A TriniExperience StoryMap
Completed for Jacqueline in November 2019
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2019
Jacqueline Roos, our very first visitor from Switzerland, arrives at TriniBnB! To make her feel welcome, we've prepared a basket of goodies, featuring some locally produced snacks, Grande Riviere local dark chocolate, and our very own homemade cookies! Since we knew she was a wood turner, we opted to present these goodies in a locally turned wooden bowl for her pleasure.
Jacqueline Roos, our very first visitor from Switzerland, arrives at TriniBnB! To make her feel welcome, we've prepared a basket of goodies, featuring some locally produced snacks, Grande Riviere local dark chocolate, and our very own homemade cookies! Since we knew she was a wood turner, we opted to present these goodies in a locally turned wooden bowl for her pleasure.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2019
On Jacqueline's first day in Trinidad, we decided to take it easy to give her time to acclimatise and rest up after her long trip to get here. During the day, we visit the nearby Westbees Supermarket where she discovers some fruits and vegetables she's interested in trying out during her stay.
On Jacqueline's first day in Trinidad, we decided to take it easy to give her time to acclimatise and rest up after her long trip to get here. During the day, we visit the nearby Westbees Supermarket where she discovers some fruits and vegetables she's interested in trying out during her stay.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2019
This tour is included with your package.
Arima Valley Drive, with stops at Asa Wright Nature Centre, Las Cuevas Bay and/or Maracas Bay.We'll head out early for a scenic drive through the lush Arima Valley. At 10:30 am, we'll stop in at the world renowned Asa Wright Nature Centre for a guided walk with one of the centre's professional guides. After the walk, which lasts for approximately one and a half hours, we'll relax and have lunch on the Jade Vine Terrace or Verandah, which offer spectacular views of the Arima Valley, several species of birds, agoutis, iguanas, Tegu lizards, and other animals that make their home in the valley.
After lunch, we'll continue our drive through the tropical rain forest, passing through several cocoa, coffee, and citrus estates. We'll also pass the villages of Morne La Croix, Morne Bleu, Blanchisseuse, and Las Cuevas (meaning the caves), where we'll stop for an afternoon swim. Afterwards, we'll head to Maracas Bay for a bake and shark dinner.
Arima Valley Drive, with stops at Asa Wright Nature Centre, Las Cuevas Bay and/or Maracas Bay.We'll head out early for a scenic drive through the lush Arima Valley. At 10:30 am, we'll stop in at the world renowned Asa Wright Nature Centre for a guided walk with one of the centre's professional guides. After the walk, which lasts for approximately one and a half hours, we'll relax and have lunch on the Jade Vine Terrace or Verandah, which offer spectacular views of the Arima Valley, several species of birds, agoutis, iguanas, Tegu lizards, and other animals that make their home in the valley.
After lunch, we'll continue our drive through the tropical rain forest, passing through several cocoa, coffee, and citrus estates. We'll also pass the villages of Morne La Croix, Morne Bleu, Blanchisseuse, and Las Cuevas (meaning the caves), where we'll stop for an afternoon swim. Afterwards, we'll head to Maracas Bay for a bake and shark dinner.
Asa Wright Nature Centre
Las Cuevas Bay
Maracas Lookout
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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 2019 - This tour is included with your package.
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After a leisurely morning welcome breakfast, we'll make our way to Central Trinidad, where we'll explore some of Trinidad's Indo-Heritage sites. Our route will show you some of the suburbs of Port of Spain such as St. James, St. Clair, and the Queens Park Savannah, with a quick stop off at the Lady Young Road lookout over Port of Spain for a few photos.
Next, we'll drive down to central Trinidad to visit the Hanuman Murti and the Temple in the Sea. Later, we'll join a tour of the Caroni Bird Sanctuary at 4:30 pm. Home to over 100 bird species, the Caroni Swamp is a 12,000 acre wildlife sanctuary and is home to one of Trinidad and Tobago’s national birds, the Scarlet Ibis. We'll finish our tour at sunset, as we watch the Scarlet Ibis and other species return from their feeding grounds to roost for the night. |
Castle Killarney. Also known as Stollmeyer's Castle.
