Trinidad by Peter Ruellan, writer, author,books,islands,adventure,fiction
Channel: ruellan2003
Date: 2012-03-30

Let us approach the most southerly islands of the Caribbean, laying just north of Venezuela and Guyana; just south of Grenada and Barbados. 
 We sight the northern shore of the island which for a time
will  be our home.  As we draw near to Trinidad we gaze at it with deep interest, for now, seeing only a lofty ridge of barren rocks
rising out of the water, and extending from east to west. At it's closest point Trinidad is only a few miles  off the South American coast, and while Trinidad and Tobago sit on the South American continental shelf, the islands, their language, and their culture are closely linked with the rest of the English speaking Caribbean, North America, India, and Africa. We inhale a fresh breeze through the Boca Grande, one
of the entrances into the gulf, when a beautiful scene  burst into view.  On our right hand appeared the mountains of Cumana, on the mainland of South America, their summits towering to the clouds; on our left rose up the lofty precipices of
Trinidad, covered to their topmost height with numerous trees, their
green foliage contrasting with the intense blue of the sky.  The shore,
as far as the eye could see, was fringed with mangrove-trees, their
branches dipping into the sea.  Many entrances to the
bay, called by Columbus the Dragons' Mouths, with green rocky isles
between them;  the western shore of the island extended as far as the eye could reach, with ranges of green hills intersected by valleys with glittering streams like chains of diamonds running down their sides, towards the turquoise waters of the gulf. Trinidad's climate is moderated by constant trade winds. Wearing camouflage clothing is against the law in Trinidad and Tobago. There is at least one Public Holiday for each major religion, christian and Hindu in particular. Carnival Monday and Tuesday, the two days immediately before Lent.  Divali (India) being the most important, as well as Easter. The color of the Trinidad flag represents the power of the elements. Red symbolized  the energy of the sun, fire, and the courage and warmth of the people. Black symbolizes  strength, earth,  and the natural wealth of the land. And White symbolizes water, the sea by which the land is bound,  the purity of thought, and the equality of all men. Wild Poinsettia flowers are seen everywhere. Calypso  music is in the air, especially near the markets and beaches. -- Peter Ruellan 2012