Month: February 2017

A Grand Day Out – 08 February 2017

Posted on by Zogman

8 FebThis will be a rushed post.  It’s been a long day and we’ve crammed a lot into it, although it might not seem so with this compressed or condensed description.

The day started well and we left the apartment with the intention of visiting Scarborough and then heading to a beach, but that’s not how it turned out.  Firstly we made a stop at the Magdalena Grand Hotel to see how the other half live.  The hotel, which is quite grand and quite magnificent is surrounded by a golf course which has the usual water hazards.  However, the water hazards on most golf courses don’t have warning signs saying ‘This lake contains caimans’.  Thankfully we didn’t stop near the water.  We did continue on to see the hotel and to walk the grounds as if we were staying there.  It’s a technique I must learn some time.  We were both impressed with the size and look of the building, but there weren’t very may folk staying there, so we did wonder how profitable it was.  While we were there I got my first decent shots of Frigatebirds.

As we were leaving the weather seemed to take a turn for the worse with squally rain appearing.  It had been threatening while we were trespassing on the hotel grounds, but now it was doing more than threatening.  We carried on to Scarborough, and it did remind me of the English seaside town with the steep hills around it.  Madeleine drove us to Fort King George and old stronghold, now open as a museum.  Loads of interesting stuff to be seen and most of it was open to the public.  That’s where we saw the cockerels and the hens.  They seemed to have the run of the place.  Jaime bought us some Tamarind Balls which are made from Tamarind paste with added pepper made into balls then covered in sugar.  A strange sweet/sour/salty taste.  Hard to define.  Great place to visit.  It was there too we found all these lovely butterflies.  Butterflies in January?  Who would have thought it?  Aha, but this isn’t Scotland.

By the time we were leaving here the rain had started for real.  No longer  squally, but a proper downpour.  After an attempt to outrun it, we gave up and headed with our sandwiches and juice back to the apartment where we had a picnic on the balcony.  Not quite what we’d intended, but at least we were dry for a time.  Then the rain started again and we took shelter inside.  These showers continued all afternoon.  I got fed up after a while and went out to walk along the beach.  Unfortunately, the beach had disappeared under the heavy breakers of high tide, so I sat down and sketched a concrete seat as a possible subject.  It rained again and I had to give up.  At that point Jaime appeared wondering where I’d got to.  We walked back and he showed me the fruits on one of the trees in the hotel grounds.  I must remember to ask him what it was called.  Before we got ready to go out to the restaurant Scamp wanted to dip her feet in one of the hot tubs.  We sat in it for about half an hour while the rain made little soldiers on the surface of the water around us.  What a strange feeling that was.  When we finally gave up the hot tub, we went for a swim in the pool.  The water was remarkably warm.

After our swim we went back to the room and Scamp went to shower and wash her hair.  I grabbed my sketchbook and drew the view from the balcony.  It’s not technically perfect, but it’s a better, and more interesting, drawing than the concrete seat.  IMO.

IMG_3753Dinner was in Karawak restaurant and it was fabulous.  Callaloo soup followed by Tomato, Basil and Olive salad then a main of steak or shrimp with rice, pumpkin and a sort of ratatouille served in a hollowed out half aubergine.  Dessert was coconut cream cake with ice cream, sorbet or ice cream.  It’s hard not to compare that with what we had on our first night here at the steak and lobster grill and it’s hard to see now how the S&L Grill survives against competition like this.  The waitress worked the table with a great sense of humour that you couldn’t help but appreciate.  The only fly in the ointment was the owner or manager, it wasn’t clear which, who only seemed to be interested in her regular customers and only gave us a cursory glance.  She needs to take a lesson from our waitress.  Nobody it that high and mighty that they don’t need to cultivate new custom.

Well, that was meant to be a condensed description of the day.  I missed out the Karaoke because it was so bad, it wasn’t even funny, and no we didn’t take part.

