Sasha

Living life a quarter life crisis at a time.

[joandecember-blog]

Letter#1

I'm angry, I am trusting my gut and it's difficult because I've always been made to distrust it by people that don't know themselves. But I love him... Something is wrong and I know I do not know what it is but I know it's there, and he won't tell me. Another person I have to move on from who won't find the kindness to just be honest....

[joandecember-blog]

Chronicles of the Trinidad Highway Commuter. I'm putting my dry, sensible but hyperbolic sense of humor, my ability to relate stories as if in real time, to use in doing some good. Comic relief out of the most hair tearing experience in Trinidad... Driving on the highway! As I chronicle my way through the north/south bound lanes of the Uriah Buttler, Solomon Hochoy and east/west on Churchill Roosevelt highways, I will share with you, thoughts on why Trinidad Highways are a land ripe with stunt men, and women. Need a class in patience? Drive on the highway between the hrs of 5:30am and 8am north. Patience so good it could make the world spin backwards. A unique experience where San Fernando to Port of Spain equates itself to a flight to Miami International Airport.

[joandecember-blog]

It's been a minute. I finally made it to Paria Waterfall.

[joandecember-blog]

Turure Steps Waterfall.

This is just one week after going on this miniature water hike. I know I know! I said it would be a while, but it was a level one and originally meant to be 40 minutes but turned out to be more like 25!

The location and the falls themselves were what drove me to go in the first place, that and I finally got my GoPro, so it would be a great time to flex my video skills alas and put this great tool to the test. I am for the most part- clumsy and as you can tell from the picture there the water steps as some refer to it is makes for a unique sight. The limestone formations are literally like really tall steps! Some up to 15 feet tall, which is that one I posted and the as short as 5 feet.

It’s a must visit if you’re touristing around the island! Now I know I talk about these hikes all the time, by now it might seem like the same thing over and over and I have to admit, I can see why reading these things may be a bit lethargic after a while. That’s where I have to challenge myself when it comes to bringing these experiences to you! Because they are all quite unique in their own ways. For instance I cannot compare this hike with Sombasson nor can I with the Matura River water hike! The landscape is different for all 3! The groups I went with were all different, and I've learned, the group does affect your experience. To date Turure Steps was the least enjoyed on my part but it was the most visually appealing in terms of the rock formation of the falls themselves, it was as if seeing 3 or 4 waterfalls in one hike. The group however consisted of leisure hikers. For the most part, I do not wish to be a leisure hiker, yes I do it as a leisure activity! But I want it to always be challenging both mentally and physically. I hope to one day say to myself I’m ready for a grade 9 hike, whenever that day comes. Or a night hike! I would love to hike abroad! It’s on my bucket list of course! Some things are the same too! Like my ability to have seen a snake on EVERY hike thus far- one dead mackawel (boa constrictor), 3 mapapi (one now deceased). The lush green and the sounds! The sounds of the forest are eerie and interesting all at once! There’s a level of respect you learn being in these places and not being in control. I can be a controlling person where I can help it, I think I may be an Andrenaline junkie, as well as someone who thrives on mental challenges. I know I need challenges that push me physically- I'm always looking for new exciting ways to work out. I'm supposed to be embarking on a grade 5 land hike on the 3rd of July. So far it is my intention, if all goes according to plan you can read about it when I recover😎 Until then...

[joandecember-blog]

First Time Lapse. Yesterday it rained all day! I'm not a fan of rain at all but this is how I turned it around. Late in the afternoon on my way home I realized saw the moon now peeping through the remaining rain clouds and I thought to try my time lapse skills again. I started inside the garage from the hood of my brothers truck. It came out ok.. But the lights were getting in the way (I'll try to add that picture). I tried for a darker spot, atop the garage. It was darker but still bright I think. I pointed the camera directly toward the moon this time. The time lapse looked great but the security light at the side of the house was still preventing me from capturing the detail I wanted. At this point I decided to take a page out of my boyfriend's book, he usually takes still shots of different angels to figure out which one he prefers best- so I opted this technique. It was when I faced the camera directly up that I got the frame I liked first as well as the detail- I saw all the clouds above. So I shot at 800 ISO and 2 seconds per frame and this is what came out in the video. My final obstacle was learning to maneuver GoPro studio app on my laptop and getting the video to work on my phone without being too big so I can post it here and to Instagram. One quick search on YouTube fixed that problem. I did slow the frame rate in Studio app, though I did not need to, I'm all just experimenting with different things. Maybe I'll catch a sunrise and stitch the videos together. It's all a learning process. 📸

