admin

"Trini" Alice in Filipino Wonderland

Posted on January 5, 2015by admin

The Honourable Dr. Eric Williams invited the Filipino community to Trinidad in 1964. This was just after his trip to the Far East. He may have realized that for such a skilled nation of 7,102 islands and over 103 million people it may have been competitive for the Filipinos to find work in their own job market. He may have also realized that this community which speaks English, Spanish and dialect Tagalog of Catholic and Muslim religions may have been similar to his multicultural state of Trinidad and Tobago. In addition, a lightning bolt idea probably struck him when he may have realized the resourcefulness and dual benefit to these citizens and to his Trinidad if he offered them employment by inviting these skilled professionals to fill the labour shortages in his country. Later they would arrive from the island of Cebu and the capital city of the Philippines, Manila to fill skill gaps as medical personnel, doctors, nurses, pharmacists and to assist with the restructuring of the then TELCO Trinidad telephone state services which were deplorable and affecting everyone including Dr. Eric Williams. Today, the estimated Filipino population in Trinidad is approximately over 1,000 persons. They are found in several skilled areas of engineering, medicine, construction, art, culture, business and culinary arts.

I have been fortunate to have been invited to their “potlucks” on several occasions (Birthdays and New Years Eve) to experience first hand Filipino culture. This is a house party with lots of Filipino food ( the Filipinos attending bring a dish or more to the table), karaoke singing and family (this does not necessarily mean blood relation but friends from the Filipino community in Trinidad). Filipino food is usually steamed or stir fried. Their diet is quite healthy and they consume less oil. Although, there is almost always the roasting of a pig over an open fire! This pig is stuffed with herbs and covered in coconut oil and roasted for flavor, texture and fat reduction! It is neither too salty or too sweet or too spicy but flavorful for the palate. Even if you are not family you are treated as though you are part of their household. There is plenty laughing and though they speak Tagalog their English is quite good and the “Trini” dialect as well! They are excellent hosts as they always make sure their guests are comfortable and happy. Their hospitality emanates like a pulsating aura of love and positive, clean, happy energy throughout their home from the minute they greet you throughout your stay even until you leave and get in your car ready to leave. One can reminisce that they went to the Philippines and returned to Trinidad as this culture immersion captivates individuals each time almost like magical realism to a “Trini” Alice in a “Filipino” Wonderland fairytale!

It is this very essence of culture immersion, adaptability and diversification that reflects how one nation, a twin island state can exist in peace with many others under one sun and one sky. Trinidad is blessed by this beautiful gem of multiculturalism. Even though we are many cultures the respect and appreciation for each other shout volumes of amplified unity and harmony as one body of a Trinbagonian identity.

So Live and Let Live,

Love and Be Loved,

Experience Culture & Respect Each Other

Represent Your Nation

Trinidad and Tobago

The True Caribbean

xoxo

Let’s Go Trinidad and Tobago

Singh's Doubles-The Untold Barra Story

Posted on December 17, 2014by admin

The Origin of Doubles

The rumour is that doubles began in Princess Town when a barra vendor put two barras together with some channa and sold it. No one started started doubles in Debe rather the vendors started with doubles already founded by someone else. Debe Doubles began sixty five years ago.

Singh’s Doubles History

According to Harry Persad his Nanny, Barnie Bhoolai and Nana Ramrattan Bhoolai who started making the Indian delicacies. Basdeo Bhoolai started selling them at the markets. Basdeo got married and left to live in St. John’s Road, Avocat. He spoke about Namdeo Singh’s father, Parduman Singh and his mother together with Barnie and Ramrattan Bhoolai who continued the trade until they passed away and handed down the business to their children who are now the current owners.

After interviewing Namdeo Singh I found out that his grandmother sold the first jalebi in Trinidad made from a mixture of honey and spices. She also made sweets like tall boy (something like a twizzler), kurma and ladoo. Singh’s Doubles started with the barra, saheena and kachourie. This barra was sold with chutney. The ingredients for the barra came from urdi which was planted in Trinidad. Singh’s Barra was sold at markets and pay yards; Barrackpore oil field market, Golconda oil field market, Picton oil field market, Hermitage oil field market, Woodland oil field market. Caroni Limited workers would come by train to the market. Workers were paid in cash and were able to pay for their treats of barra on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays which were market days.