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Hanuman Murti
The first stop on our Central Trinidad experience is the 85 foot Hanuman Murti--the largest Hindu murti (or idol) outside of India. We'll then head over to the Indo Heritage Museum to view a replica of the Fatel Razack, the first ship that brought indentured workers from India to Trinidad.
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Temple in the Sea
Afterwards, we'll head to the nearby Temple in the Sea, a Hindu pilgrimage site built by a former indentured labourer, Siewdass Sadhu.
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Caroni Bird Sanctuary
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
- Duration: Approximately six hours (depending on traffic).
- Wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
- Bring a hat for shade and mosquito repellent for the birdwatching tour.
- Camera with a good long lens or binoculars recommended for the birdwatching tour.
- *Snacks are provided, but there will be an additional cost for lunch.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2019 --- This activity is not included with your package.
PLEASE NOTE: THE ITINERARY FOR THIS WEEKEND HAS CHANGED SLIGHTLY AS I HAVE BEEN BOOKED FOR A PROJECT ON SUNDAY. I WILL PUT YOU ONTO ALTERNATE ACTIVITIES AND/OR A GUIDE FOR SUNDAY, IF YOU WISH. TOURS INCLUDED IN YOUR PACKAGE WILL RESUME ON MONDAY. APOLOGIES FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE CAUSED.
PLEASE NOTE: THE ITINERARY FOR THIS WEEKEND HAS CHANGED SLIGHTLY AS I HAVE BEEN BOOKED FOR A PROJECT ON SUNDAY. I WILL PUT YOU ONTO ALTERNATE ACTIVITIES AND/OR A GUIDE FOR SUNDAY, IF YOU WISH. TOURS INCLUDED IN YOUR PACKAGE WILL RESUME ON MONDAY. APOLOGIES FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE CAUSED.
A Trini Saturday at the market!
We'll rise early and head to the Central Market in Port of Spain. Prepare to have your senses overwhelmed by the sights, sounds, and scents of Trinidad's largest market. Before we leave, we'll decide on a local menu to shop for, or we could live dangerously and invent a meal based on ingredients we discover there.
Afterwards, we stop off in St. James for some breakfast doubles--Trinidad's most iconic street food. Then we'll head back to the house and begin prepping our meal. Seasonings and condiments at the house will be free of charge.
COST: US$25 (Plus additional cash to purchase food at the market)
We'll rise early and head to the Central Market in Port of Spain. Prepare to have your senses overwhelmed by the sights, sounds, and scents of Trinidad's largest market. Before we leave, we'll decide on a local menu to shop for, or we could live dangerously and invent a meal based on ingredients we discover there.
Afterwards, we stop off in St. James for some breakfast doubles--Trinidad's most iconic street food. Then we'll head back to the house and begin prepping our meal. Seasonings and condiments at the house will be free of charge.
COST: US$25 (Plus additional cash to purchase food at the market)
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2019 - These activities are not included in your package.
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BUSH MOUNTAIN NATURE/CITY HIKE
Immerse yourself in nature a heartbeat away from the city. Located in St. Anns, Bush Mountain is a natural paradise on the northern edge of Port of Spain. A easy hour-long hike (due to several stops) takes you into the heart of this fitness and wellness sanctuary that is home to several species of hummingbirds, as well as other local flora and fauna. Bush Mountain is also equipped with various platforms for exercise, or just taking in the stunning view of Port of Spain, the Caroni Plains, and beyond. COST: US$25 |
Credit: Dawn Cumberbatch
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OPTIONAL ACTIVITY ON SUNDAY AFTERNOON
Leisurely sightseeing in and around Port of Spain, Trinidad's capital city. Stops will include the walking tour of the Magnificent Seven at the Queens Park Savannah and a drive up to Fort George, which delivers amazing vistas of Trinidad's northwest peninsula.
