On my first visit to the Trinidad I took a lot of taxi’s or did some hitchhiking on occasion with companions and a few times alone. Hitchhiking is not the recommended method for tourists going to and fro’ and should be proceeded with maximum caution. I suppose I felt comfortable doing such because I hadn’t a rental car, was staying in a rather hilly area (a difficult trek) and no real good source of transportation info, until now. Consider this Ah Trini Travelogue blog an all inclusive guide to the island. While most questions about Carnival can probably be answered on one’s own over time the transportation issue remains a mystery to be solved with precise calculations, a rental car or this entry on the various means of getting around. It’s a complete 101 guide. Rishi covers it all from location of taxi stands down to taxi etiquette. What’s even better are the pictures of some actual taxi locations and this color-coded map of the islands maxi-taxi routes. Very thorough. Bookmark this one if you intend on going at it without a rental vehicle.
Word for the Travel Wise (01/15/06)
Last week I took a little break from some of the Trinidad posts, but this week it’s back on! My only promise this week is to keep them short and to the point. To start back where I left off, I saw this Trini Dictionary and went searching for uncommon knowledge to fill our minds with.
Today’s word is a slang word used in Trinidad & Tobago:
Bawlin’ – To be without financial means. To be broke. To be poor.
English is the official lingo of the island, but there are several words that may be unrecognizable to the visitor. I chose this word because it sounds exactly like the slang word ‘ballin’ used here in the states to describe someone with an excessive amount of money, whips, bling-bling and other lavish items. Had I heard this word in Trinidad I would have probably thought the exact opposite of the meaning for ‘bawlin.’ One can certainly see how they concocted this bit of slang.
Trinidad: Tattoo Farm
Why is it vacation time seems to be the most appropriate time to take a needle and ink to the outer most organ of our bodies? I’ve got two tat’s of my own, but I didn’t bother with the pissy drunk vacation debauchery scenario that happens far too often. Does being surrounded by clear blue water, soft sand and warm sunshine evoke some kind of inner Picasso? Can these things be blamed entirely on rum and Coke? Just some thoughts. In any matter the science can be investigated later, but for now you can take a look at the Tattoo Farm.
Of course this only comes in handy for those spending time in Trinidad any time of the year. Tattoo Farm has been in business since 1997 and prides itself in adhering to the strictest professional standards in a country that lacks the best health-related legislation. (Funny.) For your well-being and reference, they stay in complete compliance with the European Union Hygiene and Safety Regulations. Persons interested only in piercing can depend on the same safe and sterile environment. History of the Tattoo Farm and founder, Gilles from France is something to look into and I’m sure you’ll want to while checking out the online portfolio. Shop location and contact info can be found here.