(Photo credit Introvertly Bubbly: http://introvertlybubbly.com/ )

The Transition

They moved from selling at markets to selling at the Debe junction next to a Chinese shop. Patrons bought their doubles on Fridays and Saturdays when they would frequent the Chinese shop. Huts and strips began when the Chinese owner, named Aqui , relative to the late Governor General Solomon Hochoy removed other persons from crowding his area and selling there.

Thirty five years ago they built huts at their homes and began selling their doubles from there . It was the family’s main source of income and it was a generational job as Namdeo’s ( the story teller) mother also sold at The Hummingbird Cinema to earn money to send Namdeo to the prestigious Naparima College by train. The Debe food strip began here at their homes.

Present Day

Currently, the business is 80 years old and has seventeen workers. It is passionately carried on because of the will to live the legacy of their grandparents. Singh’s Doubles is just one of the many food huts selling Indo Trinidadian fusion food in south Trinidad. It is the most distinguishable hut as it is the only hut that has seating and shelter from the rain for approximately fifteen people or more, it offers clean surroundings, bathroom facilities to customers and quality customer service to all.

Thank you Namdeo Singh for taking the time to share your family’s history with us!

7 Recipes for #TriniChristmasEnthusiasts!!!

Posted on December 5, 2014by admin

So you are far away from Trinidad and Tobago and won’t be coming home this year? Your “in-laws” are coming over to visit? You are caught in some deep “do da” now that you really want to impress that special someone with your cooking but don’t know how? How about you the one who just wants to make a nice Christmas dinner for the family but you can’t decide on the menu? Well don’t you worry your pretty self we have you covered. Here are 7 recipes to make your Christmas tastier and merrier!

1. Trini Pastelle

http://www.trinicooks.com/cookbook/item/specialty-recipes/pastelles-2

2. Trini Ponche de Creme

http://www.simplytrinicooking.com/2008/12/ponche-de-creme.html#axzz3L2aTGKRb

3. Trinidad Black Cake

http://www.simplytrinicooking.com/2008/12/trinidad-black-cake.html#axzz3L2aTGKRb

4. Sorrel

http://www.trinigourmet.com/index.php/sorrel-drink/

5.Trini Christmas Rice

http://www.simplytrinicooking.com/2011/12/christmas-rice.html#axzz3L2aTGKRb

6. Trini Christmas Ham

http://www.simplytrinicooking.com/2009/12/trini-christmas-ham-ii.html#axzz3L2aTGKRb

7. Ginger Beer

http://www.simplytrinicooking.com/2008/12/ginger-beer.html#axzz3L2aTGKRb

Click the links and see much more recipes below

http://www.trinicooks.com/cookbook/frontpage

http://www.trinigourmet.com/

Well it looks like our Trini chefs have everything under control for you!

So you can relax and enjoy the festivities of the season!

http://www.theydrawandcook.com/recipes/mrs-clauss-superfood-salad-by-jasmine-wall

(click the link above to see a really cool illustrated salad recipe courtesy Jasmine Wall)

10 Reasons you need a #ttfashioncation in your life this Christmas!

Posted on December 4, 2014by admin

Oh Christmas that time of the year when the air is a bit cold as Jack Frost’s is hunting down our far away Winter neighbours. In Trinidad,while we may be lucky to have our bake and shark at Maracas and eat it too this season is just as tumultuous! A Trini Christmas experience has similar gaiety and angst as we frolic around the house cleaning, decorating, cooking and the fashionistas begin stalking the shops to discover great finds to give the gift of fashion to someone or themselves!!!!!!! Does this sound familiar? You better get the girlfriends together and read this!