[joandecember-blog]

Turning 31 Don't brace yourself for anything fancy or nothing. I thought it would be good to comment on turning over yet another year (successfully I think), also I wanted to showcase another picture I took with my GoPro there. It's been a slow start I admit. But by the time July comes and work slows I'll have loads more time to get out there and do some more GoPro-ing. Turned 31 years old on Friday, Yeahh! I was 100% not in the mood to age to say the least. Work has been a load of old balls for the past 2 or 3 weeks and I am just seeing red disaster flags everywhere when I think about the pending conference I've been working on. But the day turned out pretty good after all. Got some cake! Went to dinner with Bae. Quiet but good and I preferred it that way. I love my friends but I don't feel the drinking and partying much as of late. Must be growing pains.. And my recovery time!--It's slowed to almost a complete halt and I become paralyzed for 24 hours after 3 vodkas. So I'm diving hard into my thirty-second year, wishing myself a better paycheck and more adventures. Putting all my wishes hard in that better paycheck bowl so I won't say anymore! Gemini fo life! 👊🏽

[joandecember-blog]

GoPro 

 Just got my very first GoPro Hero Silver edition action camera. It's just as exciting as it is a bit frustrating. By frustrating I mean learning the modes and the software. As I'm sure you guessed (the more I say that the more I think I'm very predictable🤔) I'm not the most tech savy person in the world. I usually beat up electronic items mainly computers, laptops and phones. Never a camera and I hope never to have to.

I realise its going to have to take some learning. What I see on videos don't always translate to real life as easily. So since I got it in my hands on Wednesday last, I can take a picture💪🏽, do a miniature night time long exposure, record a video as well as a time lapse and I've just discovered the video and photo mode. I also figured out how to use the GoPro studio for PC app, which is narly! Did not however check how to add sound to it but it's on my list.

What I do not know how to do, or do not know if it is possible to do, is transferring a time lapse edited video from my laptop to my iPhone. It's just a tiny bit frustrating when you're an Instagram junkie like moi! But I can live if I can't post time lapses. It isn't something I think I will be doing the majority of the time. Unfortunately I encounter the same problem loading them to my tumblr and Twitter. If anyone has any encouraging tips, I most certainly welcome it. 

 I intended the GoPro to document my immersion into the outdoors and my newly discovered love for outdoor and adventurous activities! So to properly document I may have to look into a YouTube channel though I am so very apprehensive about that much exposure. I am a recluse at average levels of function. GoPro offers me a great push to track all of my scenic activities in Trinidad, the Caribbean and abroad. I think it's a whole new adventure in itself. If it can help me inspire anyone to just get out there and do something fun it will be all good. Or, I may just show them to my future puppies, memories of their ma. 

 So stay tuned! I can't wait to add to the vast community that is GoPro while showcasing the small slice of the world I hail from. 🖖🏽✌🏽️

[joandecember-blog]

Level 5 Water Hike

Another first today! And I had absolutely no idea what I was in for with this terror that is a water hike. A 7 hour, 10 mile ordeal!

The day started early as usual, but I did not hike with Courtenay and the usual suspects, today I went out with Patrice (Haydn’s sister) and her people- Shaun Mungal.

We met up and went up to Toco (Trinidad). Of course it all started well. Hike for 40 minutes until we get to the river (Matura River) and started upstream.

It was ok for most of the way, there’s a lot of limestone rocks so coupled with my hiking shoes, it made for a pretty study step. The water level varied quite a bit from just a running stream to up to my collar bone in water. We hiked upstream got about 3 hours or a little more. Our guide Shaun was way ahead because of course hike leaders are born with a natural ability to never slip like ever! (While I am slipping every 3 seconds about). He went ahead to check the trail to the waterfall but unfortunately it had been washed out and overladen with debris so we couldn’t go further.

At that point we opted to just relax, this lasted roughly an hour. The rain fell for a while on the way up River, not very heavy though. However it began again while on the way back downstream and this time a lot harder. It made seeing anything in the water including where to put your feet down, VERY difficult (for me at least, the hike leader was fine). 

 I seem to lose all my confidence when you add river rocks and running water. And with the rain wetting absolutely every inch of dry land, was irritating beyond belief. On the way back I gained most of my injuries including twisting my left ankle way too many times, blistering and bruising my fingers and palms (even had to bite my semi grown out nails off), hitting both my knee and my shin as well as my butt on a fallen tree bark. Yeah, fun right? 

