Fun in the Caribbean sun --- Barbados! – August 2014

Crane Hotel - Barbados August 2014 
Photo taken by and property of
TriniTravelDiva a.k.a (NSL-R)

I felt the heat the moment the plane landed at Grantley Adams International Airport in Barbados.  I’m (close to) home!  The plane taxied for about one or two minutes and I think, yes, I am definitely in the islands.  The plane was already at the gate.  When it was time to disembark, I realized that I would have to walk on the tarmac to get to the terminal.  I like this because not only is the warm island breeze blowing all around you, but also because it brings back many memories of travelling when I was younger.  Going to the airport always meant something special was about to happen.  I was in Barbados for a family wedding and to get some rest and relaxation.  Both accomplished beautifully.

Barbados, the most easterly of all the Caribbean islands, is filled with lots of things to do and places to see.  If you want to be in the midst of the action, then staying in the St. Lawrence gap is the best way to go.  Most restaurants, bars, nightclubs and other fun activities are all within walking distance.  If you're looking for a more laid-back relaxed time on the island, then head east where you get the lovely beaches without all the noise and bustle of restaurant row.  Unlike many of the other Caribbean islands, all of the beaches in Barbados are open to the public, there are no private beaches.  This allows Bajans to not only enjoy the natural resources of their island, but also to interact with people of many other nationalities who generally go to the islands for the beaches.

Crane Hotel - Barbados August 2014
Photo taken by and property of
TriniTravelDiva a.k.a (NSL-R)

I got the sense that the people in Barbados are very friendly but somewhat reserved.  They greet you in a most pleasant way and they have conversations with you and share a lot about their island of which they are extremely proud. But they always maintain their decorum.

Bajan culture is not unlike that of many of the other Caribbean islands, with many traditions still in tact.  British influence is still very prominent and everywhere on the island, with the names of streets, highways, hospitals, schools, etc., named after British royalty. 

Crop Over, Barbados’ carnival and a big part of Bajan culture, was celebrated when the British first landed.  Bajans look forward to celebrating Crop Over every year in early August.  It is now Barbados’ biggest festival and Bajans as well as people from all around the world go there to “play mas” and “wuk up” as they say on the island.  Some of them prefer to dress up in costumes, while others prefer to be spectators and watch from the sidelines.  Three days of masquerading lead to the Grand Kadooment, which is the last day of the carnival.  Most people want to be a part of the last day of the festivities because it is the last chance they will have to “wuk up” until the next year's carnival.  I was there during Crop Over and enjoyed being part of the festivities. 

Harrison's Cave - Barbados August 2014
Photo taken by and property of
TriniTravelDiva a.k.a (NSL-R)

Bajan food is delicious and takes me back to a time when things were not so complicated.  The food is always well-seasoned, well prepared and well served.  Although many fast food chains have found a place on the island, you can find Bajan fare anywhere on the island.  Typical Bajan fare will always consist of meat or fish, starch, beans and one certainly can't forget to add Bajan hot sauce.  I tried flying fish (in a cutter or sandwich) for the very first time and really enjoyed it.  Bajans tend to stick to what they know and so you will find the same things to eat available at most eateries.  You can always get staples such as macaroni pie, coucou and fried fish, cutters and peas and rice.  Bajans enjoy eating out and there are many places on the island to do so. 

Harrison's Cave - Barbados August 2014
Photo taken by and property of
TriniTravelDiva a.k.a (NSL-R)

The historical Harrison’s Cave is a huge attraction and the history of the cave will blow your mind!  To get to the cave, you can take an elevator which was geniously built into the side of a cliff with lush vegetation all around.  The explorers who discovered the cave had a challenging task ahead of them because of the obstacles that were in their way.  For example, they had to crawl through blinding darkness where you can’t even see your hand in front of your face and there were many watering holes throughout the caves that also posed danger. 

Although Barbados is not directly in the path of hurricanes from West Africa, the island experiences many tropical storms and torrential rains during it’s rainy season, typically August/September.  It is not unusual for a storm to brew in a matter of minutes, have a heavy downpour and last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours.