10 Reasons you need to pack up and get here on the next flight asap!

1. Duty Free Shopping

You so need to stop thinking about those crowded stores and long lines for Christmas! Do it duty free style this year. Start a new Christmas trend. Here is a nifty list for you to check out when you get here!

http://www.tntisland.com/dutyfree.html

http://caribbean-airlines.com/index.php/products-a-services/duty-free/overview

2. Shopping Markets

Hey this is the new hang out! The new place to meet up with old friends, make new friends, discover unique gifts, locally crafted with value to suit your pockets.

https://www.facebook.com/themarketatthenormandie/timeline

https://www.facebook.com/UpMarketTT

3. Designer Boutiques

Oooh if you are like me and swoon for chic island luxury then a few boutique stops will be on your list too!

https://www.facebook.com/BlueBasin

https://www.facebook.com/MeilingInc

https://www.facebook.com/NIXPIXX

https://www.facebook.com/kajdesigns

4. Island Accommodation

Let Trinidad and Tobago sweep you off your feet with our warm hospitality and tropical charm during your stay with us. Oh by the way where are you staying again? You can check these out! one of these has an amazing sea view while the other has the only revolving restaurant in the Caribbean!

https://www.facebook.com/MagdalenaGrand?fref=photo

https://www.facebook.com/capitalplazatrinidad?fref=photo

5. Trini Christmas

While you are here on the shopping extravaganza of your lifetime feel free to partake in our festivities!!! Here’s is one festival that captures the spirit of a true Trini Christmas. This includes food, parang music and a fabulous time!

https://www.facebook.com/events/315323895330833/

6. Christmas Villages

I’m sure you all have them too but ours is a bit different! You can enjoy more shopping with lots and lots of Christmas Village exhibits throughout the country. Here’s a popular one in the link below!

https://www.facebook.com/CelebratingLife.ChristmasVillage

7. Island Glitz and Glam

Come on the new year is so tomorrow and while you are here I highly recommend you get your glitz and glam fix from our certified personal stylists, hair gurus and make up artists! Let the transformation begin!

http://www.stephanieramlogan.com/

https://www.facebook.com/DollzBeautySpa

8. Trinidad Fashion History

Of course every destination has a story to tell and so does Trinidad. Pick up a copy of A Spirited Butterfly by Rosemary Stone and get comfy with your beach chair while you tan, lounge and learn all about the struggles, success stories and strife of a nation that aspires to be the premier fashion destination in the Caribbean.

https://www.facebook.com/ASpiritedButterfly

9. Fashion Design

Get interactive! No not online! Right here in Trinidad you can get inspired, be creative and design your own fashion pieces or take a workshop from one or two or more of our many designers.

https://www.facebook.com/kokokaribidesigns?ref=br_tf

10. Online Shopping

Oh yea so after you have found your favourite fashion and shopping items you are standing at the airport all teary eyed waiting on your flight. Now that the trip in the warm tropics with the happy sunshine people is over you can rest assured your shopping needs are covered by a local online shopping fashion-preneur and stylist Stephanie Ramlogan of No More Fashion Victims Inc.

https://www.facebook.com/NMFVinc

We wish you a fashionable Christmas and a fabulous holiday!

From all of us at Let’s Go Trinidad and Tobago!!!

COCO Dance Festival

Posted on October 3, 2014by admin

The COCO Dance Festival began in 2009 with dance professionals and founders Nancy Herrera, Sonja Dumas, Nicole Wesley and Dave Williams. This festival gives choreographers and dance professionals the opportunity to pioneer approaches to choreography and explore contemporary and post modern forms of dance. Moreover, there is much space to experiment with dance aesthetics. This festival is a dynamic force for propelling the Trinidad and Tobago Dance Industry. It fosters the development of collaborative and interdisciplinary approaches in the production of art, performance and lecture with The University of the West Indies and the University of Trinidad and Tobago’s dance programmes. Basically, it offers mentorship for emerging choreographers by giving them a professional platform for performance and experimentation with direction for development as their steward.

(NeoIndigenA – Santee Smith)

So far the work of founders as well as creative art and dance professionals from Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Canada and the U.S.A have been showcased. This year the festival has a guest cast of the New York Battery Dance Company (supported by the Embassy of the United States of America), The University of South Florida’s Dance Program, The University Dance Company of Texas Tech University (supported by Texas Tech University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts). The COCO screening committee also chose Akuzuru, Brittany Williams, Deliece Knights, Jacob Cino, Jelae Stroude-Mitchell, Jillene Forde, Juan- Pablo Alba- Dennis, Kinesha Charleau, Sade Chance and Santee Smith to perform. The COCO community outreach programme has selected finalists from the Prime Minister’s Best Village Trophy competition to make their contribution. Other dance entities participating include Ibis Dance Company directed by Sherma Burke, New Edition by Jodie Daniel, Eh Beh Oui Don Don directed by Kizzy Murray. founders and directors like Sonja Dumas and Dave Williams will also feature their work.