He swims with the fishes – 07 February 2017

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7 FebThis morning, Jaime said that he’d prefer to drive to Pigeon Point rather than take the hotel minibus.  We’d already agreed that hiring a car would be good, so this just meant that the hire would be a day early and it would give us more flexibility with travel arrangements, so off he went to arrange the hire.  When he came back, he told us there was one problem, his driving license was out of date and needed to be renewed.  It could be done on Tobago, but with the present backlog in licensing, it would probably take a whole day.  Since my paper license is no longer acceptable for hiring a car, the easy way was for Madeleine to hire the car.  With that settled, they both went back to the hire firm to seal the deal and soon arrived with the car.  Our bags were packed and we then went to Pigeon Point and parked ourselves under an almond tree on the edge of the glorious beach with that beautiful blue sea beyond.  Pigeon Point hadn’t changed much since we were last there.  The beach huts had been painted and had new roofs and there was now a new reception room for weddings and big parties, but apart from that it was the same.

Once we were settled, Scamp and I went for a paddle, but I couldn’t resist the pull of that blue water and the prospect of little brightly coloured fish in the reef just a few metres offshore.  After all, for once I’d remembered to bring my snorkel and mask, so it would be a much closer look this time.

The water was much colder for swimming in than I had anticipated, but like always, you quickly become accustomed to it and are able to concentrate on looking for interesting things on the seabed.  Unfortunately, the sea was rougher than it had been three years ago and the sand was being lifted from the floor by the waves, so my vision, even with the mask was limited.  Further round the corner there is another smaller reef and it proved more interesting.  At least there were some fish there.  I didn’t want to stay there too long as I was out of visual contact from the shore and I thought Scamp would be worried I’d be swept out to sea or eaten by a giant crab.  Actually it was Madeleine who was worried, not Scamp, but no matter, I’d snorkelled and I’d seen some fish.  The next time we come back to Tobago  – oh, yes, there will be a next time  – I’ll bring flippers too.  Ungainly on land, but so much more efficient for swimming.

Lunch was Bake and Shark from one of the booths on the beach, but three of us agreed it wasn’t a patch on the offering from Maracas.  That and a couple of drinks kept us fed and watered until it was time to go home to Sandy Point.  I got one sketch done in the interim and that’s this little doodle here.  Not very impressive, but it fits the bill.

When we got home, Scamp and I went for a walk along the beach past the airport runway and passed a big poisonous tree.  The sign said BEWARE of touching bark, leaves, fruit or anything to do withx-default the tree as it poisonous and corrosive and can kill.  Then at the bottom of the sign there’s a not to say ‘Don’t Panic’!  Watched the pelicans fishing for a while.  When we got back from the walk, we sat with our feet in a VERY hot tub. Then Scamp went back to the room while I did a sketch that I would fake as yesterday’s for the 28 Drawings Later page on Facebook.  Just a slip of the pen really.  I meant to write 7-2-2017, honest officer Winking smile

Dinner was a marvellous Stewed Chicken with Plantain and Macaroni Pie.  Sorry Sim, yours was good, and it was a close run thing, but your mum’s had the edge this time.

Two rum ‘n’ coke’s while listening to the entertaining Calypso singer in the bar rounded the day off.

Just a hop, skip and a jump – 06 February 2017

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This will be a short post, because it’s been a long day and we’re up early tomorrow to go to Pigeon Point.

This morning we finished packing and got ready for the drive to the airport.  Traffic on the road through Port of Spain was heavy, but Jaime managed it smoothly and we arrived in plenty of time to check in.  Found that we could change to an earlier flight to Tobago and took that.  A smooth flight, but a bit wobbly on the final approach.  Scamp and Madeleine were not impressed, especially when the pilot bumped the plane down the runway.  It was very windy which probably explained that

Our room was ready early, so we could just go and dump our stuff before heading for the cafe for lunch which was roast chicken and chips.  After that Scamp, Jaime and I went for a walk along to Sandy Point beach.  Jaime took a shortcut through a hotel and  seemed to be deliberately ignoring the signs that said ‘Residents Only’, but maybe he just didn’t see them!!  As usual, he was a mine of information and on the way he took us through the ruins of Fort Milford.  It’s a place we saw when we were last here, but didn’t investigate.  We should have, if only to see how many times it had changed hands over the years.