 Written by Screenname TriniTravelDiva (a.k.a. NSL-R) on 9/2/14 . All photos taken by and are property of TriniTravelDiva (a.k.a. NSL-R)

VON VIENNA, AUSTRIA NACH MUNICH, GERMANY – July 2014

Munich  (or “München” in Germany) Bier and soccer

My third home, Munich, was alive with soccer fever when I was there during the 2014 World Cup.  Germany had just beaten Brazil (7-1) and was preparing for its final game against Argentina.  People were jubilant and beamed with national pride.  It is awesome to be in Europe, especially in Germany, during any soccer championships, but especially so during the World Cup.  Wherever I turned, German flags hung from every window, doorway and street sign in Munich.  They also flew proudly out of car windows as Germany awaited the final and deciding game of the World Cup.  Even the tourists who were there could not help but get caught up in the excitement of the atmosphere, as they too donned German flags painted on their faces and wore soccer jerseys.  Europeans can be fanatical about soccer and Germans were ecstatic about their big when over Argentina in the World Cup 2014 final game.  I was happy to be part of the atmosphere. 

Outdoor life is a very big part of German culture.  Bicycle riding is a favourite pastime and good way to get around.  Old and young people ride bikes everywhere.  The streets are also very bike friendly, with bike paths assigned for bicycle riders.  I love going on bike rides when I’m in Germany and my husband always makes sure to find a new scenic path for us cycle.

The biergartens are an inviting venue for families to gather for food and fun, and you can easily spend several hours eating, drinking and talking without realizing.  I went to the Augustine Biergarten, which is one of the oldest biergartens in Munich.  It holds over 5,000 seats in an open area shaded by many chestnut trees.  Biergartens are common all over Bavaria and are a big part of the landscape of the state.  I enjoyed the outdoor atmosphere that is also kid friendly and was very relaxing for adults.

Weiss wursts with pretzels (or brezens) are a favourite Bavarian food.  Most Bavarians eat the wursts shortly after they are made (this is when they are at their best quality).  This is not something that they typically store for future use although it is available at most Bavaria restaurants.  I don’t eat wursts but I tried a miscroscopic piece once.  I usually stick with pretzels and sweet mustard.  So yummy!  I also love the salads in Germany.  The vegetables are always extremely fresh and the salad dressing, which is not fussy, is some of the best I’ve tasted anywhere in the world.  Schnitzel, grilled chicken, fries and bier are heavily consumed.  This is true of the latter three especially during Oktoberfest, where they are the most consumed foods.  I’ve had the grilled chicken and fries and they are both very good.  The chicken is always grilled to perfection.  It is normal to drink, at a minimum, one whole stein (about 1 litre) of beer although some people can easily drink two or three steins.  Not being so much of a beer drinker anymore, I could barely finish one stein, but I did it.

The Danube River flows through Bavaria and is a place where people gather on its banks to hang out.  My husband took me on a long walk along the Danube (through Ingolstadt) and it was very serene.  The water is therapeutic as it flows along the banks and listening to the sound the ripples make is very relaxing.  I love Sundays in Germany because it’s the day that’s most peaceful.  Almost all businesses are closed and people generally attend church and take it easy on Sundays. 

Written by Screenname TriniTravelDiva (a.k.a. NSL-R) on 8/2/14 . All photos taken by and are property of TriniTravelDiva (a.k.a. NSL-R)

VON VIENNA, AUSTRIA NACH MUNICH, GERMANY – July 2014

Vienna  (or “Wien” in Austria)

Photo taken by and property of TriniTravelDiva a.k.a NSL-R
Vienna, Austria(July 2014)

Vienna in summer, aahhh!  She is such a magnificent old city with all of her charm and warmth just waiting to welcome you.  The city is exciting at the same time that she is easy going, and you will find that is it easy to acclimate to both.  Sidenote: Don’t worry, because you’ll unknowingly ease into one or the other.  The people I came into contact with were eager to interact and I really had to put my limited German speaking skills to the test, since my husband was not there with me.  People seemed to appreciate their surroundings and their moods reflected the same.   Also, people were willing to offer information about where to go and what to see.  Going for walks or just sitting on a bench and watching Vienna go by, was a favourite pastime of mine because I saw a lot from that vantage point.  Also, being there with family made the journey all the more worthwhile.  Sometimes you need to have experiences through different eyes, especially kids’ eyes, in order to really appreciate them.    