 Needless to say by the time we hit 6 hours my fuel was really running out. The pain was bad and I was starting to mentally clock out, to the point where I could not even remember walking through that much stream- I was on the verge of tears. So much so I wanted to stop looking down at my feet constantly to ensure I didn’t break my ankle off entirely, this was most fatiguing.

 By 6.5 hours I had lost track of time because it got really dark from all the rainfall and tree and cloud cover. I was so tired that even the 40 minute walk out on trail was frustrating me. I really started lagging. 

 It was quite an experience. Both physically and mentally taxing for a beginner like me. We did get to enjoy some of the pretty green pools along the way and back. All in all I’m a little glad I did the hike so that I can say I did a water hike but it definitely isn’t something I’ll do in a hurry again. For me, something about slippery rocks and water mixed with my little feet doesn’t calculate a happy time.

[joandecember-blog]

Adventures with Courtenay and Sheldon: Avocat Waterfall Rappel.

Courtenay did not come along this time because he was unwell and we do wish him better as soon as possible. Our day was still absolutely fun, led by Sheldon and his 2 colleagues.

This is the second time rappelling for me, the first you might recall was on my Sombasson hike. Though the hike this time was nothing in comparison, it was more or less a 30 minute walk through the Marianne River, up a little slope and down to the fall. This was my second time at Avocat waterfall, the first time was with my boyfriend Haydn who wanted to photograph the waterfall free of people and turned out instead to be a totally unplanned adventure which included starting off in the wrong direction for about 1.5 hours. Turning back and realising there was a crowd of people heading to the waterfall, try to pass them and Haydn got lost in the Blanchisseuse forest for about an hour and me crying and praying that he found his way back unharmed and before dark.

I am realising we are a couple prone to very exciting plan deviations, keeping the sauce hot if you ask me.

Haydn was with us on the hike and rappel, but he did not plan on rappelling today, heights make him shy.

I remember the first time hiking to the top of Avocat falls with Haydn and his friend Keron. It turned out being more like rock climbing to the summit instead of hiking, it is very steep and consists mostly of finding grooves in tree roots in order to get there. This second time was no different, but my legs were not shaking like twigs this time.

At the top it was safe to say that this fall was higher than Sombasson falls. I wasn’t nervous but what was nerve racking was the hoard of people who was visiting the fall that day and was so intrigued at what we were doing that they paused all their activity to spectate. At Sombasson, it was so deep in the forest that only the trees were our spectators.

Most of the group rappelled twice, I just did it once, it was quite easy.

Essentially we were supposed to do a two hour hike originally intended to end at the fall and then rappel, but due to Courtenay’s absence we just rappelled. It was a fairly easy day besides my aching muscles from going to the gym the day before and recently picking up skipping rope for half hour with ankle weights in intervals.

Needless to say I am currently feeling very broken up.

Stay tuned for the next adventure.

[joandecember-blog]

Adventures with Courtenay and Sheldon: The Caroni Swamp.

I have decided to decide for good that I will commit myself to any (affordable) daring adventure that Mr. Courtenay ‘Bush man’ Rooks decides to take me go on. Thus far I’ve gotten two of my somewhat bucket list things done! Remember I rappelled that 60 foot Sombasson waterfall and hiked for 2 hours including up a rock precipice? That was adventure one! Today I intended to kayak Trinidad’s infamous (for being infested with Caimen and the occasional anaconda) Caroni River, but it didn’t go that way.

I woke up to rain. Rain, rain, rain! It didn’t rain on the island for the most of 3 months or so, drought watch and all! During the past week we had about 3 months of rain. And it continued throughout the day much to my dismay. I hate the rain on top of that rain and a Caimen, snake infested jungle River??? Wasn’t keen. I toyed with going and cancelling all morning but decided to go eventually and apprehensively. Caimen are a smaller species of alligators that can possibly grow up to 15 feet long.

I got to the Caroni Bird Sanctuary, got mauled by sand flies and was completely turned off! As the group gathered Courtenay went through the dry runs and how to’s then asked “who’s for kayak and who’s for standing paddle board?” And let me tell you, nothing inspires me more to do the most impossible of things than looking like a pussy! There was a 13 year old in the group who was going to paddle board, so bam! Hands up for paddle board I did! I must have known that I would regret it the moment Sheldon called me to take first place on the sun board. God bless Sheldon he will always make me swallow the fear and just do the damn thing! I had to recite the mantra over and over in my head “you will be able to say you standing paddle board on the Caroni River!“ 

Especially after asking a handful of friends to go with me, all of them told me I was crazy and wished me the life of luck that I should return alive! It started pretty badly. First off I had to start on my knees and needless to say I stayed on my knees for about half hour completely adamant that this was how I was going be the entire afternoon. Stand up? Wasn’t gonna happen! To risk falling into however deep, brackish water swarming with flesh eating terrors? Yeah….NO! 