When we came back, Scamp and I went to soak our feet in the hot tub, then went for a wander round the beachfront because they were giving away free rum punch.  It was rough, but it was free.  Then we all sat for a while on the balcony and watched the stars appear.

We went for dinner in the Steak and Lobster Grill next door.  Big mistake.  We had hoped that the really slow service there had improved.  Oh, no it hadn’t, in fact it had got worse.  A whole catalogue of disasters that I won’t go into here, but you’ll appreciate what I mean JIC and Sim.  Finally got served and I got my first real taste of lobster and an hour and a half later I’m still alive, so I imagine lobsters have more in common with crab and prawns than mussels and clams.

Had a rum ‘n’ coke at the hotel bar and Scamp had a Strawberry Daiquiri.  Then it was time for bed which is where I’m typing this.

Night, night, until tomorrow!  Photos will be posted later.

Just another Sunday – 05 February 2017

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5 FebScamp went to church with M&J in the morning and I stayed home to clean up the blog and hopefully get some photos, but the rain came on.  In fact, the rain came straight down.  Ori (the dog) and I looked at one another and the silent message passed between us “I’m not going out in that!”  So we waited and eventually the rain abated and became a drizzle, a warm drizzle that dried on you almost immediately.  Also, the rain that had fallen had dried up too.  Five minutes later the sun came out, but didn’t stay long because more heavy clouds came in.  I gave up and sat watching the birds having their early morning bath.  We really must get a bird bath for the garden at home. 

When the promised rain failed to appear I changed into swimming trunks (they dry quicker than shorts) and went for a walk in the garden.  Found an empty shell of a wasp’s nest and marvelled at the construction.  Entrance / exit tunnel and all those little identical hexagonal cells, and all made from something as thin as paper.  Amazing.  I found a shield bug on a leaf looking like it was guarding its eggs.  Even saw a little orange dragonfly, but it was far too quick for me.  Gardens are wonderful places if you just have time to look.

Scamp returned with M&J bearing Doubles.  Doubles are two squares of thin fried dough, wrapping up a paste of chickpeas, onions, pepper and spices.  Apparently it used to be considered poor man’s IMG_3730food, but we all agreed it was delicious.  By then the sun had come out and it was hot, so it was time to get some serious sketching done.  So I put on my sketching hat, some sun cream and some insect repellent and went in search of a suitable subject. I finally settled on some plant pots hiding away at the back of the garden.  I had a reasonable rendering of them when Scamp came to tell me it was lunch time.  Lunch was a pork chop for the carnivores and salmon for Scamp the pescatarian with cassava root.  We’d never had cassava before, but it was really tasty.  Scamp described it well, as a nutty potato.  We must search it out and try cooking it some time soon.  Definitely on our to-do list.  With lunch out of the way, I found a new subject.  One that could be drawn from the comfort of the veranda.  I chose Next Door’s Utility room with its big square plant pots on the roof.  Both pots overflowing with roses.  It was basically architectural with strong perspective, a happy marriage for me.  I even added a wee touch of colour to add a wee bit of brightness. I liked it.  Still do.

Remembered to take the photos of the wasp’s nest and got it done along with the flower photos before it got totally dark. Haven’t posted them on Flickr because it went into one of its ‘Bad Panda’ strunts again.  Why do these things always happen on weekends?  Because Yahoo don’t employ enough people to fix it.  They want rid of Flickr which is becoming a money pit for them.

The remainder of the day was spent packing.  Off on our travels again tomorrow with a bit of luck.