Horse-drawn carriages, Vienna, Austria (July 2014)
Photo taken by and property of TriniTrave;Diva a.k.a NSL-R



It is plain to see some of the cultural influences on Austria.  Mainly, the German language is widely spoken.  Also, Austria has a strong and long-standing history with the various arts.  You can hardly say Vienna without thinking of the Viennese waltz, the Vienna philharmonic, the Vienna boys’ choir, or the great classical musicians and artists who have all left their mark on art and music today.  The architecture also cannot be denied with its gothic and German influenced styles.  Many of Vienna’s buildings were damaged or destroyed during World War II and many of the older buildings were renovated and restored to almost what they were before the war.  Buildings, like the famous St. Stephen’s Cathedral in the heart of the city, was also damages and the renovations somewhat altered the original details.  Vienna would not be Vienna without the horse-drawn carriages.  They are part of the landscape and a big draw for tourists

Photo taken by and property of TriniTravelDiva a.k.a NSL-R  
Vienna, Austria (July 2014)

Having lunch or dinner (which of course should never be attempted without wine) in the garden at Griechenbeisl, one of the oldest restaurants in Vienna was a real treat.  It was really something special.  No one rushes you out the door and you are can truly enjoy the Griechenbeisl experience, which offers an honest taste of Vienna.  I long for more Viennese cuisine, which has influences from surrounding countries, but also has its own regional varieties.  It was some of the tastiest cuisine I’ve ever had.  Imagine having a meal or a drink where the likes of Mark Twain, Beethoven, Brahms came before you, is enough to make one want to have every meal there.  Eating ice-cream is a popular thing to do and in recent years, other food options like pizza, burgers, fried chicken and other fast food chains have all found a place and have become available in Vienna.

St. Stephen's Cathedral, Vienna, Austria
Photo taken by and property of TriniTravelDiva a.k.a NSL-R  (July 2014)

Vienna offers many wonderful sights, which must be seen.  St. Stephen’s Cathedral, which was under construction while I was there, was as commanding a sight as ever, even with all of the scaffolding around it.  The impressive Schoenbrunn Palace, Hofburg Palace and the zoo are just a few of the others sights to see.  There is a giant ferris wheel, which has become a part of Vienna’s skyline and is a popular tourist attraction.  However, walking along Mariahilferstrasse was a much more fantastic experience.  This is the main shopping street in Vienna and it is a haven for shoppers who can choose from designer labels to more affordable bargains.

Written by Screenname TriniTravelDiva (a.k.a. NSL-R) on 8/23/14 . All photos taken by and are property of TriniTravelDiva (a.k.a. NSL-R)

Christmas in New York City 2013

My husband and I spent Christmas in New York City.  We had four glorious days to enjoy and soak up the spirit of Christmas.  Checking out the department store windows dressed up for the occasion, aweing at the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Plaza, walking through this city that knows how to celebrate the holiday season.  This is my most favourite time of year.

We arrived by train at Penn Station and were immediately surrounded by Christmas cheer.  The train station was brilliantly decorated with Christmas trees and other seasonal decorations.  We spent some time looking around and taking pictures.

We walked around the City taking in the decorations.  There were people everywhere and the feeling of good cheer in the air.  We were taking pictures at one display when a person who was dressed in a Minnie Mouse costume snuck up behind my husband.  He did not see her and when he took a step back, she was so close that he ran over her!  It really was her own fault since she was trying to get into our picture.

On Christmas Eve, we went to Macy’s and could barely walk through the aisles given the hoardes of people who were there to check out the window displays, shop or visit santa’s workshop, which was set up inside the store.  The line for this was three hours long!  We were out and about with the thousands of other last minute shoppers.  This hustle and bustle is one of the things I enjoy at Christmas time.  Lucky for me I did not have to hustle my shopping since I was not shopping for gifts.  My husband was dumbfounded when he saw two young women walking around Macy’s dressed only in very seductive lingerie.  He was even more taken aback that no else in the store seem phased by this degree of exposure. 