 When my legs became numb though it was either stretch out in the water, get a horrible cramp or stand the f**k up! So I stood up eventually, much to my relief it was easy and a lot more comfortable!

The rest was cake! Even bumping into the kayaks or other paddle boarders wasn’t bad at all. It was really thrilling. I did opt not to go into a small tributary that Courtenay had to cut a path through, I stayed with Sheldon and the boat and just paddled around, asked for my picture to be taken because at that point I was a PRO PADDLE BOARDER! I practised turns and just went a bit up the swamp and listened to the extreme quietness enveloping me. It really was thrilling. The group eventually met back up with us and we went on to the open spans of  the river itself and let me tell you, few things impress me but the view was wonderful! I felt immensely proud of myself! For both paddling 3 hours and for seeing an absolutely never before seen (myself) part of my island. I always want to leave, want to leave Trinidad but today I saw a part of it that made me stop for a serious moment and be proud and happy and completely in awe! 

I always wanted to stand paddle and a part of me always thought maybe I would at Pigeon Point in Tobago, never on the Caroni River with all its abundant wild life! I would very much do it again! 

No! I was at no time poached by an alligator or snake, I in fact saw no snakes the entire time, just one Caimen when we are already aboard the safety of the boat and on the way back out of the river.

I have to really thank Courtenay and Sheldon for helping me to push past fears and really over come these challenges that in the end are SO MUCH FUN! I definitely look forward to the next adventure with them and telling you all about it!

www.haydngonzalez.com

[joandecember-blog]

The ‘Girl in Barber Shop’ Chronicles.

Well here’s a new idea I thought to take you on a journey through with me. I’m not a stranger to going to the barbershop, this would be the second time I’ve surrendered to the scissors of a barber.

I recently got the courage to do an undercut to my hair as inspired by my progeny baby cousin, Thalia. I mustered the courage about 3 weeks ago and went to my hairdresser, Anna and told her my plans. She was apprehensive about the undercut but super excited about the blunt a-line trim. Long story short it was awesome, left having Anna thinking she should do one also!

It takes about 3 weeks for my hair to grow out an inch. I shaved the back on a grade 0 on the machine so it was down to the scalp. Today I wanted a top up but didn’t feel like venturing out to Anna so I opted for the closest open barber shop to where I live. I apologize for not remembering the name but it’s opposite the post office in La Romain.

What’s most fascinating is the drastic difference in choice of topics that guys in barbershops talk about as opposed to girls in Salons. So this has inspired the blog, admittedly its way more hilarious sitting in a barber shop, guys are just so stupid.

So just to get the point across I will bullet point the barrage of topics discussed (kindly note there was one other girl there who was re-shaving the side of her head):

* budget review and how children will never know the joy of a box lunch and how man use to fight for bagee pie. 

* things so hard now man used to break in your house the thief gold and money now they will break in for groceries. 

* doh feel is only man in car getting shoot now you will see man on bicycle getting shoot, ban yuh belly! 

* (Girl exits shop) “Allyuh feel she like girls or what?” Barber number one say next time he will make a move and if he get blank then she sure on girls. Another said he know she likes girls because he already tried and get blank. Second guy say he get shut down right there for trying to talk to her about the football on tv (football is on live on the tv in the shop). 

* Trevor Sayers comes up and one guy says he saw the man on tv talking to a lady and asked her if she know why her man can’t perform and she says because he is too small. Trevor Sayers says that maybe it’s because she’s too big and says take two drops of this (whatever “this” is) and it will tighten you up…. 

* KFC stop tasting like how it used to. This is because the chicken they use now are featureless and injected to get big. Churches Chicken has real chicken… 

* a guy walks in and turns his phone on and I see he has a screen shot of guy hairstyles up…awkwwaaarrdddd. 

* Same guy switches to Clash of Clans (thanks to Haydn I know about this game so I know the start up song). This game is mainly strategy and they discuss their favourite cards and strategies (this was the majority of the conversation time I was there for). 

* Paying for cable is a waste of time and a waste of money. 

* BBQ chicken is also featherless foreign chicken that are being injected. Normal chicken not so big. 

 The end. Stay tuned for my next top up!!

[joandecember-blog]

30 Hours of Paris.

What do you do when you have 30 hours in Paris? Here’s my story:

It was a warm sunny… just kidding.