The not so Common Market – 04 February 2017

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4 Feb

Madeleine found one of the ‘singing frogs’ in the shower this morning and managed to capture it in a jar.  It’s a tiny wee thing, no bigger than my thumb nail and that’s it fully grown.  After its photo call we let it go back to rejoin its midnight choir.

Just a coffee for breakfast this morning because we were going to the Green Market and Madeleine said we would get something to eat there.

I didn’t realise it was so far away, almost halfway to Yves’ house, or so it seemed.  When we got there the market was in full swing and there was lots for these Scottish visitors to gawp at.  Dasheen, Yams, Cassava and real live cocoa pods.  An amazing variety of fruit and veg that we had only heard about or read about in books sitting on benches right there in front of us.  After a quick walk through, we went looking for that breakfast.  We all had Empanadas – that’s fried corn bread ‘rolls’ with a variety of fillings.  I had beef, Scamp had chicken, Jaime had pork and Madeleine had cheese.  While we were sitting there stuffing our faces with these fatty foods, a lady from a local surgery was explaining how high cholesterol, diabetes and hypertension are all caused by obesity and too much fatty foods.  I don’t think this was the best place to be putting out that message – or maybe it was!  I was amazed to find Ortaniques (a cross between and orange and a tangerine) for sale on one of the stalls.  I remember getting them in Larkhall away back in the 1960s.  I haven’t seen them for years.  Three for a pound was a bargain too good to pass up.  Another stall was selling juices and they were lovely.  Scamp had a mixture of ginger, melon and coconut water.  I had passion fruit.

When we were done there, it was back in to town and a visit to another market.  This one called the Up Market.  It was a sports hall filled with stalls selling lots of different crafts.  I bought myself a copper bracelet to ward off rheumatism and Scamp got a pair of maracas to use with Gems!IMG_3710

After that it was time to go home.  Nobody really wanted lunch, but there was a good selection of fruit so we had that.  You see, maybe that lady’s talk did sink in after all.  After the fruit fest, Scamp went out to read in the garden and I staked my claim on a place to sketch Jaime’s hut.  Possibly the neatest hut ever.  Madeleine says it’s not so neat inside.  I’m not sure I believe her.  Anyway, this was a pencil sketch for a change.  Unfortunately my Staedtler pencil was loaded with 2H lead, not 2B so tone was difficult to achieve.  But, like yesterday’s, it’s done.

Tonight J&M took us out to a Chinese restaurant for a meal.  The meal was delicious, but the way it was organized with veg being ordered separately from the meat was very strange.  Good food and good company.  You can’t beat it!

Third Time Lucky – 03 February 2017

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3 Feb2

We were driving down to Chaguaramas, on the north western tip of the island, for a stroll on the boardwalk, but when we got on to the highway, Jaime discovered that he’d forgotten to take his pills, so we turned at the first available place and headed back.  On the way we stopped to get some fresh fruit from a stall at the side of the road.  At the house Jaime and Madeleine went in to drop off the fruit.  Then it was back to the highway again.  It was then that Jaime discovered that he’d dropped off the fruit, but forgotten to take his pills, so it was back round the loop for a second time, and this time he did remember to take his pills and we headed back on to the highway for the third time that day.

When we got to Chaguaramas we parked and took a walk heading east along the boardwalk.  The boards themselves are not made of wood, but of plastic coated MDF.  A strange choice for a walkway open to the ocean because it soaks up water, expands and breaks apart, but I suppose costs must be cut somewhere.  The area around the boardwalk seemed to be in a state of flux and it wasn’t clear if the area had been developed then fallen into disrepair or if it was still being constructed.  I would venture to say it was the former.  When we stopped to admire a Tamarind tree two Indian blokes came over and spoke to us.  It turned out they were putting in a quote to renovate the boardwalk area and this confirmed my suspicion that maintenance is the problem here.  As we were heading back to the car, one of he security men came over and talked to us and almost his first question was “What do you think about Theresa May?”  I have to say that most of the people we’ve met here have been very friendly and interested in these Scottish visitors.