(Summer Fall – Sean Scantlebury – New York Battery Dance Company)

The calendar of activities include a free film series( four french films in collaboration with L’Alliance Francaise), the annual COCO awards and the COCO Dance Festival programme of performances. There is also the community outreach initiative with a series of master dance classes that are being facilitated by local and foreign dance professionals at TTD$40.00 per class. The types of dance forms include contemporary modern, contemporary Amerindian, Zena Rommet Floor Barre and Modern African Caribbean techniques. The COCO Dance Festival itinerary starts on Friday October 3, 2014 at 6:30 p.m. (inclusive of the COCO Awards). On Saturday October 4, 2014 there will be outdoor/indoor spatial presentation at 6:30 p.m. However, showtime is at 7:30 p.m. On Sunday October 5, 2014 there is an outdoor/indoor spatial presentation at 5:30 p.m with showtime at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are only TTD$100.00. They are available at Alliance Francaise, The Bread Basket in St. Ann’s and Woodbrook, participating choreographers and Queen’s Hall.

(Oshe – Sherma Burke – Ibis Dance Company)

After being invited to attend the dress rehearsal for the COCO Dance Festival last evening at the Queen’s Hall we realize the commitment that this country (public and private stakeholders) has made to its creative arts industry. This is not to be taken lightly. An industry can only grow and develop further from partnership, collaboration, stakeholder relationship, excellent quality and quantity of resources, zero tolerance for laissez faire attitudes, an ambition to improve, a strong recognition for standards and their maintenance of them. They identify that dance is an art form and like true connoisseurs of this art form Sonja Dumas and her team appreciate that there is no room for sub standards. Rehearsal after rehearsal they must get it right because the international stage is watching. But this is not the only reason. Aside from the fact that this is the social media era where any click on a camera phone literally puts Trinidad and Tobago on the map Sonja and everyone participating must ensure that quality of production is up to par because this affects end result of production.

(Intomergence – Jeane Travers)

The design thinking behind costumes, choreography, musical arrangements, programme structure all tie together to evoke emotions and convey the visionary’s (committee’s ) concept. Last evening, locals and foreigners performed on the same stage. There was a high rank of execution and delivery to the audience. However, there was enough clarity to distinguish among the Caribbean, American and Canadian dance professionals. Simply, each contingent owned their dance aesthetic identity which is most important in any art form. I could not choose a favourite for the night because they were all exceptional. They communicated a plethora of undertones; love, happiness, sadness, pain, struggle, freedom,celebration and so much more which were easily identifiable. The couples, solos, trios, groups were all on point. Their exchange and collaboration made for the perfect night allowing the viewers to vicariously live through their performance. (Yes it was that authentic even though we were just observing!) Yet, it was the design management of the production that allowed for the COCO Dance Festival to be identified as such a superior creative arts brand in Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean.

(Striking – Jacob Cino)

Overall, the advent of training sessions, the exposure to foreign work and these outstanding dance personas, the support of local dance institutes, production companies, the passion for dance and the national pride exist to promote the art form as an international brand with its distinct aesthetic. They signify advance development for the creative arts sector in Trinidad and Tobago. The “powers that be” should carefully consider the magnanimous implications of future development and promotion of the creative arts sector. The COCO Dance Festival is already a box office hit. One can only suggest that creative arts as a solution to the migraine of diversification in Trinidad and Tobago (an ironically already diverse destination) would result in the catapulting of a more sustainable and stronger economy.

So what are you still waiting for?

Go get your tickets!

Don’t miss out on this experience!

https://www.facebook.com/COCODanceFest

Thank you Liza Miller ( Estuary PR)

for your invite to cover

The COCO Dance Festival

xoxo

Let’s Go Trinidad and Tobago

Fashion that Rocks

Posted on September 30, 2014by admin

On to the review…

Fashion That Rocks was hosted on the 27th September 2014 by local designer Jelesha Cunningham of design label Jay Jay’s Designs at the Point Fortin Town Hall. This was a fundraising fashion event. It was a contributory show to support her ‘send off’ to showcase her Trinidadian designs in a Houston fashion show later this year. In addition, this was also her debut of the collection entitled Ethel named after her grandmother. Other designers included RastaChiq Creationz, Kern Bess, Kendy’s Designs, K’s Image Jewelry, Afrodisiac, Daww Creations and many more. These collections covered swimwear, resort wear, urban wear, street style, menswear and kids wear. Jewelry sets and accessories like hand bags were also featured on the runway. One designer, Kern Bess also sought to introduce the patrons to a bit of avant garde fashion with creative dresses made of newspaper stuck together by tape.

