The Caribbean has a reputation for spicy food. Jerk, curry, pepper sauce – despite our already hot climate, we love our food hotter. But there’s one hot, extremely popular Trinidadian dish that left my American husband perplexed – corn soup. It is EVERYWHERE in my homeland. Sold on corners in high traffic nightlife districts,…
Trinidad
On Courage. Inside my TEDxPortOfSpain Experience
Towards the end of 2012, I was asked to come back home to Trinidad, to give a talk at TEDxPortOfSpain. I had to deliver a 15 to 18 minute speech on courage. And it was one of the scariest things I’ve ever done. It was one of the most liberating experiences I’ve ever had. This…
3 Things You MUST Do In Trinidad (Besides Carnival)
On February 11 and 12, my homeland of Trinidad and Tobago will be in the throes of Carnival madness. I will be on my couch in Chicago, wistfully looking at tweets and updates from home. I’ve made a promise to myself that 2014 will be my year! For those of you headed there this year,…
Honest, Funny, Awesome. Afrobella Interviews Heather Headley
Before I read the May/June 2012 issue of Caribbean Beat (the official in flight magazine of Trinidad’s Caribbean Airlines), I thought of Heather Headley differently. Undeniably beautiful, talented beyond words, and an accomplished singer with her own albums and Broadway legacy. She’s worldly, and incredibly talented. Heather Headley is a superstar. Before I read…
Trinidad, I’m Coming Home!
They say life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans. If you’d asked me months ago, “Patrice, will you be in Trinidad in December?” I would have said no. I had no plans to go back home in the immediate future, but plans were in the works for me. And now…
The Great Coconut Comparison – Naked Vs. The Real Thing
There are many beverages I know nothing about. Don’t ask me to discuss the finer points of coffee or the subtle flavors of wine. I do know a thing or two about tea. And I know a whole lot about coconut water, based entirely on my life experience of being a Trini. I…
My FAVORITE Moments from the London 2012 Olympics
Wait, what? The Olympics are officially over? Whatever will I watch on TV now? For the past two weeks I’ve been absolutely glued to the television every waking moment, watching the world’s best athletes compete at the top of their game. There have been SO many incredible Olympic moments, so much to see and be…
Happy Mother’s Day To Anyone Who’s Motherly
I remember when I was a teenager, a classmate of mine made a joke about my family. “It’s like you have four mothers,” my friend said. I’m sure it was in response to me complaining about not being able to do something or go somewhere. Either way, my friend’s statement stuck with me and back…
Beauty in Trinidad — Local Products and Where to Shop
My visit back to Trinidad was everything and then some. I got to see old friends and spend time with family and revisit my past. I also got to experience new places and things, and appreciate my country and culture in a whole new way. It was a whirlwind visit and just let me know…
Portrait of Trinidad – Gran Couva
While I’m at home visiting my family, I’d love to share a few photos from my visit to Trinidad! Epic posts to come when I am back in the USA. For now, enjoy! Today my family visited a 100+ year old cocoa plantation in Gran Couva, Trinidad. It was so amazing and so cool to…