Trinidad Cultural Appeal

Hi Folks, Another popular site is the 85 feet Hanuman murti located in the Dattatreya temple in Carapichaima.   It is the tallest Hanuman murti in the western hemisphere and second tallest in the world.    Built according to the Dravidian style, architecture of South India in 2003, it is a site to behold.   The temple itself if also very beautiful and has a meditation center. Hanuman Murti. Source: trinidadguardian.com Hanuman being one of the more popular deity within the Hindu culture, it is said he is a warrior who protects the lord’s devotees and helps them to achieve the ultimate purpose of going back to Godhead.   He came on earth during the time of Shri Ram ( an avatar of the lord Vishnu ) he was a warrior who helped his master Shri Ram in the epic battle against the evil king Ravan who had kidnap Ram’s wife mother Sita ( the epic tale of the Ramayan ).   Hanuman is the 11 incarnation of lord Shiva and it is said that at the end of ...

Another very popular destination is the Waterloo Hindu Temple better known as the Temple in the Sea.    Originally built by an indentured laborer, Seedas Sadhu, back in 1947 as a place of worship it was soon destroy by the government, because it was built on state land.   Not being able to secure a piece of land to construct a place of worship Seedas Sadhu then undertook a 25 years project.   He would carry rocks and stones with his bicycle in a leather bag and fill a patch of land in the sea.   Aerial view of Temple in the Sea. Source: Buzztt.com Today it is a marvelous place, which has accomplished much more than its original intention.   The temple is a site of beauty; in 1994, the government working with religious groups renovated the temple in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of indentured laborers arriving in Trinidad.   Its octagon shape and master craftsmanship with wonderful colors and breath taking murtis of the Hindu Deit...

Hi Guys, The world’s largest deposit of asphalt is in La Brea, Trinidad.   Estimated to contain 10 million tons, covering roughly 100 acers and some 250 feet deep. Sir Walter Raleigh of England rediscovered it back in 1595 after the local tribes showed it to him.   He found it to be a good material to repair his boats, and then in 1887, an American businessman  Amzi Barber secured a 40 year lease to which he exported the asphalt to US cities which roads were made. Imagine roads in New York, Washington D.C and other US cities and even in from of Buckingham Palace had roads which came from Trinidad. Couple enjoying the Pitch Lake. Source: Destinationtrinidad.com Scientist linked to the European Space Agency has found life forms living there, a microbiological ecosystem which give some insights as to have resilient life forms are and the possibilities of life on other worlds with harsh ecosystems.   There is an onsite museum, which can give you lo...

Hi guys, Now we are aware Trinidad is an island in the Caribbean but there are many small islands surrounding which are treasures by themselves.   Off the north western peninsular there are islands; there are the “5 islands” Caledonia, Craig, ( Craig and Caledonia are joined by a man made  causeway ) Lenagan, Nelson, Pelican and Rock island ( I know you counted 6 but its called 5 islands ).   Additionally there are other larger islands, which has some interesting history and much more appeal to a sun-seeking enthusiast.   Looking across Huevos & Monos Islands with Trinidad in the background. Source CaribbeanBeat.com Carrera was used as a state prison ( yep even criminals get to party in Trinidad ), Rock island is really tiny and covered in trees and has no real bathing beach, if that was your fancy well okay but just so you know.   Accessed only by boat but it’s only a twenty-minute boat ride and the scenery and beaches are simply breat...

Hi Guys, I don’t need to tell you just how much of an impact music is on any culture; and here in Trinidad there is much to enjoy when it comes to indigenous music.   Did you know that Steel Pan was invented in Trinidad and was the only musical instrument invented in the 20 th Century?   Made from old 55 gallon oil drums and tunes by natural musical geniuses, steel pan became such a beautiful piece off musical instrument that it is listened to all around the world.   Steel pan Exodus performs at Panorama. Source: Trinidad Guardian Newspaper Calypso another form of music invented in Trinidad back in the mid-19 th century is a splendid form of music and poetry all in one; known to most parts of the world.    Soca music late came as a faster pace party music from calypso and I am sure most of the world has heard of Marshall Montano and Bunji Garlin with their many international hits and Carnival of course.   Now those are music invented f...

People have you ever had a good roti?    Dhal-Pourie Roti with curry channa and alloo with a Red Solo (you cannot beat a Roti and a Red solo). Source: www.yelp.co.uk It is one of the most popular foods here due to its rich taste, variety and surprisingly health benefits.   Made from flour, a type of bread, originally from India but was modify so much since our indentured labors ancestors came that it is not the same roti they brought.   Now there are a variety of roti, first there is the sada roti, which is similar to a tortilla but with some rising agents so it “swell” it is pretty simply and a good replacement for normal bread.   Then there is dhal-pourie where a split pea filling is added and it cook on a taawaa (flat grill) but oil is used when cooking.   Then there is buss-up-shut (Parata) which is the most popular and best tasting to many; this one has is a soft silky texture – it is kneaded with butter (not margarine) and cooked with lo...

Hi Guys, I recall from my child hood how the then adults would say how things have changed from their time and how nice and simple things were… well to be honest I could not imagine their childhood being better than mine but to each their own view.   Admittedly, when I look at today’s youths with their no outdoor policy and minimal verbal skills and drone like behavior as they sit behind their smart phone or tablet all day, well I can come to terms with my childhood’s adults.   Who ever thought we would have gotten old or worst yet turned into our parents, aunts, and uncles, eeeewwwwh the though still gives me shudders… Kids playing on the trace.  Source Unknown I recall in the village there would be a Ramayana yagna; this being a religious prayers done by Hindus but in a very large manner, everyone is invited – it’s held at nights and last for an odd number of nights such as 7,9, etcetera.    Don’t worry I am not going to pull a religious se...