The feature designer for the night was Jelesha Cunningham. She is the protege of iconic Trinidadian designer duo Zadd and Eastman who also hail from Point Fortin. Jelesha’s most valuable asset is her ability to play with design. This is an artistic direction that will guide her end result. Her apparent humble nature has reinforced her ability to understand her clientele, their demand, needs and the execution of the delivery of their requests. This comes across quite clearly on the runway in the fit of the clothing to the size of the models. Some of her designs catered to a niche of average to medium built and plus size women (who are often forgotten in the designer fashion industry). Hence, this experience and innate quality guides her to tailor design to supply this demand. This basic business principle is sometimes overlooked by many entrepreneurs. (The golden catch is when the designer foresees what the client needs or will need and want but the client does not yet expect. )

Her collection also revealed her skill to style different cuts and her drive to manipulate design (which is extremely nifty when designing for the everyday woman with the regular fashion problems; tummy bulges etc). In essence, designers do not always have to create something new because new does not guarantee good design. Furthermore, people must understand that creation is “something from which nothing had begot…” which means the act of making or doing something that never existed before. This is where innovation comes into play by the skill to use different materials, colours, textures, patterns, prints, cuts, stitches and accessories (zips, buttons, embellishments). Thankfully, Jelesha has acquired this savor faire as this is again blatant in her Ethel collection. Overall, she managed a good turn out of patrons for her event who thoroughly enjoyed her show.

Click below to stop and shop at Jay Jay’s Designs
https://www.facebook.com/pages/JaY-JaY-DeigN/161290660677441

Jay Jay’s Designs has the potential to be a local household name as well as an internationally acclaimed brand.

To: Jay Jay Cornwall
We love your purple hair! Congratulations on the new collection!
We wish you the best in your future endeavors
&
We would like to extend our gratitude to your assistant
Chantelle Edwards who was very professional, sincere and accommodating to us
From: Let’s Go Trinidad and Tobago
xoxo

Fashion Therapy – #IAM

Posted on September 16, 2014by admin

Fashion Therapy is a worldwide phenomenon that has deep roots in retail therapy, wearapy and art therapy. Retail therapy is a confession of almost every human being. Often we splurge on at least one item that we use to make us feel better by increasing self esteem and confidence. Do you give the gift of fashion? Do you love to help others through your profession or personal accord of styling, make up art , designing, shopping ? Do you practice those “do it yourself” tutorials revolutionizing your old sandals, accessories, creating turbans, head wraps from scarfs and scraps of cloth? Do you do this with your “besties” ? Well consider yourself part of the movement. What movement?! I’m sorry I meant the lifestyle. Yes, the lifestyle to incorporate healthy stress relieving activities into your monotonous and hectic schedule.

Back it up!!!

Multi millionaire divorcee Mouna Ayoub spent more than 500,000 pounds a year on designer clothing. She was married to billionaire Nasser Al Rashid in 1979. Then she used clothes as a form of retail and fashion therapy during her years in the isolated environment of the Saudi Arabian marriage. She is even quoted as saying, “Fashion became my medicine- my only way out of a very restricted life,” (Rose and Allen, Teenagers Get Fashion Therapy). Another concept, wearapy is a term coined by television personality and style expert Jeannie Mai. She is quoted explaining wearapy as her psychology of style, “colours, textures and the way we reveal our body shape can enhance, reflect and effect our every mood and thought. Fashion has the power to fuel our souls and create a specific audience of energy in our lives,” (Style Bistro, Jeannie Mai Dissects 10 Celebrity Styles).