But really it began a little disastrously. Skip ahead to an one hour before boarding and Haydn and I are all checked in and decide to grab a quick bite before boarding the Eurostar to Paris, France. Mid way through his wrap he very theatrically shoves it back down with a severe (insert F-word)- We forgot our passports. 

Now, I usually pride myself on my remarkable memory, but I admit..stupidity set in, with a whole lot of excitement that it did not even cross my mind that we would have needed them, therefore we were there, checked in, sans passports! 

Events that followed:

–> Go to the ticket counter and explain our predicament to the extremely helpful Eurostar representative.

–>  Representative basically says go get those passports and be back before 7 pm and we can still go.

–> Haydn had to rush back to where we’re staying (an hour away) at RUSH HOUR and try to get back in time.

–> check out www.haydngonzalez.com for his blog about his version of actually having to get there and back in time. It will include the very kind cooperation of his generous cousin in law, Holly, but don’t let me ruin it. 

All the while I wait at St. Pancras International…..for almost 3 hours. End of this bit, we made it onto the 6:01 pm train to Paris, France! Woohoo!!

We arrive in Paris at about 8 pm and hop an over priced taxi (you will know why it was over priced soon) to our Airbnb apartment at Champ de Mars in which our second adventure of the trip ensues- finding the apartment and key! First off, worlds tiniest elevator exists in this place, it literally has no space for two persons and a suitcase. I know this because all we had were two backpacks and this resulted in us having to form a line sideways instead of standing side by side. After looking under almost all the mats from God knows what floor we finally took the risk and decided I should stay and guard the bags and Haydn would venture up to the 6th and look one last time. By the way, did I mention we had no WiFi or roaming? We had no WiFi or roaming…. But thankfully our sacrifice worked and he successfully procured the key and came back to fetch me.

The apartment was ideal, a bed and a bathroom minus enough TP (I’ll let you come up with your own conclusions about that last part). We were situated snugly between a superb Thai Restaurant, Praya Thai and a Cafe, Glaces Et Sorbets De La Maison Berthillon. After grabbing a lengthy dinner at Praya Thai, mainly because we were being mused over by the old lady who worked there, lost in translation 90% of the time, we managed to peel away for a quick stroll to the Eiffel Tower which was visible from where we were staying.

Let me say, nothing I can tell you could possibly prepare you for the exquisiteness that is the Eiffel Tower at night! It is love at first sight, gigantic and absolutely drop dead gorgeous!! We were lucky to see the light show that took place for 10 minutes every hour on the hour, it resembled twinkle lights you put on your Christmas tree and fading fireworks. We took pictures, froze a little then headed back for some sleep! 

The full day started with breakfast at the Cafe downstairs then off to walk up 704 steps to the second landing of the Eiffel Tower, worth it!! The view is tremendous, I’m not sure but I think I must have seen Paris’ brain for the view was so far. A must do if your’re planning a visit, though I did not make it to the 3rd and highest point of the Tower, I am sure its indescribable…ly cold..

Then it was off for a rainy stroll to the Louvre, walking along the Seine River and passing the Roue de France ferris wheel, the scenes of Paris are indeed very romantic, the city itself sort of grips you and leaves nothing to be glimpsed at. I also managed to leave a lock at Princess Diana’s memorial site, it is also the site of the Flame of Liberty, a replica of the flame from New York’s Statue of Liberty. Continuing through a park I observed that a great number of people run and jog in Paris, it must be very nice to do this during summer I imagine. 

The grand entrance of the Louvre makes you wonder if its a completely different place right outside of the museum but in fact the place is a beautiful monstrosity. You are going to take some solid minutes taking it all in before you actually get to the Louvre pyramids, it builds you up and then you see them, the whole setting is breathtaking. Two things worth mentioning, I wish I got to experience the site on a sunny day and I also wish I could have glimpsed it at night with all the lights on in the surrounding courtyard… If I am ever so blessed to make it back there, I most definitely would.

We continued on but on a different whim, Haydn wanted to experience walking through the streets of Paris so we bee lined into the heart of Paris’ little tributaries to see what we would find. It’s tough to get lost in them when your beacon is the Eiffel Tower which stands so demandingly in the sky. We pit stopped for a Parisian pastry at Eric Kayser’s Cafe and trekked on to Lunch later on at La Poule Au Pot where I had the classiest salad I ever saw, made with Carpaccio Beef…yum!!

All that walking and time zone changes (as Paris is one hour behind London which is 6 hours ahead of where I live) left us a little whipped so we went back to the apartment for a 5 which resulted in a 45 minute nap. 

