Trinidad & Tobago wasn’t a normal port for us, it was a fuel stop so we only had a day there and we had to be on a field program to get off the ship. I could’ve stayed there for a week, or at least a few days longer, and I think most people felt that way. The field program I was on was called North Coast Waterfall Hike. There were quite a few people I knew on it between the two sections that were going, including my roommate, which made for a really good day.

I started my day by getting up by 0700 and going up to watch the ship pull in, which was absolutely beautiful. You could see the mountains (or maybe hills?) in the distance. That was followed by breakfast and meeting our group at 0830. We were off the ship and on our way by 0900. About a half an hour into our two-hour drive, we stopped at a look out point. The view was spectacular. There were vendors set up there too and even though I didn’t buy anything, they were very friendly and very excited to tell us about their culture and country.

After the short pit stop, we were back on the bus for another hour before we reached our destination. We got off our little bus and joined the other group to start our hike. I was so happy because it was an actual hike, whereas I had been on a different “hiking” program and it was a just a slow walk down a wide path. A lot of our hike was through water too, like streams and shallow waters, but that made it even better, especially since it was so hot out. The hike only took about forty-five minutes before we could hear the waterfall, shortly before it came into view. It was really pretty, and I hadn’t done a waterfall hike since Spring Break 2017.

We then had the opportunity to go swimming if we wanted to, and obviously I did. It was so cool to go behind the waterfall and then swim under it. It was a great way to cool off too. We were probably there for about a half an hour before we had to head back, right as it started to rain. Luckily, my bag is waterproof, so I had nothing to worry about. Most people who went swimming just stayed in their swimsuits to hike back since it was raining; I mean, there was no reason to get our clothes wet too. I think the fact that it was rainy just made it more fun, an epic adventure.

We hopped on the bus once we got back and headed about an hour back towards Maracas Beach where we had “bake and shark”. It was insanely good, like so so good. It was served as just a piece of black tip shark fried on a bun, but there was a whole toppings bar that consisted of different sauces and fixings and I honestly think it was one of the best things I’ve ever had. After we finished eating, which didn’t take long, we had free time and since we were on the beach, of course we went swimming in the ocean. The beach and the view in the distance were stunning. It was so relaxing and just an overall amazing day. None of us wanted to leave when the time came. We left a little before 1600 and arrived back at the ship around 1700, right on time with the itinerary. We didn’t really have any free time to do any shopping at the port, because we were supposed to stick to the itineraries and get back on the ship right when we got back. It took almost no time to get through security and back on the ship. Once I was on, I spent the remainder of time before we departed calling back home before our next week long stretch.

All in all, it was a great time, even if we did only get one day. I would definitely go back there, maybe even for Carnival season. It was beautiful and so relaxed, and the people were very friendly. Overall, just a wonderful place to be and I ten out of ten recommend.

Anyway, up next is Ecuador!

With Bated Breath, Abby Lynn