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Trinidad highlights

Drinking fresh coconut water, eating tropical fruits in season, enjoying cool breezes and views of swaying coconut tree leaves. The many treasures of spending time on an island. Here is me drinking fresh coconut water and enjoying the pure country life.

Some Trinidad highlights!

Lady Chancellor Hill. The is a hike with views of Port-of-Spain which is the capital of Trinidad. It is not far from Queen’s Park Savannah: a carnival hotspot. I would not say that it is a super difficult hike. It is about two miles. The views are breath-taking and that is my favorite part about it. 

Views

Bamboo Cathedral. It is located in Chagaraumas, Trinidad not far from Macqueripe Beach. Hardest hike of my life. It is literally an upward hill that does not end or at least it felt that way. There were 27 markers with 27 being the last marker. 

There were some very encouraging messages on the way to the top (being sarcastic)

Whoever did this should be in jail haha
Absolute mockery lol

While me and my mother were scoffing for air and had to pause, we saw an older man coming down and we asked, “how much longer,” in which he replied 27, while I believe we were at marker 15 or 16. He definitely made us look out of shape as he chuckled but stated that we made it past the hardest part. I do not know if I fully believe that to be a true statement.

Anyways, after some more trekking, we finally made it to the end. You will see an older abandoned building from when this location was a U.S. base. Going up those steps was scarier than it looked. Inside was just broken glass and junk.

Though this hike was difficult, I felt so good at the end of it. Relating this back to life, the harder your path is, the more fulfilling and rewarding the fruit will be. 

After this hike, we cooled off at Macqueripe Beach.

I know this may not seem like the typical island highlight, but I will say the movies. In Trinidad, the most popular place to catch a movie is called Movie Towne, but it literally looks like a movie town. It is clean and the food is great. Me, my brother, and uncle went to see Superman, and before the movie began, we were already chowing down.

Wings and Fries

Lastly, Las Cuevas Beach. This is a beach in North Trinidad so it is a good drive from the South. It is in the hills so the views are spectacular. There is the Maracas Lookout on the way to the beach that we always stop at to get goodies and stretch our legs.

Las Cuevas Beach

And when we come to Las Cuevas, we can’t NOT get bake and shake. We went by Uncle Sam’s Bake and Shark and it did not disappoint.

Overall a refreshing time. Looking forward to next time.

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What brings you peace?

Daily writing prompt
What brings you peace?
View all responses

GOD!

There have times in my life where I thought I was going to lose my mind, and then an overwhelming peace/assurance that everything would be alright overtook me. When I should have been going crazy, there was stillness inside of me. Nothing on Earth could give that type of peace and nothing I tried to do on my own could compare.

Without God’s peace, I do not know what/where I would be. I would be trying to find it in the wrong places which would lead to destruction. Thank God for his peace ❤

It is a little taste of Heaven on Earth.

Some verses:

  • John 14:27:“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” 
  • Philippians 4:7:“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” 
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Thank you, pilots.

Daily writing prompt
What profession do you admire most and why?
View all responses

I would have to say pilots! First of all, flying in the air is terrifying for many, so I have to believe that pilots are risk-takers, brave, and passionate to even want to fly for a living. Many would not even entertain the thought. In fact, I know people who never want to ride on an airplane because of their fear of heights.

Pilots have to be prepared for the unexpected, and sometimes have to make quick decisions, for the safety of themselves and passengers. I commend that kind of bravery, to know that risks are involved, but they still are committed to their jobs.

I was also thinking that airplanes are the only mode of transportation to get to certain places quickly and conveniently(as ships take much longer), and it allows us to be able to travel around the world. Imagine, without airplanes, and pilots to maneuver them, we would never get to see many wonders of the world. If we did not have pilots, who would take us?

Not to mention, some of these flights are super long, totaling up to 20 hours or more: I mean that requires a great deal of patience and passion.

I know we are in scary times and there have been some unfortunate incidents with airplanes, but that makes my appreciation grow even stronger for pilots.

I am always forever grateful for pilots and best believe whenever they land, I will be clapping and praising, to show my appreciation. Thank you, pilots ❤

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Humming Bird Heaven in Tobago

I’ve spoken a lot about Trinidad but never talked about Tobago! For those who do not know, Tobago is Trinidad’s sister island and that is why the country is called Trinidad and Tobago. I’ve been quite a few times and just went recently this summer for four days. You can get there by either airplane or boat: a boat is 3 hours and an airplane is about 20 minutes from Trinidad.

