I was sent this inspiring CNN story about Trinidadian woman Susan Lakhan Baptiste yesterday, and just had to share it with you bellas and fellas. I love animals, and I have so much respect for animal lovers and activists. Susan Lakhan Baptiste has made it her life’s mission to protect the endangered leatherback turtles that come to nest on Trinidad’s Matura Beach. In case you’ve never heard of a leatherback turtle, it’s the largest of all living sea turtles, the only surviving species of its genus, and they can live to be 150 years old.

Susan makes me so proud as a fellow Trini, and as a fellow animal lover. Next time I visit home, I hope it’s during nesting season. Regretfully, I’ve never been to Matura Beach to witness this amazing natural phenomenon. I hope to rectify that soon! Big respect to you, Susan Lakhan Baptiste — keep on fighting the good fight!

“Don’t stop. Anywhere.”
“Maybe you should wear a hat or something.”
“Seriously, even if you have to go to the bathroom, do not stop. Anywhere!”

That’s just SOME of the advice I got when I let my friends and family know that the road trip I was taking would bring me through the South. Please understand, this advice was coming from well-meaning, concerned people who love me, who only knew of the reputation of the region. People outside of America, of an age old enough to have witnessed America’s most turbulent change in the Sixties and Seventies, or who have only spent time in big bustling cities have a stereotype of the South firmly fixed in their minds. And it isn’t a pretty one, especially regarding race relations.

Let’s be honest, stories like this one, about the still-segregrated proms in Georgia, don’t help in the PR department. I can’t believe that’s still an accepted, unchallenged way of life in parts of this country. It’s sad to admit, but after all that advice, I felt pinpricks of doubt before embarking on the journey — especially since I’d be riding with my husband. I was concerned about how I as a black woman, us as an interracial couple, would be greeted.

Not all the advice I recieved was alarming. One of the most soothing voices of reassurance came from my friend Forrest, who yup — is from Alabama. “Patrice, it isn’t the Sixties. You’re going to be fine. And you’re gonna have fun, too.”

In March and May, I traveled through upstate Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, and we took a wrong turn and briefly wound up in Kentucky. I spent time and explored Mobile, Alabama, and Chapel Hill North Carolina.

I’m so happy to report, Forrest was right. I had a blast!

The only place I got even so much as a strange look was in West Virginia when me and my buddy TheFrankness, better known as Journalist of the Year and my bro fo’ life Francisco Alvarado, got out at a rural gas station for a bathroom break. And that was all it was, strange looks from people who probably weren’t used to seeing the likes of us. We kept it moving, no worries, no drama.

Driving through the South reminded me of just how stunningly beautiful America is. Majestic mountains, lush flowering trees everywhere, hills and valleys and verdant beauty as far as the eye can see. The region is aesthetically stunning. Here’s a little slide show of the things I saw, from a giant peach in Georgia to mammies for sale on Dauphin Street in Mobile, AL. I know, I know. I couldn’t believe it myself. I had to take a picture to remind myself what decade we’re living in.
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“Trinidad is my land
And of it I am proud and glad
But I can’t understand
Why some people does talk it bad.
All of them who runnin’ dey mouth
Don’t know whey they talkin’ bout
They will paint here black everyday,
But the right things they would never say…”

I had to open this post with a quote from the Mighty Sniper’s timeless song Portrait of Trinidad. Even though it was a hit in 1965, the words still ring true today. Trinidad is a beautiful island with a terrible reputation right now. I wouldn’t be a responsible blogger if I didn’t get that out of the way. But Trinidad is my homeland. Of it I am proud and glad. Despite everything, it remains an island with unparallelled music, cuisine, and cultural experiences to be enjoyed.

I was born and raised in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, and I lived in Trinidad until 1998. In my college days I made it back home pretty often, but ever since I joined the ranks of the employed (and then the unemployed), it became more difficult to get back home. Not having spring, summer, or winter break will do that to you.