There is further proof that fashion therapy is functional. The Arthur Centre at the University Hospital of Marseilles offers patients the opportunity to dress up in designer wear to raise self esteem and treat adolescent problems like anorexia and depression. It was noted that after the adolescents try on the designer clothes they are proud of their bodies again. There is reinforcement of positive behavior and extinction of negative behavior by trying to wean the teenagers off the behavior that is associated with their condition. Research at this unit has discovered that clothes are symptomatic to certain diseases. Bulimics prefer darker clothes and anorexics choose larger sizes. Hence bulimics are weaned to wear brighter colours. Soon the therapists notice progress when the teenagers start trying on clothes and progressing towards positive behavior. Then they leave the center. The center’s annual report of the first year has already indicated significant success (Rose and Allen, Teenagers Get Fashion Therapy).

But wait there is more… fashion is a form of creative art and design so it is also a form of art therapy (Oh yes it is!!). The American Art Therapy Association defines art therapy as “a mental health profession that uses the creative process of art making to improve and enhance the physical , mental and emotional well being of individuals of all ages. It is based on the belief that the creative process involved in artistic self expression helps people to resolve conflicts and problems, develop interpersonal skills, manage behavior , reduce stress, increase self esteem and self awareness, and achieve insight,”(Cherry, What is Art Therapy). Basically thoughts, images, perceptions, feelings and imagination from the inner self are coerced to emerge from inhibition through art sessions of sculpting, painting, drawing and collage making.

In Trinidad there is music therapy (Jamal Glynn), play therapy (Healing with Horses) and art therapy (Sian MacLean) but there is certainly a prevalence of fashion therapy although it is not formalized. We love to dress up and change up our look to events, home gatherings, school, work, church, other religious associations and jaunts to the supermarket or Sunday market. There are local fashion markets (RackedTT), creative markets( Upmarket, ThingsTT), local designer boutiques (Woodbrook is becoming the local fashion district) and enough resources to acquire textiles (Jimmy Aboud The Textile King), accessories, embellishments (beadcafe) to create your own outfits and start designing your own look or enhancing it. There are local beauty and hair care brands such as Sacha Cosmetics, Immortelle Beauty, Cher Mere. Infinite independent make up artists with easy access tutorials online help you change up your look (allyuh know I not joking when I say infinite almost everyone of you reading this knows at least one local make up artist).

So in addition to your extra glass of Cabernet Sauvignon try some fashion therapy. The shopping for clothes, shoes, accessories, their inherent textures, colours, cuts, styles, the act of creating and reinventing your old outfits, personal appearance through make up, hair and nail art are just as therapeutic. Whether you do this alone, in groups or as a couple (yes this is not just for you ladies!) you have given yourself the freedom of expression of identity and the release of your pent up stress and anxiety.

So now that you know this is serious business and “pinky swear” with me not to take fashion therapy for granted (lol okay you don’t have to do it…it was just a figure of speech). But in future try not to bail on the next shopping spree, make over or reconsider going out because you take hours styling your OOTD (Outfit of the Day) or OOTN (Outfit of the Night). You might want to think about that favor you would be doing yourself. Oh and guys give the ladies a break and don’t hassle them when they take their time. It is merely because women are more emotional beings. They are trying to express themselves through their clothes and sense of style. The process of choosing an outfit is a detailed process that requires revisiting how certain colours and textures make them feel about themselves. This is unpredictable and can take from ten minutes to about an hour or more. So either learn a lesson from them, join them in this stress relieving venture or give them their time. Trust me it is definitely going to be worth your while in the long run.

Here are some useful links below

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-11932/Teenagers-fashion-therapy.html

http://www.stylebistro.com/How+Do+I+Look+-+Jeannie+Mai+Dissects+10+Celebrity+Styles

http://psychology.about.com/od/psychotherapy/f/art-therapy.htm

#fashiontherapytt

Let’s Go Trinidad and Tobago

The Nest Visitors Accommodation

Posted on September 3, 2014by admin

Basically, this bed and breakfast chateau is easily accessible, affordable and exonerating. I have known the property owner for some years and it is safe to say his guests are undeniably in some of the most hospitable hands of the south land. Rarely, you would meet a proprietor who has developed a business for their genuine passion; travel, hospitality, tourism and people than monetary gain. I believe this is what sets him apart from the other operators. This love and passion is transferred to business caricature by extension client and owner relationships. This is a service industry; hospitality and tourism so people remember how you make them feel!