Time to organise a cab and one last stop at the Eiffel Tower so that Haydn could photograph it at sunset just as the lights come on. You can see his spreadsheet of photos and some on his website quoted earlier in this blog. 

That night we dined across the street at Diona Cafe and turned in only to wake up to adventure number three. Rewinding a little to cab organization, we went to the cab stop (like a bus stop) on the corner where we stayed and one of the waiting cab drivers assured us that we would be able to find a car there at any point in time and should not worry too much. This was not so… My anxiety began to flare now.

We ended up literally walking until we saw and empty cab driving along the highway, ran across to the median and flagged it down.. the cost of the taxi to get to the apartment was 80 Euros and the cab back to the train station was 12.60 Euros….. (insert F-words). So readers, do not fall for those kind taxi folk waiting in the train station as soon as you exit the trains, walk your grande out to the street and hail a cab! Your wallet will thank you! And by the way on the drive back to the train station, one faint look to the left and there was the solidly standing Arc de Triomphe, we saw it after all.

So 30 hours in Paris can get you a look at some of its most splendid sites, you can literally see all of Paris if you wanted to in one sitting of the 3rd floor of the Eiffel Tower. You can take a stroll along the Seine River holding hands with your beau, trample through the cobble streets and smell old book stores, sample France’s supple cuisine, have some fine wine, grab some souvenirs and leave your mark (lock). If you can, do it! 

Photo credit: Haydn Gonzalez.

 Au revoir Paris! I hope we meet again..

[joandecember-blog]

London, the bits and bobs.

Well hello there! I have been toying with how exactly to transcribe my trip to London for you but let me tell ya... you can get a frickin’ lot done there in 10 days! I really don’t want to reward you with any eye strains reading this post- from now till tomorrow- of all of the wonderful details, so I will keep it short and sweet.

London is cold.... 

London has a lot of shit to do!

London in expensive...if you are not a Londoner (I suspect) or not a millionaire.

Londoners have great fashion sense (men and women)

Londoners love to have after work drinks.

London has an exorbitant amount of rain, they should look into exporting some!

London is historical and beautiful!

London can get you lost very easily if you don’t follow the correct lines on the floor of their train stations!

London needs to explain fish n chips to me!

London will keep you fit from all the walking you have to do!

London has the best buffets ever created (thus far that I've experienced)

London needs to adopt me.....

London winds can fossilize you in one blow.

London is a clean place.

London based Japanese call pows a dumplin.....psshh! Is a pow oui!

London is not a nice place to be lost in...seriously!

London has an app for everything...

London is where I live in my mind.

London has cool double decker buses.

London airport duty free is the best ever created (thus far that I've experienced).

London will see me again one day.

London’s monuments are really lovely. I got to visit Big Ben, London Eye, Tower of London, Picadilly Circus, Covent Gardens, Trafalgar Square, Oxford Street, Museum of Modern Art, St. Peter’s Church, so many bridges (Millennium, Jubilee, London etc)....you get the point. All of them were fantastic and worth visiting if you’re there.

So the bits and bobs..

Did you really want a blow by blow of all the steps I took there? I walked a lot okay! But of course if there is anything I can extrapolate on just comment and I will. But I would definitely recommend to any one, the sacrifice of working and saving to go there would be totally worth it. I was blessed to have the generous help of my boyfriend who accompanied me there and making this spectacular trip a reality, I owe him the world of thanks and one day a pay back. 

Growing up, the childish thought of escaping to London felt like a dream! I've been to a number of places in the U.S., Canada and around the Caribbean and by far fell most in love with London. This was an experience I won’t soon forget! From the biting cold breeze to getting a little lost from time to time, from the quick meals and hustling to see as much as we could, to the Guinness and other London beers, meeting new people from all over Europe to seeing my sweet baby Nathan and meeting little Lilly and her wonderful parents (who I also owe a world of thanks to for taking such good care of a cousin’s girlfriend and welcoming me so openly into their home) everything was simply perfect! 

Stay tuned for 30 Hours of Paris!!

[joandecember-blog]

Rappelling Sombasson Waterfall.

Last Saturday I embarked on an adventure deep into the Arima/Blanchisseuse forest for a rappelling hike. The group consisted of 7 people including myself plus 2 guides, Mr. Courtenay Rookes (CEO of Paria Spring Tours in Trinidad) and his right hand man Mr. Sheldon Patterson.

I have to begin by saying that I had no idea what to expect going into this hike with no friends or acquaintances, and I had no idea I would be in for such an experience.