Before this past Mother’s Day, the last time I’d been home was 2006, Before Afrobella. Just last Christmas I broke Mama Bella’s heart by not being able to make it home for Christmas. Then came Carnival and I had to dash her hopes yet again. Then my husband and I quit the jobs that were holding us back from following our dreams. Needless to say, after that a trip to Trinidad was not on the horizon. So when my dad suggested a surprise trip home for Mother’s Day, it was impossible to resist. After all, I was about to move from sunny Miami to the Windy City – I needed to soak up the tropical rays and family love while I could!

It turned out to be impossible to contain the excitement in my close-knit, chatty family. Mama Bella’s Mother’s Day surprise wasn’t exactly a surprise… but I know I made her very happy nonetheless. I spent some much-needed family time and got back to basics. It was lovely.

Going home feels like returning to an old self. In so many ways — even my skin and hair rebelled against the 90 degree temperatures, leaving me looking like a crazy-haired spotty teenager. No matter. I was there for fun, sun, family, and good food. While I was visiting, it hit me — how on EARTH had I never written an Afrobella guide to Trinidad before? Saying “my bad” feels like an understatement. Without further ado, here are my top five favorite places in Trinidad and Tobago. Excluding my house because that’s too obvious. =)

1. Maracas Beach. I’m convinced Trinis don’t always realize how good they have it. 80 degree temperatures year round. Lush green mountains and sparkling blue waters. Nonstop fun and great food to be discovered, if you know where to look. Maracas Beach is a great place to start for all of the above, and it’s a must for any first time visitor to T&T.

The roads are steep, winding and can be unpredictable (beware of landslides and crazy drivers!). But the vista at the lookout point will absolutely take your breath away. Maracas is a beautiful beach, but people don’t just go there to wiggle their toes in the sand. Oh no. Maracas is the famous home of bake and shark.

Click ahead to 2:35 to begin the Maracas segment. And please note that the worldly Travel Channel Bizarre Foods host Andrew Zimmern saw fit to call it “the best fish sandwich I’ve ever eaten…one of my all time top ten favorite foods, not just of this trip, not just of this year. Ever.” So you don’t just have to take it from me, take it from a man with a truly adventurous palate. The New York Times also called it “just about the best fish sandwich in the world.” I agree completely. This humble fried fish sandwich is a fine reason to beeline for the beach. Most people head straight for Richard’s, undoubtedly the most popular venue. But there’s always an insane line at Richard’s. Besides his, there are a dozen or so stands, and my dad introduced me to his favorite – Uncle Sam’s. His bake & shark is to die for, trust! Laden it with as many condiments as you can stand — pickled cucumbers, tamarind sauce, mango chutney – the list is endless. One bite and you’ll be hooked for life!

2. The Savannah. For architecture, flora, and yes – good food (this is a theme you’ll notice throughout), you can’t miss a trip around the Savannah. Actually you probably won’t be able to miss a trip around the Savannah in general — at 260 acres, it’s touted as “the world’s largest roundabout.” The Savannah is home to the Magnificent Seven — turn of the century mansions that reflect the skill, craftsmanship and creativity of Trinidad’s architects and developers. It’s also home to the Emperor Valley Zoo, which when I last visited was in such a glum state I wished with my whole heart I could buy it, restore it to glory, and bring some joy and dignity to the animals that must be so unhappy to live there. It’s a heartbreaking experience for an animal lover, and I sincerely hope the government invests money into Trinidad’s languishing cultural landmarks, including the zoo, the Botanic Gardens, and the museum. It’s been reported that a renovation has been planned and I sincerely, sincerely hope it comes to fruition. OK, off soapbox. Tour guide hat back on.

The Savannah is another spot for unique cuisine and cultural experiences. At Carnival it is the blazing epicenter of the costume and steelpan competitions. It’s home to Apsara, the Indian restaurant rated #1 in the country according to Trip Advisor. And it’s the best place to come for coconut water straight from the nut, and for Indian delicacies like pholourie and saheena.