The Nest Visitors Accommodation is located at Hunte Street, De Gannes Village Siparia. Yes Siparia the neighbour to “Barra Town” or Debe Food Stalls, Fun Splash Water Park, La Divina Pastora ( The Black Madonna) and Daisy Voisin, a former parandero. This culturally steeped community is nestled in the countryside of the south land. However, it is certainly not all quaint as one can be at the heartbeat of the bustling commercial centre and local farmers’ market in two minutes. Other towns and areas are also easily accessible from there.

At The Nest Visitors Accommodation there are 3 self contained units for the guests. Each room can hold between one to four persons. Each apartment has a kitchenette, dining area, common area, toilet and bath, cable television, air conditioning, free wi-fi, hot and cold shower. The first unit has washing facilities. There is off street parking. The local police units are only five minutes away. It is a safe area for guest who want to escape and relax in their own nest. The rooftop view is simply amazing as on clear sky days one can see the breathtaking San Fernando Hill. Also, guests can request meals, pick ups and guided tours if they need to since these amenities are available. The rates are usually from USD$50.00 – USD$70.00 but this may depend on the season. The Nest Visitors Accommodation can also be used to facilitate your next event.

So far The Nest Visitors Accommodation attracts many international guests researchers, couples, families, culture enthusiasts and local “staycationers”. So if you have not been there yet I recommend you go check them out!

Click the links to find out more!!

http://www.rentmeavacation.com/rental2752

https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Nest-Visitors-Accommodation-Siparia/143941335639851

Summer Sizzle – Trinidad Designer Islandstyle

Posted on July 31, 2014by admin

Summer what we know about that?! (dry season and rainy season is what we have here this is the Caribbean mon! I guess summer is 365 days of happiness here) Welcome to the land of island party as the locals say the “lime always sweet”. The international media might be drilling us with “summer activities”. But they can take a lesson or two from us. We don’t have to get ready in Trinidad because we stay ready! The only time we consider getting ready is when we need a wardrobe change! I guess it’s that time again darlings!!! Time to show our international fans how we do our “summer sizzle”!

Let me re- introduce our celebrity designer panel for those who need to get re-acquainted with them. Designer Keisha Als and former Project Runway Winner Anya Ayoung Chee have teamed up to do some “summer designs” just for you. Choose from fringe monokinis, neon elastic 2 pieces, a suspender 2 piece, strings, feathers, mesh, metallic accents highlight and contour some of these pieces to you stand out and be etched in memory at your next island party! Guess what the Canyaval shop online has several of these items on sale right now!!! So Get in Gear or I guess just wait in despair!

(SHOP HERE ) http://thecanyavalshop.myshopify.com/

Moving on to my other sweet heart Chandra Maharaj of Chandra Maharaj Swimwear. Yes our Trini / Brazilian connection is also on our Celebrity panel for scorching this summer sizzle wardrobe. Her claim to fame are not only her accolades from international fashion shows but the iconic wearing of her pieces by celebrity Angela Simmons and a member of Chris Brown’s flame Karreuche Tran’s posse to name just a few. She has brought new additions of skirts to match her swimwear thus being one of the first to create the swimsuit set for this “summer”. (Yayy now I don’t have to be running around like a headless chicken trying to find the perfect cover up or a two in one combo to switch up). Her collection Zambi inspired by her journey to Africa is also on sale!!!!!!!!!! Summer Sizzle wardrobe might be getting too hottttttttttttt to handle!

( SHOP NOW) http://chandramaharajswimwear.com/shop/

Now for the bonus!!! After you have shopped from our Trinidad Celebrity designers please bear in mind you can show your loyalty, love and light for them at their event hosted by IslandMe Magazine in August!! There they unveil their Monday Wear Collections along with some local and emerging designers. You thought your summer was hot think haute again! This is what our Summer Sizzle looks like in Trinidad ; Swimsuit Season, Band Launch Season, Carnival Monday Wear Season!!! Don’t get green with envy just book your tickets to Trinidad, shop local and party local and you can leave after only if you have to then depart with a summer of unforgettable memories!!!

xoxo

Let’s Go Trinidad and Tobago

Iris Atsin – La Parisienne

Posted on July 28, 2014by admin

Oui! Oui! Oui! Take me to Paris!
Friday evening started off a bit stormy. I almost did not leave my house. But I felt like I owed it to Parisian designer, Iris Atsin to come out and support her first launch in Trinidad. After all she is “head over heels” in love with the island. In addition, the team at Let’s Go Trinidad and Tobago embraces those who share the same patriotic heart for our twin island republic.