We met up at 2 different points, stopped for gas and drove up to Lalaja road where the trail to the Lalaja waterfall is. After parking at a suitable spot we all pooled into Courtenay’s pickup and drove half hour up to the start of the trail. Much anticipation was building at this point.

At the starting point we ate, packed our gear- harnesses, helmets, food, first aid etc, sharing the load- and were on our way. The trail started fine.

About 10 minutes in the truth about my situation bared its ugly head. So much bush you could barely take your eyes off your feet to look ahead of you in hope you don’t lose your steps. Slippery rocks scattered through the entire trail and the wet floor from rain and dew settled on the forest floor. My claustrophobia started to spike a small bit, I managed to suppress it though, excitement at what laid ahead was far too mouth watering to let my phobias get the best of me.

The path was about one and a half foot wide against the hill we were trekking, to the left. And to the right, a deep drop with no bottom, just trees and bush and lots and lots of greenery. It was a beautifully terrifying site which made for a vigorous rhythmic song from my heart.

The hike spanned about 2 hours, mostly because whatever rainfall had taken place in the 3 weeks between then and the last time the tour went there, it had pushed trees and branches over the track. Many times Courtenay had to stop and cutlass his path clear once more. From climbing or jumping over fallen tree barks, trying not to raise maribunta nests, walking as quick as we could over a bed of black biting ants and one giant dead macajuel snake, we made it to the fall.

Time to rappel.

I made it a point to ask as many questions as I possible could have when performing the dry runs. Which shoulder will the rope be hanging over, if I feed the rope more will I go faster, is there a wall that I will be able to have my foot against the entire time. I was met in the end with Sheldon telling me that I have a lot of common sense, which is unfortunately not very common these days. I felt prepared but not at the same time, excited but not scared.

When it was time to go balls to the wall I comfortably maneuvered myself in third place to take the plunge. Futile though, one peep over the side and a flurry of worry enveloped my face which gave me away, Sheldon quickly called me into second place.

Rappelling one o one- nothing, absolutely nothing prepares you to willingly hang your ass off a 65 foot free fall cliff- nothing! Getting in position consisted of swinging off of the safety of a floor, around a minuscule tree trunk with your feet against the cliff. I immediately forgot how to take instructions properly, struggled to keep control of my shaking legs while trying hard, really hard, not to look down.

And just when I was about to give that right hand a little slack Sheldon stops me, “wait! Let me take a picture, smile!” I can’t remember what my face would have contorted into, but after seeing the picture I can attest to my rock solid poker face. Rappelling was, to say the least, the easiest part of the entire day. When securely footed at the bottom of the fall, I decided (maybe a bit too late) to ask how we were or which way we were hiking back to the top. Courtenay pointed to the danger zone of rock formations with absolutely no path- up- I almost shit myself. It was harder getting up than I imagined but as you might have ascertained, I made it. Back up the rocky cliff and back out of the forest in one piece. Although I sustained about 50 insect bites, 3 bumps on my head, about a handful of scratches and bruises, I conclude I would do it all over again if I could. And maybe I would some time in the future. You know what they say, if it nice, do it twice. I think my next big adventure might be convincing Courtenay and Sheldon to go rappelling off Centipede island, Down the Islands, or start wake-boarding and paddle boarding with Liquid Andrenaline. Who knows? All I know is I'm not near done exploring the great outdoors.

[joandecember-blog]

So I promised I would try to give a review of these new Nike trail sneakers that I recently purchased for a hike I was planning to take part in over the weekend. Well! For one I tried to break them in a little the day I bought them, since I run on evenings, why not right?

Needless to say, that was a bad idea! Usually I run in my #Nike Huarache with #Spenco insoles which for the least has spoiled me completely! Running with the trail shoes made my ankles feel like they were shattering every time I bared down on them. Walking with the trail shoes are extremely comfortable however, I think the added pressure of the road does not make it good for road running. I will stick with my Huaraches for that!

So! First things first! If you have flat or wide feet, these shoes are NOT for you! I have fairly skinny and curved feet and it still felt quite snug on mine and after a couple hours of hiking on them I started to feel the wear against my baby toes, but it was not unbearable. Keep in mind when walking for hours like on hikes your feet will tend to swell a little and this will add pressure to its already compact feel.

Since the floor of the forest is a lot softer than the road walking in them for 2 hours one way and just less than 2 hours back did not hurt my ankles at all. The inside of the shoe is quite padded and therefore keeps your feet very comfortable for this type of hike. If hiking involves getting your feet wet, all that extra inner padding is going to get a little heavy once soaked through. The difference though is barely noticeable since the shoe is quite aerated on the sides and as you walk the water clogged in the shoe runs off easily. It is not a big set back at all in my opinion. I am a first time hiker on an intermediate ranked hike and my shoes were the very least of my worries that day.