Leisurely sightseeing in and around Port of Spain, Trinidad's capital city. Stops will include the walking tour of the Magnificent Seven at the Queens Park Savannah and a drive up to Fort George, which delivers amazing vistas of Trinidad's northwest peninsula.
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COST: US$40
As an alternative, you can immerse yourself in a bit of Trinidad's Carnival heritage by learning the whip-cracking martial art of the original jab jabs (diable, diable). You can also learn to "walk stick" like the legendary Moko Jumbies. Both activities are guided by experienced teachers and offer a couple hours of outside-the-box fun.
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These activities are not included in your package.
Instructional fees are paid directly to the groups. I can put you onto a driver/guide who can take you around, if you wish.
Instructional fees are paid directly to the groups. I can put you onto a driver/guide who can take you around, if you wish.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2019 - This tour is included with your package.
Chaguaramas, Bamboo Cathedral and optional hike, sea bath, or boating tour (additional cost for boat ride).
BONUS TOUR -- my free gift to you for your booking.
We can begin our day with a drive to the nearby Chaguaramas Peninsula, which was leased to the United States in 1940 for the construction of a naval base under the World War II Destroyers for Bases Agreement. There, we'll take a stroll through the Bamboo Cathedral and, if you're so inclined, we can DO ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:
1) Head to Macqueripe Bay for a swim, OR
2) Enjoy a boat tour "down the islands" (DDI) off the northwestern peninsula of Trinidad (boat tour will be additional). If you're lucky, you may see dolphins frolicking in the surrounding waters.
1) Head to Macqueripe Bay for a swim, OR
2) Enjoy a boat tour "down the islands" (DDI) off the northwestern peninsula of Trinidad (boat tour will be additional). If you're lucky, you may see dolphins frolicking in the surrounding waters.
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This tour is included with your package. |
Bamboo Cathedral
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Abandoned Ballistic Missile Early Warning System (BMEWS) at Chaguaramas
Credit: Dawn Cumberbatch
OPTIONAL BOAT RIDE COST: US$75
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Credit: Dawn Cumberbatch
Salt Pond at Chacachacare
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
- Please note that Macqueripe Bay is accessed by stairs. Being a former submarine docking base during World War II, the bay has been dredged, causing a sudden fall off in the sea floor. It is therefore only recommended for strong swimmers.
- Duration: Approximately three to four hours.
- Wear comfortable clothing and shoes (sneakers or sturdy sandals and flip flops for the beach), and bring a swimsuit, towel and plastic bag for wet clothes.
- Bring a hat for shade, sunblock, and mosquito repellent.
- Camera
- *Snacks are provided, but there will be an additional cost for lunch.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2019 - This tour is included with your package.
We'll leave early and head south, making our first stop at Debe for a breakfast of Indian delicacies.
Credit: Kevin Adonis Browne
The Pitch Lake
Leaving Debe, we'll drive along the south west coast through Oropouche, Aripero, and Rousillac to get to the village of La Brea, home of The Pitch Lake. The largest natural deposit of asphalt in the world, Sir Walter Raleigh made use of its resources on his expedition in 1595. We'll do a walking tour with one of the experienced guides there, and if you're brave enough, feel free to take a dip in one of its many healing sulphur-infused channels.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
- Duration: Approximately 10 to 12 hours (depending on traffic).
- Wear comfortable clothing and shoes (flip flops or sandals) and bring a swimsuit.
- Bring a hat for shade, sunblock, and mosquito repellent.
- Camera
- *Snacks are provided, but there will be an additional cost for lunch.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2019
This will be our second rest day as I have another guest arriving today!
This will be our second rest day as I have another guest arriving today!
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2019 - This tour is included with your package.