This summer we took the boat to Tobago. The benefit of taking the boat is you can bring your car to drive around with and can carry more luggage, but you just have to be patient with the process of boarding. The benefit of the airplane is it is a quicker trip, but you just may not be able to bring as many items.

Tobago definitely has the more breath-taking, clear water, white sand beaches compared to Trinidad. You can also say it is a bit more touristy.

This is the villa we stayed at located in Crown Point, Tobago.

Popular beaches in Crown Point include Pigeon Point Beach, Store Bay, and Swallow’s Beach. Clear blue waters, water activities waiting for you including snorkeling, jet skis, going on a glass button boat with views of the coral reef to the nylon pool(pool in the middle of the ocean) and more! There are many restaurants and food places on the strip. 

Swallow’s Beach
Store Bay
Store Bay at sunset
Swallow’s Beach

Also, on the streets there are many vendors selling fruits, baked goods( fudge, kurma, sugar cake, red mango, to name a few), snow cones, along with jewelry and keepsakes. I’m always tempted haha.

Sugar Cake
Fudge, Tulum
Vendor
Snow cone man at Swallow’s Beach
Vendor at Store Bay

My absolute highlight of this trip was going to Shurland’s Nature Park AKA Humming Bird Heaven, owned by Shurland James. It is located in Roxborough, Tobago about an hour drive from Crown Point. For $100 TT, you can feed humming birds. It is a walk-in so you do not need to book in advance.

Entrance
Views

You will be given a feeder with sugar water that you are to cup in your hand. Then, you stretch your arm out to wait for the humming birds to come.

Me feeding hummingbirds

Once the bird comes, you need to stay still or they may fly away. I also would recommend not wearing any fragrance as I was being attacked by sugar flies and mosquitoes, and was constantly swapping them away. Once the bird comes, you can literally feel the power of its wings and if you are still enough, the bird may sit on your finger. It is one of the most beautiful experiences I’ve ever had. If you want dinner, you need to book in advance and pay, and I believe it is $200 TT dollars. 1 U.S. dollar = 6 TT dollars

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WHY MY TRIPS TO TRINIDAD ARE BECOMING MORE EMOTIONAL

I have been traveling to Trinidad since childhood for summer vacation. I am blessed to have a great amount of family that still lives on the island, though many relatives have moved abroad, mostly to the U.S. With that being said, my stays in Trinidad along with the beach days and tropical adventures, also consist of many many visits to the houses of relatives including aunts, uncles, grandparents, great aunts and uncles etc. 

As I have gotten older into adulthood, those visits have become shorter and shorter for various reasons, the biggest reason being death. I remember visiting at least 7-10 homes when I was younger to our various relatives’ homes, and just recently, we only visited one house of our great(older) relatives. And of course there are some relatives that we do not always get to see during every visit, just to clarify.

This causes a feeling of sadness and nostalgia for how life used to be but a level of maturity in accepting the cycle of life. 

There was a seat my grandfather used to sit in located in the kitchen of my grandma’s house that is just now an empty space. I remember I used to grab his arm and he would squeeze my hand and I would just mess with him. I have many videos of him dancing and laughing in that space and other spaces around the house, and there is just this emptiness and sadness without him there. 

My paternal grandmother’s house still has her presence and legacy, but without her, it is just not the same. I think of all of the memories of visiting her, eating plums from her plum tree, and enjoying a well-prepared meal of rice, stewed chicken, red beans and callaloo. I had an uncle who used to live there who also passed away, and his presence is still felt, though not there, but missed greatly.

Another painful yet necessary part of life is seeing relatives age and having to adjust to a different dynamic. The conversations become shorter and our interactions a little less lively. They can no longer accompany you on some of your adventures as their bodies do not have the strength anymore. They may have to go to bed a little earlier. They may have even forgotten you. 

A painful reality of life.

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Daily writing prompt
How would you describe yourself to someone who can’t see you?
View all responses

In a nut shell, I would say that I am naturally introverted/reserved, but opens up around the right people, very kindhearted, extremely empathetic, and sees the best in people(maybe more than I should lol).

I have a passion for God, and desires to live out His will. He is EVERYTHING to me.

I enjoy long, deep intellectual conversations about life and being in nature.

I love to eat, laugh, dance, and have a good time with those closest to me.

I enjoy reading and writing. I also find joy in being creative, an educator, and of Trinidadian descent.