The day after felt nothing like partying in a pair of high heels the night before. I felt absolutely no soreness what-so-ever as far as my feet were concerned. I would recommend this shoe to my fellow narrow footed folks out there who are looking to get into some hiking and trail walking like myself. I am only assuming when I say it might be OKAY for riding bikes as well since the soles are very grippy and might help to hold on to pedals quite all right. Note however, they may not be a good alternative to riding shoes. 

I hope this little review helped! Happy trails!

[joandecember-blog]

I will be reviewing these trail sneakers by Nike on Saturday. I will be involved in my first intermediate hike ever -insert applause- i'll be rappellikg off a 60foot waterfall. No biggie right?

I know you might be wondering why, all of a sudden I have decided to divert from my normal life experience blog posts to reviewing real time things? Because, if you were paying any real attention you would have realised That I did say I was versatile, dammit.

Anyway, I have only recently started to invest in purchasing things that contribute to my extra curricular life. Much like my pastels and achrylic paints… I am a man of many trades. Not that I needed to reiterate that point. But I have wanted to rappel for about 2 years now after a friend I grew up with - who looks like an Abercrombie and Fitch model - who is the most outdoorsy person I know l, told me we could do rappelling off a cliff down the islands.

* Down the islands: a place off the north coast of Trinidad that consists of a group of very small islands and loads of fun shit. Only accessible by boat.

Matthew, to say the least, set me up. So this is my renewed chance. And I’m so excited!! I wish I can show you the over exaggerated happy expression on my face but you will have to imagine!

I’m so ready to take my 'wants’ by the horn and just go do these things. I was always interested in hiking. I joined the hiking club at my university but I turned out to be too much of a nerd to actually peel myself away from my books to go on a real hike. But now that I’m more academically sound, I can’t believe I’m actually just going for it. The feeling is one of the most refreshing I’ve ever felt.

Like I always say.. There is something about fulfilling what’s in your soul. Never ignore it, for anything!!!

Stay tuned for pictures and experience of my rappelling adventure!!

[joandecember-blog]

My word.

I came across this nifty handmade brand called #myintent from a friend’s Instagram profile (I’m @ms.ssh by the way). Anyway so these people make custom pendants for necklaces and bracelets (really kinda bohemian chic) and the point of it is to come up with a word, your word. Check them out on Instagram @myintent It took me almost 12 hours to come up with something I felt at peace with, the word “ME”. I know you might be hasty to roll an eye and say to yourself “no shit!?” Because of course I sort of campaign for the do it yourself type, march to the beat of you own drum, right? So part of the deal with making these custom word jewelry is to type out your story about your word, so it comes all nicely packaged with the story attached in a card. Of course I couldn’t write a blog post there because they might end up becoming my first publisher, but I chose “ME” because, well, in me all things are possible, like with God. I’ve realized the true importance of listening to your own voice. I suppose to be a writer it would be a good habit to be acquainted with as well. What I wrote essentially sounded like the cliche broken record about none can make u feel inferior without your permission. However, there is something truly wonderful that happens when you give yourself a solid, worthwhile moment to be 100% individual. I don’t think anything is more important than connecting with yourself because it’s within that time that you realize some of the most integral facets of you- likes, dislikes, discovering hobbies and all sorts of other good shit. It’s a topic that anyone who has had the chance to be their own best friend and their own worst enemy and end up loving the person they are, can talk about for ages. People like that are a bottomless pit of pro self advice. I had 3 years to figure this thing out. Earn a degree, get a job, decide to be in a committed, intentionally long term relationship, go on adventures with friends, girlfriends, alone. The being in a relationship is the bit I have actual trouble with, it’s a different kind of tough job and I never thought of myself as capable. But we can leave the relationship stories for another time. The do’s and don'ts of you are way more important than anything you can think of. It’s the foundation of a potential megastructure that nothing can shake…really, you know what I mean? When you’re so comfortable with you then you understand how easy it is to give of yourself without feeling taken advantage of because if advantage takes place, you can pump the breaks a bit and be like, hold up! Being a “ME” person doesn’t have to be vain or condescending and it isn’t about accolades for actually being one with yourself either. It should always be something in you for you. Moral of the story, for a writer I managed to feel at ease with “ME”. With foresight to know what needs work and willpower to make it happen. You earn the understanding of when people say follow your gut. Because well, your gut is always right!