The nitty gritty … Who is Iris Atsin? I have no idea really?! From the looks of things she seems to be a pretty long locked, brown sugar, tall, colour eyed french designer. All I know is the little buzz I saw on social media at Tobago Fashion Weekend, a few local magazine interviews and of course her bold move to change launch dates with me so that we would both attend each others’ events. ( So kind of her although due to unforeseen circumstances I had to cancel mine).

(photo courtesy IRIS ATSIN ltd)
La Parisienne Collection Launch took place at The Carlton Savannah. This was an excellent choice to use a local gem of a hotel. There was a good turn out although the rain brought some patrons late. Those who cancelled or who left because they felt they may have died in anticipation if they waited for any more surely missed out. One does not get a second chance at first impressions or in this case a second chance to get a first impression of Iris Atsin’s first collection launch in our paradise isle.

(photo courtesy Lime.tt)
Sir Charles hosted for the evening. But the collection did not need a host. The collection spoke, it sang and told me all I needed to know about Iris before I even met her. Parisian music blasted from the speakers and the models hit the runway! Each model’s hairstyle and make up was on point. They looked like Parisian dolls. Swim suits bustled down the runway to the beat of Jamaican artiste, Gyptian’s “Hold you” and international hit “Am I wrong?” by Afro Norwegian duo Nico and Vinz. Evening wear, business wear, day to night wear and resort wear captivated the audience. The models had a touch of class and were not scantily clad. They were trained very well. Their walks were choreographed so well they were switched up every now and then. (Attention to detail makes for an eventful fashion show!) There were vibrant hues and muted tones that contrast between patterns, prints and solids.

(photo courtesy Lime.tt)

It felt like Iris Atsin gave birth to a french creole concept, a Caribbean genre aptly a new Trinidadian aesthetic. The tailoring was precise. There were no copied looks. Every piece was fresh, elegant, modern and wearable! Yes! wearable, this has retail value. My jaw dropped every single time an outfit came down the runway. It dawned on me that Iris Atsin just gifted Trinidad with her “love child” La Parisienne. Undeniably, we must learn from her as well as nurture, support and help her blossom in any way that we can if we are to become a collective community, the creative class that would rise and build the nation’s fashion identity and the Trinidad and Tobago destination brand.

(photo courtesy www.irisatsin.com)

The designer finally came out behind the curtains to do the final walk. Although, she appeared a bit shy there was power in her beauty. I guess the unwavering question lay heavy on her mind about how her collection was received that night?! She “high fived” her models and congratulated them on a job well done. Indeed, it was a job well done. Of course I would know this since it was over and I was still reeling with excitement and my heart over bubbling with passion. There is hope for the industry! There is hope that there are those who will unite, collaborate, support and uplift the nation. (Thank you Jesus!)

(photo courtesy Lime.tt)

Soon Sir Charles then invited everyone to have some sips by the bar, to mingle with Iris Atsin and to meet the models and look at some items she had on display also available for retail. She also does shoes, handbags and accessories. I opted to forgo the red wine and meet up with Iris. Her french accent was so heavy and unmistakeable. She was gorgeous yet humble and anxious still to hear how her collection was received (as any designer would have been). She made time out to speak to anyone who approached her. What a beautiful person ( tears up). It would not be a surprise if her collection sells out immediately! (I could see myself in every piece and I am almost certain so does everyone else!)

La Parisienne, the french connection by Iris Atsin was well received by all. Whether she knows this or not she is breaking barriers by uniting cultures and diaspora. Trinidad is one of the most diverse countries in the Caribbean. Last Friday evening she complimented this by giving us another identity in the form of fashion one of the most powerful expressions a people can be proud of and truly thankful.

From the team at Let’s Go Trinidad and Tobago we wish you the best of luck in your journey during your stay here in Trinidad. Again, Welcome to Trinidad and Tobago and we are most delighted to have you with us.

To connect with Iris Atsin for more on her collection you can check out her links below

https://www.facebook.com/irisatsin

http://www.irisatsin.com/