitude of faces while ‘Discovering T&T’.

Free music in T&T

More things I will probably go to! Lots of exclamation points because they are free! Don't you like free things to?*

Gyazette live at Studio lounge


Orange Sky at Woodford Cafe


*I am using lots of exclamation points because I am editing the style guide for MEP and I am humbly informed not to use excessive exclamation points!!! I just thought here would be a nice place (!) to do something otherwise ill-advised!!

** That's a joke.

India Trade Expo, Trinidad

The faint fragrance of incense greeted us as we walked through the door at the Centre of Excellence, Macoya. More than 80 booths of merchandise were laid out, and for a moment we felt we had been transported to an exciting bustling street in India. 

Clothes, jewellery, furniture and household items were all being sold and customers were excitedly poring over the bargains as soft Indian music serenaded them. One of the booths was doing henna designs, which I would have loved to get done on my hands if we had more time.

This Expo, which was open for ten days, has closed but during the year there are other Indian Expositions, and it is worth your while to check it out the next time one is here.

Aisha and Ariann are ready to reacquaint themselves with and in some cases ‘meet’ Trinidad and Tobago. Follow as these two travel to different places and interact with a multitude of faces while ‘Discovering T&T’.

"Ole-time something come back again"

Vintage kaiso takes centre stage at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) this weekend as the Arts and Multiculturalism ministry presents Celebrating Our Calypso Monarchs 1930-1980.

A cadre of celebrated calypsonians, headlined by Calypso Rose, are set to perform the work of deceased legends "The Mighty Duke", "The Lord Pretender" and "Lord Kitchener".

The concert is being billed as the history of Trinidad and Tobago through the eyes of calypso so I expect some renditions of some of the more serious tunes like Duke's "Teach the Children". Of course, vintage is no stranger to the party scene and there's no way a show featuring Kitchie could be complete without "Sugar Bum Bum" (I could see the audience chipping out of Napa's domes to this one); and definitely Preddie's "Never Ever Worry" makes my playlist.

Together, the body of work these artistes can boast covers the range of genres within calypso - including smut, pan, social commentary and even road march titles - promising two nights of spectacular entertainment.

Tickets: TT$75 adults, TT$40 children available at the box office.
Tel: 768-3469
Showtimes: 7:30pm - Saturday 17; 6:30pm - Sunday 18.
Dress: elegantly casual.

Public sex(uality)

Two things that I (who am I anyway?) will probably be going to this week are Erotic Art Week and Pride 2010.

Erotic Art week 2010

Last year's erotic art week was a roaring (moaning? panting?) success. This year is the second year under the theme 'Wider'.

Here are the basics.

It's in the Woodbrook area, 21–31 July. You can find more information at their blog here.

Here's the erotic art week 2009 issue of Draconian Switch for an idea of what's coming this year.

Pride 2010

When I found out there was an LGBT pride event in Trinidad I was pleasantly surprised. I'm a bit late though - apparently this is the sixteenth year in Trinidad? Shows where I've been.

Events also take place in the Woodbrook area, notably at Bohemia. Click here for a listing of events.

Image: Richard Rawlins. Space for Rent, Brooklyn Bar, Draconian Switch 09

Doubles vs Snow Cone

Applications closed

Thanks to everyone who responded to our notice about recruitment of a Team Leader and interns. Applications for these positions have now closed.