North Coast drive to Blanchisseuse, Boat Ride to Paria Bay, and Hike to Paria Waterfall
We'll start off early with a scenic drive along the north coast road to the village of Blanchisseuse where we'll catch a pirogue (fishing boat) to Paria Bay. Depending on the weather and river conditions, we'll do the hike to Paria Waterfall and walk to the far end of the beach to take in the natural formation known as Cathedral Rock.
North Coast drive to Blanchisseuse, Boat Ride to Paria Bay, and Hike to Paria Waterfall
We'll start off early with a scenic drive along the north coast road to the village of Blanchisseuse where we'll catch a pirogue (fishing boat) to Paria Bay. Depending on the weather and river conditions, we'll do the hike to Paria Waterfall and walk to the far end of the beach to take in the natural formation known as Cathedral Rock.
Credit: @Dawn Cumberbatch
Credit: @Dawn Cumberbatch
Paria Waterfall, one of Trinidad's most remarkable waterfalls!
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
- Duration: Approximately 10 hours.
- PLEASE NOTE: A part of this tour involves getting on a pirogue or fishing boat. There may be some waves to navigate, but a life jacket will be provided.
- Wear comfortable clothing and shoes (sneakers, hiking shoes or sturdy sandals), towel and swimsuit.
- Bring a hat for shade, sunblock, and mosquito repellent.
- Camera and waterproof housing/dry bag for the boat ride
- *Snacks are provided, but there will be an additional cost for lunch.
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This tour is included with your package. |
ACTIVITIES AFTER THURSDAY 7 NOVEMBER, 2019 ARE ALL OPTIONAL WITH INDIVIDUAL PRICES LISTED.
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These activities are not included in your package. |
Mount St. Benedict Monastery, Lopinot Historical Complex, and a River Bath
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Another wholly unique option would be to explore north Trinidad by air in a Cessna! This exhilarating airplane tour will take you from Piarco Airport down to the Five Islands in northwestern Trinidad and back, giving you an experience to remember.
COST: US$95 |
Afterwards, we'll head north to the village of Lopinot. Named after Charles Joseph de Lopinot de la Fresilliere – a French Count who came to Trinidad in 1800, Lopinot Historical Complex is the site of Compte de Lopinot's 478 acre estate, formerly known as La Reconnaissance. The destination features a restored estate house museum, a recreational park, a savannah, and carat sheds along the river. Next, we'll have two options: a Nature Walk/Herb Tour and lunch at Cafe Mariposa, or a river bath at the village of Surrey where you're welcome to take a refreshing dip in the cool mountain waters.
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Cafe Mariposa specializes in Spanish creole cooking that is infused with pure cacao. Many vegetables and herbs used are grown organically on a nearby farm, which also features a large tilapia pond. Our cooking style is not only local, but heavily influenced by our indigenous ancestors and our Latin and Caribbean cuisine.
LUNCH COST BASED ON RESTAURANT MENU |
Lopinot Estate
Credit: @Dawn Cumberbatch
LOPINOT ESTATE & RIVER BATH COST: US$35
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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2019
This could be a free day. You're free to do some shopping or any other activities on your own. You may also consider going to Tobago on this date.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9 - 12, 2019 - TRIP TO TOBAGO
*OPTIONAL ITINERARY
*OPTIONAL ITINERARY
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2019
We'll secure early flights to Tobago* on the local air bridge in order to maximize the day and check in at an Airbnb that allows easy access to beaches, restaurants, and shops. After a light breakfast, we'll make our way to the Pigeon Point Heritage Park, where we'll start our tour at the world famous Pigeon Point Jetty. *You will have to change your original ticket at the airport beforehand. |
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COST: US$25 (TOURS TO NYLON POOL AND BUCCOO REEF WILL BE ADDITIONAL)
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2019
After breakfast, we'll tour Fort King George, an old British Fort that overlooks Scarborough, the capital of Tobago and is also home to the Tobago Museum, which occupies the former Barrack Guard House. The Museum's exhibits include Amerindian artefacts, military relics, shells, and documents from the colonial period.
