My Caribbean Home

I am often referred to as a 'small island girl' being born in the Caribbean over half a century ago. Although I no longer live on my tiny island of Trinidad, I still refer to it as my home.

I am planning to visit in the near future and I cannot contain my excitement. I haven't been there for over eleven years and a lot has changed but the memories of swimming in the sea, fresh ocean smell, swaying coconut trees, golden sandy beaches, rum punch and countless other beautiful attractions of the Caribbean are unforgettable.

My first stop after landing would be the nearest bar to have a local beer called Carib, beastly cold and refreshing. Street food is next on the agenda, then onto my relatives who live in many different parts of the island. There are so many that I may have to extend my holiday in order to see them all. Lastly, the moment I have been dreaming of, beach, beach and more beach.

Tourist beaches are usually crowded but very entertaining with a huge variety of local foods and drinks and music. I tend to favor the quieter ones like one called Mayaro, nine miles of glorious, golden sand, amazing sun rises and balmy evenings. It's always a place for big family get togethers with copious amounts of food, drink, music and activities like fishing, crab hunting, coconut tree climbing, swimming, boating and sand castle making. Cricket is popular with the boys while the girls tend to take a more laid back approach by laying on the sand just where the water laps at their feet with a cool drink in hand.

When the boats 'come in', crowds gather on the beach to see the catch. Kids run around picking up small fish and squealing with delight. We're lucky to grab a bargain sometimes and spend the rest of the morning cooking up a storm of some sensational seafood. There's not much to do after that except laze about, talk about 'old time days' and sip on a few heady beverages or cool coconut water.

A river 'lime' (hanging out) is always a must. The atmosphere is always one of a party. Dress how you like, have a swim, play your music, cook up some curry, drink some rum, share and partake with folk you don't even know. I will definitely be going on several river 'limes'.

I have several relatives that live in what we call 'country side' or 'bush' and one can spend all day roaming around the estate picking and gathering all manner of fruit and vegetables. Another gathering of family and friends that no one sees very often so it's another cause for celebration. There is no other place in the world where there are so many reasons for a party lol.

Near the end of my holiday, I will be doing the shopping thing which is not one of my favorite things to do. Every shopping center is always busy but usually air conditioned and comfortable. Street shopping is a chaotic bustle and hustle while the sun is merciless and all I want to do is head back to the beach or the nearest air conditioned bar.

The good byes would usually be accompanied by too many to count relatives at the airport having copious amounts of alcohol and endless shedding of tears while I make silly promises or returning soon. Who knows if I may get the opportunity to return soon. There is much more to my island that I have to return for but it depends on the time of year. Trinidad Carnival will be in Feburary and I'll be missing out on that so it will be something I would love to return for.

My Caribbean home is most precious to me, there is so much to do and say about such a small island. There is no other place on earth that I could call home.