I’m always on a mission to try to make the world a better place through my words and actions.

Anyone who really knows me would say the same.

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Teaching is in my blood

For those who do not know, I am a teacher! I just finished my second year and if I could give you a few words to describe my experience, it would be: a beautiful roller-coaster ride. Mine was a bumpy ride, too but I won’t get into all that right now. What I can confidently say is Teaching is in my blood.

My father’s side of the family is full of educators. My late grandmother(father’s mom) was an educator in Trinidad and retired as a Vice Principal. I have two uncles who were educators: one in Trinidad and one in Brooklyn. I have an aunt who was an educator in Brooklyn. My father was an educator in Trinidad and in Brooklyn.

Want to know what’s crazy? I am the only teacher in my generation. Being a teacher was never on the top of my list but there has always been this desire in me to teach the youth that I was never able to escape.

I joined a program called Springs of Hope, as a part of my alma mater’s teacher induction program. We were asked to pick any ancestor of ours who inspires us to this day. I picked my late grandmother, who happened to be a teacher. I gave a slideshow presentation about her life and I found it very special that we chose the same career. 

My first two years were incredibly difficult, enough so, to make one question if this was even the right path. Endless tears, numerous doubts, wanting to quit and give up, and maybe try a different path. However, my desire to teach has grown stronger, even after going through some of the hardest days of my life. It is in my blood, and every-time I want to quit, I think of my family members who also chose this path, did not give up and succeeded.  I honestly have a passion for teaching and this is only the beginning for me. I can’t wait to see what my future holds. Teaching is in my blood.

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Spring Break

It has been a while. I am a little behind on blogging, as I have had a very hectic year. This post is from back in April, during my spring break. Since we last spoke, my faith has been tested in ways that I never experienced before. I’ve been a little depressed, there have been many tears, sleepless nights, growing pains, and just reaching the end of myself. Now, from an earthly perspective, this sounds gloomy, but from a heavenly perspective, this is something to be excited about. 

Adversity is far from fun, but I always come out stronger and better than before, so I am excited to see what God is birthing through all the pain. 

With that being said, my spring break started a little dark. I was not feeling myself. However, I decided I was going to enjoy it the best I can. 

MONDAY: I got my nails done and did a little shopping therapy(it works!)

TUESDAY: Me and a friend went to SOJO SPA CLUB in Edgewater, New Jersey. A M A Z I N G! The daily admission was $110 and you could stay as long as you like. You get a shoes locker and clothes locker along with a robe and unlimited towels.

4th floor:  We were not allowed to use our phones on this floor. This floor had multiple heated pools(102 degrees F), a cold pool (73 degrees), a cold plunge pool, carbon rich bath, silk bath, sauna(177 degrees), and steam room(my fave). Me and my friend went from the heated pool to the cold pool, back to the heated pool, and then made our way to the sauna and steam room. No lie, the sauna was uncomfortably hot, I didn’t last too long (LOL), but I loved the steam room. The vibe is so calm, peaceful and rejuvenating. Everyone is minding their business and just resting. 

6th floor: This is where you can buy food. I ordered a burger and fries and a chocolate chip cookie because I was being a little of a big back, but hey, it was delicious. My friend ordered her salad and teriyaki salmon. The food was great: there are healthy options and even the burger tasted healthier so don’t judge (LOL)

Fooooood

7th floor: This is the huge infinity pool overlooking New York City. The water was heated and there were others in the pool, but thankfully it wasn’t crowded. You can take pictures and just enjoy the vibes. On this floor, there are also many stretched chairs to relax on inside and outside. 

I totally recommend. 

Infinity Pool overlooking NYC

WEDNESDAY:  A friend of mine and I went to New York City. We first went to the Museum of Modern Art, where we looked at beautiful paintings and sculptural works of art. Then we walked to Central Park. Lastly, we went to a Korean restaurant called WOOGA: 10/10. For appetizers, we ordered Korean fried wings with teriyaki dumplings. For entrees, my friend ordered a burger with fries. I ordered a dish called Katsu, which are fried chicken cutlets with rice with a whole bunch of sides. After this, we got ice cream from an ice cream truck. 

