RAVE IN A CAVE
Trinidad is a preserved colonial city that is just on the brink of being the next major tourist hot spot. The cobble stoned streets and horse drawn transportation brings a sense of how life was back in the 1800s without the staged presence of Old Sydney Town. For a city of 76,000+ residents, we felt like we were in a very old version of Nundle with no building higher than 2 stories – apart from the cathedral bell towers. We were referred to a Casa in Trinidad by Reyno and Katie, who stayed with Javier in November last year. An invaluable recommendation that has been the introduction to a close friendship. We were welcomed with open arms by Javier (affectionately known as Papa) and his wife Babi, who hosted us for 4 nights. All of our meals that Babi prepared for us, were nothing short of amazing. We were given strict instructions that we had to eat all of our massive breakfast and nothing else until dinner which would consist of 5 incredible courses (Cuban coffee and cigar count as one course). Every belt loosening meal had us bursting at the seams, however, we still managed enough room for a rum to finish off. It was impossible to have a favourite meal as we satiated antelope, lobster, shrimp, turtle and Paella that would have the stiffest of food critics high fiving between mouth fulls. During the days, we explored local museums, historical mansions owned by wealthy, corrupt sugar cane farmers and nearby beaches. Once the sun went down, we went to the salsa gatherings on the streets with hoards of locals shimmying their way into the wee hours of the morning. We also checked out an amazing nightclub that is actually in an underground cave. Without having high expectations, we ended up having so much fun and stayed out until ridiculous o’clock, unconcerned about the scuba dive we had lined up for later that morning. The diving in Cuba is world class and thanks to it being wedged between the Bahamas and Cayman Islands, shows off a buffet of colourful fishies, vast coral reefs and enormous open spaces of pure white sand that felt like we were in some kind of Avatar dream. The perfect remedy for throbbing heads.
WIN:
Diving in paradise for just $24. What’s that about?!
FAIL:
There are ZERO ATMs in Trinidad. And the ONLY bank is open Mon-Fri, 8.30am – 3.00pm with a queue a mile long. Literally.
NOTABLE NOTES:
EAT: If you stay at a Casa Particularés (extremely recommended), they will often offer the option for dinner for approx $10pp. Don’t pass up this opportunity for some incredible and fresh meals. Breakfast is massive and usually included in accommodation – should keep you full right through dinner.
DRINK: A Trinidadian specialty is the canchanchara, made with raw rum, honey, fresh lemon and crushed ice, about $3. Delish! Also, best Cuban beer is the Belgian-ish Bucanero – $1.50.
SLEEP: Casa stays are the only way to go. Especially if you can stay with Papa and Babi. Papa is the Godfather of Trinidad with connections like you wouldn’t believe and he really does treat you like family. Kez and Papa turned to water when it came time to go. Papa started it! $25/night for a granny flat (if you’re lucky) with air con and bathroom. If you go to Trinidad, make sure you let us know and we’ll give you his details. A return trip has been scheduled for 2013 with Reyno and Katie.
TIPS ‘N HINTS:
– Cash is King. Don’t rely on easy access to funds like us fools. And the other 500000 tourists that lined up at the Bank on Monday morning.
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