Afterwards, we'll set out to conquer the powerful cascade of Argyle Waterfall. At 175 fee, Argyle is Tobago’s highest waterfall and it can be reached after a 15-20 minute trek along a clearly marked trail. At the base of the waterfall, there is a calm space where the river flows quietly over the smooth rocks. Here you can relax and enjoy the birds, butterflies, and the thundering sound of the cascade above you. If you’re the more adventurous type, feel free to climb to the very top.
Afterwards, we'll set out to conquer the powerful cascade of Argyle Waterfall. At 175 fee, Argyle is Tobago’s highest waterfall and it can be reached after a 15-20 minute trek along a clearly marked trail. At the base of the waterfall, there is a calm space where the river flows quietly over the smooth rocks. Here you can relax and enjoy the birds, butterflies, and the thundering sound of the cascade above you. If you’re the more adventurous type, feel free to climb to the very top.
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COST: US$60
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2019
A round-the-island drive is highly recommended. We start early, with stops in Castara, Roxborough, Speyside, Charlotteville, and any other villages or sights that catch our fancy. If time permits, we can make a brief stop at the Scarborough Botanical Gardens on the way home.
A round-the-island drive is highly recommended. We start early, with stops in Castara, Roxborough, Speyside, Charlotteville, and any other villages or sights that catch our fancy. If time permits, we can make a brief stop at the Scarborough Botanical Gardens on the way home.
COST: US$75
Experience Summary
PACKAGE RECAP FOR JACQUELINE
NOTE: This is a proposed itinerary - an ideal. Due to the weather and and other unpredictable or unforeseeable circumstances things may change with little or no notice. We will not put our guests at risk by continuing any activity that may result in harm. In the event that plans change, we will work with you to find suitable alternatives based on your budget, expressed interests, availability of alternative activites, and current weather conditions.
*Exclusions: Flights/airfare (except domestic fares where indicated), visas, departure and other airport taxes, meals (except snacks/drinks on tour), gratuities, optional activities and equipment rentals, Airport Transfer for Venezuela trip, and other expenses not specifically mentioned above.
- Accommodations for one (1) at Trinibnb in Trinidad on October 29 to November 8, 2019
- Free WiFI and personal amenities at accommodations (all linens, towels, shampoo, bath soap, insect repellent, and sunblock).
- Free coffee, tea, and water at the house and light refreshments (juice, water, and snacks) will be provided on tours.**
- Four curated and guided day-trip experiences in Trinidad with an English-speaking native over the aforementioned dates.
- Entrance fees and permits to your four, included experiences.
- Ground transportation to/from all experiences (including boat fees, where applicable).
- One roundtrip airport transfer.
- A free MemoryKeeper® Digital Map of the places you visited, which you can share with your friends and family online.
NOTE: This is a proposed itinerary - an ideal. Due to the weather and and other unpredictable or unforeseeable circumstances things may change with little or no notice. We will not put our guests at risk by continuing any activity that may result in harm. In the event that plans change, we will work with you to find suitable alternatives based on your budget, expressed interests, availability of alternative activites, and current weather conditions.
*Exclusions: Flights/airfare (except domestic fares where indicated), visas, departure and other airport taxes, meals (except snacks/drinks on tour), gratuities, optional activities and equipment rentals, Airport Transfer for Venezuela trip, and other expenses not specifically mentioned above.
PRICING SUMMARY FOR JACQUELINE
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TRINIDAD ONLY
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TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
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All prices quoted are in US Dollars.
Thanks for booking TriniBnB, Jacqueline! We look forward to hosting you! <3
R E C O M M E N D A T I O N S
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If you're a returning ex-pat, please ask about our Roots & Records Experience that will help you (re)connect to your roots by reuniting you with family members, exploring old photographs, newspaper clippings, and family archives. We'll document the experience for you and provide you with a digital keepsake you'll always have to treasure!
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