An American in Trinidad
Written: Mar 27 '08 (Updated Mar 27 '08)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: A temperate Caribbean island.
Cons: Crime and racism can be a problem.
The Bottom Line: Trinidad can offer a wonderful culturally-rich experience.
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| bonzobean's Full Review: Trinidad and Tobago |
We recently moved back from the island of Trinidad. The first question most people ask is, "Where in the world is Trinidad?" Well, let me tell you. Envision, if you will, the Caribbean chain of islands. Trinidad is the very last island in the chain, just seven miles from Venezuela. In fact, Trinidad is closer to Venezuela than its sister island Tobago, more than 20 miles to the northeast. I could easily break up my review as so many others do and describe the people, the environment, what to do, etc... but instead I think I'll break it up this way:
The Good
The people - I absolutely loved the laid back atmosphere of the island. My husband tends to be more regimented and if you say you are coming to work on the plumbing at 3pm, he expects you at 3pm. Me, on the other hand, I was fine with the fact that often 3pm meant 3pm the next day or even 7pm three days from now. I met many wonderful people who showed great grace (and didn't laugh too much) when, at first, I could not understand a thing they were saying. Trinis speak fast and, I think, quite musically (although I'm not sure they would say so).
The food - You absolutely have to travel to Maracas Bay (up on the northern coast) for the Shark and Bake. This is most likely the best shark sandwich you will ever eat. Roti (bread) is also quite popular and with the large Indian culture on the island, very easy to find. Around the Port of Spain area, you can even find American fare if you are missing your burgers. You can find TGI Fridays, Ruby Tuesdays and KFC's abound. You won't find McDonalds on the island but there is the occasional Burger King. Personally, I preferred the Trini restaurants along the west coast overlooking the bays and water.
The east coast - I tend to think Trinidad is one of the least Caribbean islands there is. The island is very industrial and in many places, very crowded. Many Trinis head over to Tobago for that Caribbean feel. Once you get to the eastern side of the island, the feel of Trinidad changes. The roads are lined with coconut trees and the vegetation is lush. Mayaro has some of the most beautiful beaches found in the Caribbean. Unfortunately the surf is rougher being on the Atlantic side of the island but the beauty is worth the trip. Occasionally you may even spot an anaconda on this side of the island. Happily, I can report the only place I saw an anaconda was in the zoo.
The wildlife -- That last comment reminds me, I absolutely loved the wildlife diversity of the island. I enjoyed the flocks of parrots that would fly overhead and the large green iguanas hanging out in the backyard. The birds and butterflies were spectacular. And, contrary to what most would believe, mosquitos were rarely a problem for us. We also did see sharks in the water but they were smaller and never a problem.
The weather -- If you like a temperate climate, Trinidad is your island. The days were often in the 80's and, at night, temperatures would drop to the upper 70's. The rainy season is from about June to December which only means that once a twice a day, you get a good downpour for a half hour or so and then, all is sunny again. During the dry season, however, there is very little rain and wildfires do become an issue, leaving much of the island smoky. Also, a hurricane has not directly hit the island. It's a bit too far south for that but, occasionally, they do feel the effects of a tropical storm or two.
The Bad
Traffic - to put it mildly, traffic was a nightmare. We lived only five minutes from the school but, often, it could take 30 minutes or so to get there. Travelling from our home on the west coast to Trincity (central Trinidad) could easily take an hour and a half or more in traffic. Without traffic, the commute would be roughly 35 minutes. Lanes are narrow and cars will often stop in front of you with no warning. Rarely is there a curb so cars will often just stop in your lane to let somebody out or say 'hi' to a friend. Taxis, which often are just normal-looking cars, are recognized by the licence plate which begins with the letter 'H'. If you are following a taxi, give yourself plenty of space in which to stop suddenly. Because this is formerly a British colony, be prepared to drive on the other side of the road.
Crime - Unfortunately, crime is getting worse on this island. Some blame in on the influence of American culture and gangs. Some blame in on the drugs that are trafficked through the island from South America. Expats are not often targeted but our neighbor was shot by bandits out on his driveway one night. Common sense is a must. Don't go out liming at night. Liming is Trini-speak for just hanging out. It could mean going out to bars and drinking or just getting together to shoot the breeze. During my time on the island, seemed to be that most murders, kidnappings and violent crimes took place after dark. If you do like to go out at night, again, common sense, stick to the safer areas.
People (again) and the caste system - Although I know much is being done to knock out the caste system, it still exists. Too often I saw the richer trinis treat the less-well-to-do Trinis as being inferior and often race had much to do with it. People speak of this happening in America but, let me tell you, it was far more prevalent in Trinidad from what I saw. Once all Trinis see all other Trinis as equal, I think you'll see a different island emerge. Also, many expats tend to stay in their Westmoorings fishbowl. They live in their little community and their children attend the American school. As a result, I think, many Trinis view foreigners with a bit of suspicion and the foreigners never truly experience such a diverse culture.
The Ugly
Ironically enough, the American school in Westmoorings was our worst experience. Tuition was more than $12,000 with a one-time, non-refundable 'building fund' fee of $8,000. For $20,000, you'd expect a top-rate education, correct? Not at this school. I was sadly disappointed. I've heard wonderful things about International schools but this was not one of them. My child was doing school work that was much too easy. The work was not challenging in the least and many parents worried about their children integrating back in their home country's education system. Many parents complained about the intense religious training the young children received. The school would deny that religious instruction was given but the children told a far different story. For awhile, the Principal, would hand on articles to complaining parents about the importance of teaching religion in the young grades. The article was by an Islamic organization and the religious studies were either Hindu or Islamic. The island is mostly Catholic or Christian but the Principal said numerous times they didn't want to offend anybody with Christian teachings. She, however, had no problem with the teaching of eastern religions. For those of us expecting a secular school, this was a big issue. The Principal has also been known to have shouting matches with parents and teachers (in front of students). As one parent said, that school's tree needs to be shaken until all the bad apples are dropped and they begin to take educating our children more seriously.
The ironic thing is that the Trinidad school system, I believe, would be categorized as 'good'. I've heard it said that Trinidad has the highest rate of literacy in the western hemisphere. The Prime Minister's wife is the Minister of Education and has really improved the school system. The school system is modelled after the British system. Before entering the secondary level of school, all children must take an examination and school acceptance is based on those scores. Children who perform better are accepted to better schools. This fosters competition and, as a result, I found the children in the local school system, were farther ahead than the children in the American school. In fact, after talking to Trini parents who put their children in the American school, I realized, many did so not only because they could afford it but because their children struggled academically in the local schools. Not all parents agree that competition at such a young age is beneficial but, speaking for myself, I was very impressed. The one problem I found was that children are on waiting lists from birth and the wait can be a long one to enter these schools.
Final Thoughts
Like any country in the world, Trinidad has its good side and its bad side. I am hopeful that, in time, crime and racism will become less of an issue. In the meantime, Trinidad has much to offer...the beaches, the culture, the people. For us, Trinidad was a life-changing experience. I know it will be that for many others as well.
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Families
Best Time to Travel Here: Anytime
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Epinions.com ID:
bonzobean
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Location: West Coast
Reviews written: 134
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I think the mistake many of us make is thinking the-state-appointed shrink is our friend.
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