Sweet TnT Magazine Trinidad and Tobago Culture
Related Articles
By Jevan Soyer. A media tour titled Belle Plas de Paramin which translates to Beauty of My Paramin was hosted by Tourism Trinidad Ltd on Friday October 21, 2022. The all-day event showcased the language, culture, history, lifestyle and landscape that are unique to the community of Paramin.
The tour touched on many aspects of life in Paramin, one that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. The day started with a jeep ride to Mahogany Ridge.
The jeep, specifically the Toyota Land Cruiser, is the unofficial taxi of Paramin. With its high altitude and winding steep concrete roads it is one of the few vehicles that is up to the task.
Mahogany Ridge
The media was greeted at Mahogany Ridge in unique Paramin flair in Patois by Peter Tardieu. The group was then given a tour overview by Nathan Greene, Director at Limitless Living.
Interim Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Trinidad Limited, Carla Cupid, then took over to thank the participants for attending the event and proceeded with some opening remarks.
This was then followed by the Limitless Living co-founder Mariessa Newallo leading the group in a mindfulness exercise. The intent being an icebreaker and preparing everyone for what the rest of the day had to offer.
About Mahogany Ridge
Mahogany Ridge Bed & Breakfast is Trinidad’s most unique travel experience for the intrepid soul and the adventurous traveller. It is located above picturesque La Vache Bay, and can be accessed via Fond Pois Doux Road, which is on your way to Maracas Beach.
Mahogany Ridge is one of the Caribbean’s premium locations for exotic travel destinations. Rainforest, exotic flora and fauna, a rich diversity of birds and stratospheric vistas of the Caribbean Sea, Northern tip of Venezuela, and neighbouring Tobago. For bookings click here
Property amenities
- Free parking
- Free high-speed internet (Wi-Fi)
- Bar / lounge
- Hiking
- Airport transportation
- Shuttle bus service
- Adults only
- Mosquito net
Room features
- Clothes rack
- Wake-up service / alarm clock
- Coffee / tea maker
- Refrigerator
- Bath / shower
Dirt Oven Brunch
Next, it was off to the Fond Pois Doux Road to visit Julia Lucio, better known as Auntie Julie. There, the members of the media were treated to an “ital” brunch, Paramin style.
On the menu were coconut bake made in front of you in a dirt oven, fried bake, fried plantains, tomato choka, baigan choka and zaboka choka all served in a calabash bowl. The meal was paired with a cup of hot chocolate served in a traditional enamel cup. This was keeping with the theme of the tour being zero waste generation.
After a second serving of freshly made coconut bake, the party was treated to a brief history of Paramin and examples of patois being used in everyday conversation in Trinidad and Tobago by Cornelius Carlos Felician. Then, it was off again to the next stop.
To contact Auntie Julia to reserve a spot, order in advance or get directions call 1-868-276-5127.
Courtyard By Marriott
Discover Port of Spain
- Includes breakfast for 2 guests per night
- 20 percent food and beverage coupon
- Based upon availability
- Self parking
- See Rate details
US$219/night
Stay and Dine
- Includes breakfast for 2 guests
- Dinner for 2 guests
- Based upon availability
- See Rate details
US$257/night
Mountain man of Paramin
The next stop brought us to the residence of Peter Celestine, also known as the “Mountain Man of Paramin”, “Jap” and “Skiro”. His is a story of perseverance and determination, of not letting life’s speed bumps slow you down.
Celestine who lost his left leg in a tragic hunting accident, has not let it slow him down. He still carries himself as if it didn’t happen, tending to his crops, climbing trees and even swimming in the ocean to harvest see moss.
The story goes on that he lost his prosthetic leg during one of his sea moss expeditions, and instead of waiting to be rescued, he fashioned a makeshift prosthetic leg and climbed his way up the mountainside back home and resumed his daily chores.
All of the invited representatives from media houses gathered around and jostled for a position to hear of the Mountain Man of Paramin. You can find him as he sells his fresh produce and seasoning in his shed that he constructed which is located along the Fond Pois Doux Road in Paramin.
Hi members, friends and onlookers, Mr Peter Celetine the man with many names, (Mountain Man, Scooroo, Jap), was interviewed and deemed to be a Super Hero. | By Cornelius Carlos Felician | Facebook
Created by Cornelius Carlos Felician. . 0 views, 29 likes, 6 loves, 4 comments, 5 shares: 0 views, 29 likes, 6 loves, 4 comments, 5 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Cornelius Carlos Felician: Hi…
Parang at La Vigie
One of the things that Paramin is known for is Parang, and it was on show at the Paramin lookout or La Vigie. The Parang side performed above the clouds as the location was enveloped in a thick layer of mist. It is said that on clear days you can see as far as Grenada, but visibility was limited to the shore line that day.
Meyah River Spa Experience
From the La Vigie, which could be considered the top of Paramin, the jeeps took the travellers down miles of hairpin turns until we reached the Meyah River. Like a scene from a postcard or a nature documentary, it seemed as if you had travelled back in time to a period before Trinidad was inhabited.
The most notable thing, not just here but throughout the entire tour, was the fact that you could not hear any sounds that you would normally associate with urban life. There were no sounds other than those provided by nature. There were also no smells like what you may be familiar with, just clean unpolluted air.
Find Cheap Flights to Trinidad & Tobago from US$85.
- Save Time and Money
- Top Travel Sites to Compare
- Best Price Guarantee*
- Last-Minute Airfare Deals
- No Booking Fees
This location was used to stage an outdoor spa complete with massages from Sashri Dass. This was very popular with the participants of the tour. So, there was the opportunity to rub out all of your tension and stress while being surrounded by nature in its purest form.
