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Trinidad and Tobago
I am writing this in retrospect so its starting to feel rather dream (or nightmare) like. Friday we all headed for a weekend of sun and fun at the beach. We had booked a beachhouse in Blanchisheuse (a beautiful village on the north coast, surrounded by rainforest) for 3 nights along with the other 4 elective students. Unfortunately, things didn't start exactly as planned.
It is about a 2 hour drive and we were taking "Maxi's", kind of minibus taxis. We needed to change in Port of Spain. Being unsure of where to pick up the second Maxi we eneded up walking throught the part of town EVERYBODY (locals included) have emphasised NEVER to go. Not the smartest move ever. Six very white, very english people looking slightly anxious and very confused attract A LOT of unwanted attention. Ended up standing on a corner for about half an hour while many people (Ziggy being the biggest threat) tried to "help" get us into a taxi. I was likened to Anna Nicole Smith (a definite first), while Sarah apparently reminded Ziggy of Kate Moss (more flattering but no more reassuring when you have a bottle of STAG beer waving in your face and a huge Black dude looking you up and down from across the street). Rich, from Sheffield, became "Red Dragon" - still to work that one out!
Anyway, finally a maxi arrived and I was thrown (literally) by a rather stressed Rich into the back, while the rest bundled in behind. Nobody was gonna get the chance to take our seats! Gradually, heart rates returned to normal and after what turned out to be a spectacular (if somewhat worrying , with crazy drivers and mammoth potholes) journey through tropical rainforest we arrived very sweaty but in one piece.
That evening we went for dinner at a local restaurant and were served Kingfish (there are no menus out here - you get what you are given!), rice, veg and coconut bread. Our first meal out and it was beautiful. We soothed our nerves with Carib and a rum punch cocktail. It was lovely to be able to walk about alone and at night without any hassels.
Our rooms were directly overlooking the sea with private balconys and a patio with a very comfy hammock. Went to bed happy to be alive!
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