Karinya's Web Diary - Greetings from Trinidad.

Greetings from Trinidad.

Karinya

Tim And Vicki Schofield, Captain Cal 7 and Jess 4

Mon 21 Feb 2011 21:21

10.40N 61.37W

So having spent a week in Grenada, we are now in the last of the Eastern Caribbean islands - Trinidad. The main reason for being here was that it was either seeing more islands up north, or going to

carnival. So here we are. Carnival doesn't officially start until the 8th March, but the build up is usually fun too. Before that however, we have to haul the boat and give the bottom some attention. Rather a large amount of growth to clean off and then anti-foul paint to put on. Not a pleasant job in 100 degree heat, but has to be done. For some reason the kids are looking forward to it, but I think they are not expecting to get covered in paint from head to toe!! Right now, we are sourcing the best paint - ranging from £120 - £180 per tin!!!!!! Also, trying to fix the autopilot, a few lights on deck, the water maker needed some attention, and a generally huge clean.

I have taken to visiting the local shopping centre, mainly on 2 reasons. Firstly, it is air conditioned, and secondly it has a great selection of shops, of which I have been lacking viewing. The one thing they dont seem to sell is a sturdy sensible pair of shoes, they all seem to be glitter and heels, no use on a boat thats for sure. So my poor trusty Birkenstock sandals which I have lived in since we left, have now been tied together with fishing twine, as the buckles rusted through, and I just cant find anything to replace them. Callum was with me while shopping, and every pair I dared try on, which were granny style, he said 'mummy, they are just not pretty enough for you, no I wont let you buy them'. So I am glad he has sense! I will be wanting a washing machine for my 40th next year !!!!

We had a wonderful time in Grenada. Meeting up with friends from Nekesa and Salt, both with children. We rented a taxi and had a day out to the Nutmeg, chocolate and rum factories. The kids really did have such fun and it has been sad to all go our separate ways now.

Another outing was to the 7 sisters falls. this is a half hour hike in the rain forest to the falls. It was absolutely pouring with rain, so you can imagine the slip and skid factor, but we all made it and rewarded with a swim at the end. Jessica decided to swim with her raincoat on, as it was waterproof - such a mind eh?? We continued up the hill, walking through the river on the way up, tackling some big rocks in the torrent, great fun. The ending was Honeymoon falls. We were right at the bottom, and the spray was wonderful, too small to swim, but we were wet enough. This was fitting as it was Valentines Day!!!!!

Trinidad seems to be cheaper than the other islands. A clothes wash is £1 but last week it was £8. Food seems to be slightly cheaper, and the best is the bus or Maxi Taxi is only 50p. The odd thing is the currency here is all notes, so you feel like you are paying a fortune giving over 5 notes. Every person has to pay if you occupy a seat, so we put Jess on our knee, but then we realize it is only 50p!!! The buses look like mini vans, constantly playing loud soca or local music. Squeeze as many people in as possible and get on and off at your leisure - great.

Thats all for now folks!