Ashore in Trinidad
British Trader: in Trinidad
15 August 2009
Written by deck cadets Michael O'Regan and Scott Cameron
As we all had a window in our schedule last Saturday we, that is to say, 3/O Gary, cadets Cameron & Michéal and 4/E Ross decided to go to Maracas Bay beach.
Our beach odyssey began at 1000 when we boarded the motor launch Typhoon to take us to Port of Spain, the main port of Trinidad and after paying a visit to the bank to get some local money, we went to the local Subway outlet for some pre-beach snacks.
After lunch, we were faced with the task of arranging passage to the beach. The beach is in Maracas Bay, located on the north side of the island.
The taxi ride was quite entertaining. As usual, we agreed on the fare before we left. Useful road rage phrases that we learnt include:
“You even look like a fool!”
“If you can’t drive, stay at home!”
Forty minutes later we arrived. First impressions were good; clear blue water, clean white sand, shaded by a few palm trees and lots of beautiful people!
.jpg "Maracas Beach")
Maracas Beach, Trinidad
After setting up camp beneath the shade of a palm tree, we went for a swim. The sea was warm but there was quite a surf running; timing was essential in diving under the breakers to avoid being carried back to the shore and looking like a drowned rat.
The sea was nice to swim in but after a while, a game of football was in order. Gary remained under the tree sleeping while the other three played football with the locals.
At full time, it was time for refreshments. A pleasant time was then had by all by observing the local flora and fauna while resting in the sun. At about 1700 we began to pack up and make our way to the main road to try and hail a local Maxi Taxi which would bring us back to Port of Spain.
If you have ever been white water rafting, you’ll have an idea what the ride back was like; scary but ultimately satisfying. Compared to the taxi fare to get to the beach of TT$300, the Maxi Taxi fare of just TT$36 seemed quite reasonable.
Just to finish off the day, we then went shopping and then had some light refreshment in the Hyatt Hotel on the waterfront. By 2100, we were back on the launch bound for the good ship ss British Trader.
A good time was had by all!