The short beach at Chaguaramas is well used mainly by coloured bodies.  I think we were the only white faces to be seen.  It’s quite an industrial looking area, but the water was clean.  Apparently the beach is man-made.  Nobody seemed to mind that and lots of folk were out enjoying the water.  All except one wee toddler who wasn’t enjoying being washed in a cold foot bath outside the toilet block.

When we left there we went to the Cruise Inn where the other three had the strongest sangria I’ve ever tasted and I had a Heineken ‘Green Tea’.  We were going to have lunch there, but Scamp suggested we go back next Sunday for dinner and that seemed to satisfy everyone.

On the way home we stopped to buy some Hops Bread which is like a soft roll with a light crust on top.  It’s got a very yeasty smell and tastes lovely.  I’m intending to try making some when we get home.

IMG_3698After lunch which was the recycled remains of yesterday’s curry with a slice of reheated shepherd’s pie for me I started on today’s sketch.  What you see is the second one as I wasn’t happy with the result of the first one.  I’m not terribly happy with this one either.  It’s a bit squint and not all that interesting, but it will have to do.  It’s a sketch and it’s done in time.

Madeleine and Jaime were busy all evening trying to cut through the red tape that ties up all passport applications for Venezuela.   I wish them luck in their quest.

Up in the hills again – 02 February 2017

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2 FebIt rained overnight although neither Scamp nor I heard it.  We were well into dreamland at the time.  However, the raindrops on the myriad of leaves in the garden gave me a chance to grab some early photos.  We had breakfast in the garden.  Back home in February, if you tried that,  the men in the white coats would come to drag you away.  Either that or the paramedics would drag you away to try to cure the hypothermia.  But this is not Scotland, so it was a comfortable breakfast.

Later, Jaime drove us up into the Northern range again to visit Mount St Benedict monastery where he had worked as a teacher some years ago.  The road there was one hairpin bend after another.  It was a bit like climbing up the Quairang but with about five times that number of corners.  The view from the top was worth it.  A beautiful panorama right over the centre of Trinidad.  We met the some of the monks and got a quick tour round the buildings.  With its remote situation it makes an excellent retreat centre if you can drag yourself away from the views.

As Jaime drove us back down and through the university grounds, Madeleine phoned up an order for lunch which we picked up on the way home.  Lunch was Indian with Curried Mango, Channa and Aloo, Pumpkin Curry, Curried Chicken, Spicy Bodi beans and Daal.  All mopped up with Paratha.  Curried Mango was my favourite followed closely by Spicy Bodi and Pumpkin Curry.

After our carry-out lunch, we were far too full to do anything strenuous, so we lazed around the garden for a couple of hours.  We watched two IMG_3679iguanas climbing the mahogany tree in the park behind the garden.  I sketched the new house next door.  There were too many different angles to make it look realistic and I got the perspective wrong on the door.  Never mind, it’s all a learning experience.  I finally after about three bum steers got it posted on FB in 28 Drawings Later.

A Stay at Home Day – 01 February 2017

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1 Feb

Today we all agreed would be a stay at home day.  A day of relaxation for us all.

After breakfast, Scamp settled down to some serious reading and I wandered round the garden looking for inspiration.  Apart from Ori the dog, I couldn’t find any.  I settled for some flowers later – oh no, not flowers.  Normally that would be my response, but here, flowers are a much more interesting option.

IMG_3671I had decided to take on the challenge of one sketch every day in February and today was the first day.  The subject was Madeleine’s bird feeders and nesting boxes.  It took a little time because the subjects had very few straight lines, but the result works for me.  Micron 0.3 pen on Moleskine sketchbook.

After the sketching session Scamp and I walked down to the supermarket just to check out the goods on sale there and to make sure that they still stocked chickens feet.

Just a nice lazy day in the sun.