Chicken Katsu

THURSDAY: I had a solo day. I went back into the city to Central Park. I rented a bike for 2 hours and rode around the park. I really enjoyed it. I loved seeing the horses and people from all walks of life. The feeling of the wind blowing my hair while I pedaled felt magical/powerful. Not gonna lie, at certain parts, I had to walk because riding up those hills was no joke, and I don’t think I selected the right kind of bike. After biking, I went to a little pizza shop and ordered a regular cheese pizza and a barbecue chicken pizza. I did not know they would be so big. Lastly, I went to see a play on Broadway called Purpose by Phylicia Rashad. I really enjoyed it. 

Central Park
Biking in Central Park
Huge slices of pizza
Purpose on Broadway

I’m really in my soft girl era. With all the demands of life, it’s easy to get caught up in the wrong things, and forget to enjoy life. This break taught me that the only way I’ll ever be okay is if I prioritize rest, self-care, my spirit, and my well-being. All the other noise is not necessary.

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My 27th Birthday!

My birthday was last month (April 14th) and here is what I did. I got a silk press so I could trim my ends (might be a new tradition) and just because I wanted to change it up with my hair. I enjoyed rocking my straight hair for the next week.

Real honesty: I keep telling myself I want to go all out for my birthday, only to end up keeping it lowkey. I don’t know if it is because it would involve a great amount of planning/preparation or if its that I just don’t care that much. LOL. I promise one year I will definitely go ALL OUT!

I ended up having a very intimate dinner with close family. On the menu were my faves: ribs, macaroni pie, fried rice, potato salad, and stewed pork. Instead of ice cream cake, I got a vanilla buttercream cake from whole foods, twas lovely.

Me and my family had deep, long and meaningful conversations at the dinner table which I absolutely love, and it was such a nice time. 

As I get older, I appreciate the little things more: health, family, friends, joy, laughter, and all the things money can’t buy. I am so blessed to see a new year and what God has in store. He has been too good to me. Thank you!!

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Venice and Florence

Wow, life has been life-ing but I am back to talk about my Venice and Florence post.

Venice! We took a plane from Rome. It was about one hour. Driving or taking the train would have been 4 hours from Rome. You pick what you prefer. We only stayed for the day, which did limit our time, as we had to think about getting to the airport on time for our flight back, so I do recommend staying for a night or two to fully experience Venice.

Upon arriving in Venice, a taxi carried us to the water port where you can get on a ferry to the town.

The water was beautiful as per the old colorful buildings. I was awestruck at all the nice water motors flowing in the water and the unique feel.

We walked around, got a bite to eat, tried the well-known Suso gelato, but my absolute highlight was the gondola ride! It has always been a dream of mine to go on a gondola in Venice. I’ve seen it in pictures but nothing beats the actual experience.

Thankfully, we had a very kind and patient driver, who gave us history, and took photos of us. It was so serene, and breath-taking. Enjoy these photos.

I wish we could have stayed longer but we had to head back to the ferry, then to the airport to catch our flight back to Rome. I remember feeling so exhausted at the end of this day as there was a lot of hassle to stay on time. I do not recommend staying for just the day, unless you really prefer that.

Florence!

Florence was a one hour train ride from Rome. Boy, it was so hot on this day. We went to Galleria Dell Accademia to see the statue of David! I remember learning about this in honors humanities in high school, so it was surreal to see it in person. There were also other well-known paintings and statues. Definitely a must when going to Florence.

We went to the infamous wine window. There are hundreds of wine windows in Florence. It is a small window where you can order your wine of choice. I got an Aperol Spritz of course, and it was so cool. Once you were done, you just had to put your glass back in a basket, unless you bought the glass.

I had to check out the big sandwiches! We went to a sandwich spot called SandwiChic. It was hard to read the menu as it was all in Italian, so I tried my best to identify certain meats. I was not crazy about my sandwich but I think it is because I wasn’t fully sure of what I ordered, (LOL). I was a little bummed about that. My sister loved her sandwich! There are many other sandwich spots to check out.

Lastly, me and my sister decided to sit at this little wine bar in the shopping area of Florence, as it was soooo hot. We spoke with this nice lady with an American accent who happens to work at the bar,  which was so cool as we were in a foreign country, used to being served by Italians. She explained to us that she got dual citizenship and moved to Florence from Texas. She absolutely loves it there and does wine tours/ bartends. She was super knowledgeable and nice!

I got moscato (I just can’t do bitter/ tasteless wines haha) and our dad met us and ordered a beer. It was a nice bonding time for all of us. But man, the heat this day was scorching.

It was not as big of a rush as we just had to take the train. It was overall a very nice day!!

I already know I’ll be back, thank you Italy🇮🇹🍝🍕😍❤️