This photo captures two things I sincerely miss about home — All Saints Church, the church I grew up attending. I can honestly say the priest I had there as a child, was the coolest, most interesting, wonderful priest I could ever have hoped for. Father Winston Joseph can now be found in West Palm Beach at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and if you’re in the area and looking for a house of worship, I heartily encourage you to check him out! I miss good ol’ All Saints, and coconut water. I could go for a fresh, cold coconut water right this minute! That’s gonna be REALLY hard to find in Chicago!

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Wow, bellas!

2009 really has been the year of change I intended it to be.

Finally, I’m in Chicago after traveling everywhere from New York City to Trinidad. And finally I realize — I’ve got some travel writing to do! I will admit, I waited a while in the hopes that I could somehow publish my adventures in one of my favorite magazines… but the time’s come to be honest with myself. Print journalism is in a steep, scary downward spiral and the prospects of freelancing are dry, dry, dry. I figure, if it has to be, it’s up to me. And so I’d like to welcome you to travel week on Afrobella. If you’ve read any of my travel guides before, you know what to expect. Fun, honest reviews of the hot spots I’ve visited. Come with me!

Maybe you’re heading to the beach, lighting up the grill, getting ready to party, or kicking it in front of the tube with an all-day marathon of your favorite show. But today, Memorial Day, is about so much more.

Today we celebrate the men and wome who sacrificed their lives for American freedom. Throughout the history of this country, men and women of every creed and race have come together to fight in the name of America.

Beautiful, strong women of color have long contributed to the armed forces — just click here for a small glimpse of African American men and women, committed to dignified service in WWII, often despite segregration and prejudice shown towards them by their own comrades.

Click here to read about the Black Women’s Army Unit of WWII, which helped to send letters to military personnel overseas.

Click here to read about the history of black women in the army, dating back to the Civil War.

I know many of you bellas have served in the armed forces, or have family and friends who have. Some of you might be currently serving our country, or are ardently missing and hoping and loving someone who is overseas, doing their best to keep America safe. Thank you doesn’t say nearly enough.

Love, light, peace, and blessings to all of us this Memorial Day. If you want to post a special rememberance for our men and women in service, please share with me!

My first yoga class was an unforgettable experience.

I’d been yoga-curious for a while, experimented with videos and online tutorials. But finally a friend I knew through my old job convinced me to join her at the local free yoga classes at Bayfront Park in Miami. It’s a stunning venue — the lapping water of Biscayne Bay to the front, the glittering buildings of Miami’s downtown to the back. I got down and tried to bend and stretch with the best of them. The instructor was a smokin’ hot dude with flowy white pants. When he moved into a headstand position I was sure nobody else could do, I was astounded to look around and see at least half of the class standing on their heads right around with him. Needless to say, I felt out of my league. And at the end of it, we discovered that my yoga friend had exacerbated a pre-existing injury. That class landed my friend in the hospital with back and neck problems, and made me steer clear of yoga classes completely.

So I kept trying, I gave it another whirl with videos. But it isn’t the same, doing yoga by yourself in your living room with no guidance. I grew to love the Wii Fit yoga — it’s super precise because of the Wii Fit platform, which can detect even the slightest tremor in your feet. But still, I wasn’t motivated enough to want to practice every day.

I wanted that passion the diehard yoga fanatics seemed to exude. I wanted the inner peace yoga seemed to almost-guarantee anyone who practiced it. I wanted to have a transformative yoga experience.

I got what I wanted, when I went to a Voluptuous Vinyasa class.

Billed as yoga for plus size women, it’s all about nurturing your soul, adapting your body, and freeing your mind. The class I attended was led by Yamilee Bastien, a Miami-based yoga instructor who is all about creating a haven for women who may be hesitant about contorting their bodies into pretzel shapes, or who know a headstand isn’t in their immediate future. Yamilee helped to shatter some of my preconceptions about yoga. Number one — it really CAN be for everybody!

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