f Paria - Ins and Outs of Trinidad & Tobago 2013
f Paria - Ins and Outs of Trinidad & Tobago 2013
f Paria - Ins and Outs of Trinidad & Tobago 2013
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Sights<br />
Cannons at Fort George<br />
Peter Sheppard<br />
Port <strong>of</strong> Spain<br />
The Story <strong>of</strong> the City <strong>of</strong> Port <strong>of</strong> Spain is<br />
a permanent exhibit focusing on the history<br />
<strong>of</strong> the capital. It is located at Fort San<br />
Andres on South Quay, opposite City Gate.<br />
For a relaxing Friday evening with the<br />
locals, take a stroll along the Brian Lara<br />
Promenade where you can enjoy an icecold<br />
beer from the many bars that line the<br />
streets.<br />
The Cathedral <strong>of</strong> the Immaculate<br />
Conception towers over the city with its<br />
19th-century stained glass windows. Trinity<br />
Cathedral, at the top <strong>of</strong> Chacon Street, with<br />
its statue <strong>of</strong> Governor Woodford, is also<br />
worth a visit. A sacred labyrinth (ancient<br />
walking meditation tool) on the grounds <strong>of</strong><br />
the Cathedral is a spiritual oasis in the midst<br />
<strong>of</strong> the bustling city. The Cathedral is one<br />
<strong>of</strong> many buildings surrounding Woodford<br />
Square, which include City Hall, Hall <strong>of</strong><br />
Justice, Greyfriars Presbyterian Church,<br />
the Red House, seat <strong>of</strong> <strong>Trinidad</strong> <strong>and</strong><br />
<strong>Tobago</strong>’s Parliament the, Old Fire Station<br />
<strong>and</strong> the National Library on Abercromby<br />
Street.<br />
Northern Sights<br />
Paramin Village, especially during the<br />
Christmas season, is famous for its Parang<br />
Festivals <strong>and</strong> delightful cuisine, as well as<br />
breathtaking views.<br />
The Angostura Museum, located<br />
in Laventille at the House <strong>of</strong> Angostura,<br />
features a display <strong>of</strong> corporate <strong>and</strong> national<br />
history. For information <strong>and</strong> to arrange a<br />
tour guide, call 623-1841/5 or visit www.<br />
angostura.com<br />
The charming village <strong>of</strong> Lopinot has<br />
a museum, a river, picnic tables, a cosy<br />
restaurant <strong>and</strong> playing field <strong>and</strong> is rumoured<br />
to be haunted by the Count de Lopinot.<br />
Mount St. Benedict Monastery sits atop<br />
a hill overlooking south <strong>and</strong> central <strong>Trinidad</strong>.<br />
It <strong>of</strong>fers spectacular views, nature tours <strong>and</strong><br />
exhibitions. Accommodation is available<br />
at Pax Guest House, renowned for its<br />
afternoon teas <strong>and</strong> simple but sumptuous<br />
dinners. Dine either indoors or, if it’s not<br />
raining, out on the balcony, which overlooks<br />
mountains <strong>and</strong> treetops under the stars.<br />
Cleaver Woods, situated on the Arima<br />
Old Road, is famous for the Amerindian<br />
Museum housing the works <strong>and</strong> crafts <strong>of</strong> our<br />
first settlers <strong>and</strong> indigenous people. Arima<br />
is well-known for the last remaining Santa<br />
Rosa Caribs who hold annual festivities<br />
there.<br />
The Asa Wright Nature Centre was<br />
established in 1967 in order to protect<br />
<strong>and</strong> preserve part <strong>of</strong> the Arima Valley. It<br />
is globally renowned with ornithologists<br />
<strong>and</strong> birdwatchers (see page 72). For details<br />
call: (868) 667-4655. E-mail: asaright@<br />
tstt.net.tt or visit their Web site at<br />
www.asawright.org<br />
The Eric Williams Memorial Collection<br />
Housed in the library <strong>of</strong> the University <strong>of</strong><br />
the West Indies, St. Augustine campus, the<br />
Collection (the library <strong>and</strong> archives <strong>of</strong> the<br />
late Dr. Eric Eustace Williams, pioneering<br />
Caribbean historian <strong>and</strong> educator) was<br />
inaugurated on March 22, 1998 by Prime<br />
Minister, the Honourable Basdeo P<strong>and</strong>ay<br />
<strong>and</strong> U.S. Secretary <strong>of</strong> State, Colin L. Powell.<br />
Dr. Williams was the first Prime Minister <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Trinidad</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Tobago</strong> <strong>and</strong> led the country to<br />
Independence from Britain <strong>and</strong> to becoming<br />
a Republic. As much a philosopher as he<br />
was a politician, the Museum is organized<br />
around the themes: Family, Scholarship,<br />
84<br />
The <strong>Ins</strong> & <strong>Outs</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Trinidad</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>Tobago</strong>