Near Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago, November 2024

On 30th November 2024, I had the unexpected opportunity to set foot in Trinidad and Tobago for the first time. While travelling from Caracas to Barbados with Caribbean Airlines, I had a 10-hour layover in Port of Spain, which was just enough time to explore a glimpse of this fascinating country.

I arranged a guided tour in advance and was lucky to have Andrew as my guide. His passion for his country, along with his deep knowledge of its history, culture, and landscapes, made the day even more memorable.

Port of Spain – A City of Colour and Energy

Our journey began with a drive through Port of Spain, a city that immediately pulsates with life. It’s a place where colonial history meets Caribbean vibrancy, with colourful wooden houses, graceful 19th-century mansions, and modern high-rises standing side by side.
• The streets were alive with energy—vendors selling fresh fruit, people chatting on street corners, and the sound of Soca and Calypso music spilling out of shops.
• Andrew shared stories of the city’s past, explaining how Spanish, British, African, Indian, and Indigenous influences have shaped its multicultural identity.
• As we passed by Queen’s Park Savannah, the city’s vast green space, he pointed out the Magnificent Seven, a collection of ornate colonial-era buildings that stand as remnants of Port of Spain’s grand architectural heritage.

Fort George – A Window into Trinidad’s Past

Leaving the city, we made our way up to Fort George, perched high on the hills overlooking Port of Spain. Built in 1804 by the British, the fort was originally intended to defend the island from invasions, though it never saw battle.
• From this strategic vantage point, I gazed out at sweeping views of the Gulf of Paria, the city below, and even glimpses of Venezuela in the distance.
• The fort’s old cannons and stone walls stood as reminders of Trinidad’s colonial past, while the surrounding lush greenery added a sense of serenity.
• Standing there, I couldn’t help but reflect on how many ships, empires, and generations have looked out at the same view.

Maracas Beach – A Caribbean Paradise

From Fort George, we took a winding road north towards Maracas Beach, passing through dense rainforest-covered hills. The drive itself was spectacular—steep cliffs, emerald-green vegetation, and glimpses of the deep blue sea appearing between the trees.

Then, suddenly, the forest opened up, and before us lay Maracas Beach, one of Trinidad’s most famous and beloved coastal spots.
• The golden sands stretched between the turquoise waters and the thick jungle, creating a picture-perfect scene.
• The waves crashed gently, inviting surfers and swimmers alike.
• The laid-back Caribbean atmosphere was infectious—locals and tourists alike lounging under palm trees, enjoying the warm tropical breeze.

The Famous Bake and Shark

No trip to Maracas Beach is complete without trying bake and shark, a local delicacy that has become an icon of Trinidadian cuisine.
• The dish consists of seasoned and fried shark fillet served inside a crispy, golden bake (a type of fried bread).
• The best part? The customisable toppings—from tangy tamarind sauce and spicy pepper sauce to fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and pineapple.
• I loaded mine up and took my first bite—an explosion of flavours that perfectly matched the relaxed beachside setting.

Sitting by the sea, watching the waves roll in, and enjoying this uniquely Trinidadian meal was an unforgettable moment.

A Sunset Farewell to Trinidad

As the afternoon faded, we began our return journey to the airport, stopping at one final viewpoint in the hills. As the sunset painted the sky in gold, orange, and pink, I took one last deep breath of the humid Caribbean air and reflected on the day.
• The kindness of the people.
• The rich cultural mix.
• The stunning natural beauty.

Trinidad had given me just a small taste of what it has to offer, and I knew immediately—I need to return.
Soon, I was boarding my flight to Barbados, filled with excitement for the next chapter of my Caribbean adventure.

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