On Christmas day, we had a romantic, but cold walk through Central Park.  We drank hot chocolate to warm up and just enjoyed the moment.  The Park was filled with people from all over out for a Christmas day stroll.   We left Central Park and walked along Fifth Avenue, stopping to peek in at the windows that were decorated and eat chestnuts.

We also saw Chicago on Broadway, which was one of the most entertaining shows I’ve seen in a long time.  The show was sold out and it was great!

We stopped by the NBC studios in time to see Cathy Lee Gifford wrapping up a segment of her show.  The entire staff had gathered to wish each other Merry Christmas.

I love Christmastime in New York City and hope that I can spend it there again.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!

Written by Screenname TriniDiva (a.k.a. NSL-R) on 1/18/14 . All photos taken by and are property of TriniDiva (a.k.a. NSL-R)

Trinidad & Tobago in September 2013 – Feelin’ Hot Hot Hot!

In September 2013, I was in Trinidad for my wedding anniversary.  My last visit to Trinidad was in 2008 and I had forgotten how beautiful this island and the people are.  I love Trinidad and Tobago, always!

My husband made this trip with me and I was very curious about what his experience would be like.  He longed to go to Trinidad for many years and when we finally got there neither he nor I could believe that he was truly there.  He saw one of the places where I lived, the hospital where I was born and places where I had eaten when I lived in Trinidad.  He loved Trinidad very much and is already looking forward to going back.  His only wish is that the heat would not be as intense as it is. 

Our hotel, in the heart of Port of Spain, has a panoramic view of the ocean.  This great location also offered the best sunsets I’ve seen anywhere.  The colors that the sky takes on during dusk are mesmerizing.  My husband especially enjoyed the view from the pool, where we watched boats and ships as they sailed by.  I enjoyed the same view from the room.  We could get to all major points from this location, many of them by foot (albeit slow due to the heat), or by a short car ride.

My husband loves zoos, and we always go to the zoo in any new city we visit.  So of course, we visited the Emperor Valley Zoo at the Queen’s Park Savannah, which has a great collection of exotic animal exhibits, birds and aquatic life, including a 16-foot anaconda found in the swamps in Caroni, Trinidad.  This is currently one of the zoo’s main attractions.  We also walked around the Savannah (the world’s largest roundabout) and visited the Botanical Gardens where we saw horticulture beyond our imagination.  There were very old trees, very tall trees, brightly coloured plants and flowers, some of them strange looking and ones we had never seen before.

Walking around the capital city of Port-of-Spain brought back so many memories of my childhood.  The sights, sounds and smells were all still there as if I had never left.  The sidewalk vendors are a permanent fixture in Trinidad and tell of the entrepreneurial spirit of many Trinidadians.  They still sell many of the treats I grew up loving and realized that I still love.  My husband tried only minimal local cuisine (not risking upsetting his stomach with intense seasonings and spicy heat that he’s not used to), but I got my fill of the foods I grew up eating, that were so fresh and finger-licking good.  A popular place near the docks in Port of Spain is called the Breakfast Shed.  But, if you imagine order bacon and eggs or waffles and syrup, you can forget about it.  The Shed serves heavy duty meals that are sure to sustain you throughout the day.  It is a good place to get a true taste of the local cuisine (pepper sauce on the side).

Independence day was only a couple of weeks before we arrived in Trinidad and the city was still draped with every size of the national flag hanging from every building, street lamp, tree or pole that was in sight.  The city was beautiful to see covered in the national colours of red, white and black. It gave me a real sense of pride to be there during this time and my husband was proud to be there with me.

We did not make it to Tobago, but we hope to get there on our next trip so stay tuned for part two of this blog.

Written by Screenname TriniDiva (a.k.a. NSL-R) on 10/10/13. All photos taken by and are property of TriniDiva (a.k.a. NSL-R)