On road trip through #Paramin and discovered this beauty … Meyah Waterfall#waterfall #chasingwaterfalls #TwitterNatureCommunity #naturelovers #sweetsweettrinidad pic.twitter.com/iNSRbtGXxu
— Tourism Trinidad Limited (@TourismTriniLtd) March 14, 2022
Chive Field Tour
The next stop was a chive field, undulating hills covered with chive and various seasoning herbs as far as the eyes could see, with Port of Spain nestled in the background. The tour took the media representatives through a chive field that grew different varieties of chive. As they proceeded further and further into the field they were promised a surprise.
Sweet TnT 100 West Indian Recipes
Sweet TnT 100 West Indian Recipes is your kitchen guide to cooking in the Caribbean. Add flavour to your pot and put a smile on everyone’s faces with the right amount of seasonings, spices and stories about the foods you prepare. This cookbook contains 100 tantalising recipes and full colour photographs of home-cooked meals, street foods, treats and drinks that are known in the West Indies for having particular names, ingredients and preparations.
The track through the chive curved around the hillside. Most were distracted by either the majestic views or maintaining a steady footing as they walked along the narrow footpath. Then, out of nowhere around the corner is the opening to the Colosseum Cave.
Colosseum Cave
The Colosseum Cave is on private property and not generally accessible to the general public. The entrance to the cave could be overlooked if you do not know what you are looking for, but when you enter, it opens up into a huge cavity.
The floor of the cave is littered with guano and seedlings of native fruit trees. This demonstrates the importance of bats in the environment as they disperse seeds, pollinate flowers, eat insect pests and produce rich fertiliser for the surrounding farmers.
Sweet TnT Short Stories
Life in Trinidad and Tobago comes alive in the exciting, entertaining, comical, dramatic, thrilling, mysterious and suspenseful tales in Sweet TnT Short Stories. The novella consists of 34 fictional pieces written by authors from around the twin islands who share narratives with you under the sections Lifestyle, Superstition and Fauna. Created by Culturama Publishing Company, producer of Sweet TnT Magazine from San Juan, Trinidad and Tobago, this book is one of the publications that commemorates the 10th anniversary of the publisher from 2009-2019.
The Colosseum is just one of four caves to be found in Paramin, the rest are kept a secret by its residents for the safety of the caves. Aside from being a roost for bats, it is also a favoured nesting site for corbeaux (black vulture, Coragyps atratus). The cave has been visited by naturalists from around the world, who would camp out for days on end documenting the various bats that inhabit the cave.
Paramin Blue Devils
As the group exited the cave and retraced their steps back through the seemingly endless fields of chive, they were surprised by an impromptu performance by Next Level Devils. This is another activity that has made Paramin popular in Trinidad and Tobago. The performance of Next Level Devils captivated the crowd of onlookers and scared a few.
North Deck
The final leg of the tour took us back on the road to The North Deck, with its picturesque view of the North Coast, which was the perfect way to wind down the day’s activities.
Fond Pois Doux Road in Paramin is one of the few roads in Trinidad constructed entirely of concrete. The road branches off from the North Coast Road and takes you all the way to the La Vigie (Paramin Lookout).
The BRIX Autograph Collection
The BRIX Autograph Collection has a restaurant, fitness center, a bar and shared lounge in Port-of-Spain. With free WiFi, this 4-star hotel offers room service and a concierge service. The hotel features family rooms.
Paramin Tours
Limitless Living Tours
Nathan Greene – +1868-3311900
Mariessa Newallo – +1868-3902451
Email – limitlesslivingtt@gmail.com
Website – limitlesslivingtt.com
Facebook – facebook.com/limitlesslivingtt
Instagram – @limitlesslivingtt
La Rose De Paramin –
Facebook – facebook.com/Larosedeparamin/
Paramin Mountains Jeep Tour
_________________________________
You may also like:
Adventure at Buccoo village and Pigeon Point
Toco waters call for a family outing
Road trip to the Toco Lighthouse
Beautiful unspoilt Columbus Bay
Salybia a peaceful place for family vacation
Mount St Benedict – come and rest
Fort George a place for sightseeing
5 Amazing truths about Trinidad and Tobago
Las Cuevas Beach for a cool dip
Maracas Beach for families, friends and vendors
South Trinidad always my home
Caroni Bird Sanctuary new Sunset Dinner
A relaxing afternoon at Plymouth
Bocas Islands cruise best water fun
Piparo – a picturesque rural village
SLEEP AMONG ELEPHANTS – THAILAND
Experience an unforgettable night in nature in a luxurious Jungle Bubble in the lush jungles of northern Thailand. Enjoy authentic Anantara luxury as you spend an evening and a night just metres from wandering herds of elephants. Arrive at sunset for romantic dining on your deck as you watch these majestic creatures settle in for the night. Then retreat to air-conditioned comfort for exquisite views of the night sky and awaken with the elephants at the first break of dawn.
A walk through Palmiste Park
Top view on San Fernando Hill
Getaway to Tobago after hectic year
Strolling down Princes Town
Bamboo Cathedral, Tucker Valley, Chaguaramas
Icacos at the end of Trinidad
Paria Waterfall journey a true workout for hikers
A rustic family adventure to Matelot!
Family trip to serene Tyrico Beach
Shark River a place to relax
Chacachacare – come to my island!
Beautiful Tobago a mystery explored
Relaxing vibe at Papa Joe’s Place, Tobago
Garden Bliss Dusty Lavender Cutout Maxi Dress
Lulus Exclusive! Get swept off your feet in the Lulus Garden Bliss Dusty Lavender Cutout Maxi Dress! Elegant chiffon shapes this stunning dress featuring a rounded neckline, short fluttery sleeves, and a darted bodice. High fitted waist tops a cascading maxi skirt with a stunning side slit, while a back cutout adds a little something extra that’s sure to turn heads.
US$89.00
