Overview

The ocean is important to the people of Trinidad and Tobago. Our culture is diverse, influenced by Africa, India, Europe and Indigenous peoples. For many of us, going to the beach is a ritual. It is cleansing, rejuvenating and also spiritual.

I will take you to the beaches of Las Cuevas and Maracas, located on our ruggedly beautiful north coast. The drive through the mountains just outside our city is magical and mystical as we have a great many folk stories about the energies that live in and protect the forest. The best known is Papa Bois, a shape-shifting creature, half-man, half-deer. As long as you leave the forest and surroundings clean, you will not experience his wrath. However, there are real stories of hunters who have felt afraid that he would punish them because of over-hunting or cruelty to the animals that Papa Bois protects.

But don’t worry, I’ve never made Papa Bois unhappy with me as I go to the beach to be at peace with nature, have fun and eat delicious food. As we say here yuh safe!