fun – Dominique

August 17, 2025August 17, 2025

Trinidad highlights

Drinking fresh coconut water, eating tropical fruits in season, enjoying cool breezes and views of swaying coconut tree leaves. The many treasures of spending time on an island. Here is me drinking fresh coconut water and enjoying the pure country life.

Some Trinidad highlights!

Lady Chancellor Hill. The is a hike with views of Port-of-Spain which is the capital of Trinidad. It is not far from Queen’s Park Savannah: a carnival hotspot. I would not say that it is a super difficult hike. It is about two miles. The views are breath-taking and that is my favorite part about it.

Bamboo Cathedral. It is located in Chagaraumas, Trinidad not far from Macqueripe Beach. Hardest hike of my life. It is literally an upward hill that does not end or at least it felt that way. There were 27 markers with 27 being the last marker.

There were some very encouraging messages on the way to the top (being sarcastic)

Absolute mockery lol

While me and my mother were scoffing for air and had to pause, we saw an older man coming down and we asked, “how much longer,” in which he replied 27, while I believe we were at marker 15 or 16. He definitely made us look out of shape as he chuckled but stated that we made it past the hardest part. I do not know if I fully believe that to be a true statement.

Anyways, after some more trekking, we finally made it to the end. You will see an older abandoned building from when this location was a U.S. base. Going up those steps was scarier than it looked. Inside was just broken glass and junk.

Though this hike was difficult, I felt so good at the end of it. Relating this back to life, the harder your path is, the more fulfilling and rewarding the fruit will be.

After this hike, we cooled off at Macqueripe Beach.

I know this may not seem like the typical island highlight, but I will say the movies. In Trinidad, the most popular place to catch a movie is called Movie Towne, but it literally looks like a movie town. It is clean and the food is great. Me, my brother, and uncle went to see Superman, and before the movie began, we were already chowing down.

Lastly, Las Cuevas Beach. This is a beach in North Trinidad so it is a good drive from the South. It is in the hills so the views are spectacular. There is the Maracas Lookout on the way to the beach that we always stop at to get goodies and stretch our legs.

Las Cuevas Beach

And when we come to Las Cuevas, we can’t NOT get bake and shake. We went by Uncle Sam’s Bake and Shark and it did not disappoint.

Overall a refreshing time. Looking forward to next time.

July 16, 2025July 16, 2025

Spring Break

It has been a while. I am a little behind on blogging, as I have had a very hectic year. This post is from back in April, during my spring break. Since we last spoke, my faith has been tested in ways that I never experienced before. I’ve been a little depressed, there have been many tears, sleepless nights, growing pains, and just reaching the end of myself. Now, from an earthly perspective, this sounds gloomy, but from a heavenly perspective, this is something to be excited about.

Adversity is far from fun, but I always come out stronger and better than before, so I am excited to see what God is birthing through all the pain.

With that being said, my spring break started a little dark. I was not feeling myself. However, I decided I was going to enjoy it the best I can.

MONDAY: I got my nails done and did a little shopping therapy(it works!)

TUESDAY: Me and a friend went to SOJO SPA CLUB in Edgewater, New Jersey. A M A Z I N G! The daily admission was $110 and you could stay as long as you like. You get a shoes locker and clothes locker along with a robe and unlimited towels.

4th floor: We were not allowed to use our phones on this floor. This floor had multiple heated pools(102 degrees F), a cold pool (73 degrees), a cold plunge pool, carbon rich bath, silk bath, sauna(177 degrees), and steam room(my fave). Me and my friend went from the heated pool to the cold pool, back to the heated pool, and then made our way to the sauna and steam room. No lie, the sauna was uncomfortably hot, I didn’t last too long (LOL), but I loved the steam room. The vibe is so calm, peaceful and rejuvenating. Everyone is minding their business and just resting.

6th floor: This is where you can buy food. I ordered a burger and fries and a chocolate chip cookie because I was being a little of a big back, but hey, it was delicious. My friend ordered her salad and teriyaki salmon. The food was great: there are healthy options and even the burger tasted healthier so don’t judge (LOL)

Fooooood

7th floor: This is the huge infinity pool overlooking New York City. The water was heated and there were others in the pool, but thankfully it wasn’t crowded. You can take pictures and just enjoy the vibes. On this floor, there are also many stretched chairs to relax on inside and outside.

I totally recommend.

Infinity Pool overlooking NYC

WEDNESDAY: A friend of mine and I went to New York City. We first went to the Museum of Modern Art, where we looked at beautiful paintings and sculptural works of art. Then we walked to Central Park. Lastly, we went to a Korean restaurant called WOOGA: 10/10. For appetizers, we ordered Korean fried wings with teriyaki dumplings. For entrees, my friend ordered a burger with fries. I ordered a dish called Katsu, which are fried chicken cutlets with rice with a whole bunch of sides. After this, we got ice cream from an ice cream truck.

Chicken Katsu

THURSDAY: I had a solo day. I went back into the city to Central Park. I rented a bike for 2 hours and rode around the park. I really enjoyed it. I loved seeing the horses and people from all walks of life. The feeling of the wind blowing my hair while I pedaled felt magical/powerful. Not gonna lie, at certain parts, I had to walk because riding up those hills was no joke, and I don’t think I selected the right kind of bike. After biking, I went to a little pizza shop and ordered a regular cheese pizza and a barbecue chicken pizza. I did not know they would be so big. Lastly, I went to see a play on Broadway called Purpose by Phylicia Rashad. I really enjoyed it.

Central Park

Biking in Central Park

Huge slices of pizza

I’m really in my soft girl era. With all the demands of life, it’s easy to get caught up in the wrong things, and forget to enjoy life. This break taught me that the only way I’ll ever be okay is if I prioritize rest, self-care, my spirit, and my well-being. All the other noise is not necessary.

May 25, 2024May 25, 2024

Weekend’n BK

My sister asked if I wanted to spend the weekend in Brooklyn and just have fun. I said BET!

Upon arriving in Brooklyn, I first had to stop by one of my favorite roti shops and get some doubles, which were wonderful. I also tried a goat aloo pie. Ugh, took me right back to Trinidad.

First activity: CONEY ISLAND

We had to get our Nathan hot dogs, fries, and tenders. It slapped as always. It was just very windy and cold by the beach, and I only had a light spring jacket. I was internally laughing at what I was seeing. Two men dancing with their speaker playing music: one of which came to me with a cup asking for money. People were wearing shorts, tank tops, sandals, and were very near/ in the ocean despite the cold. Titanic flute music was playing in the background. I said This is New York for yuh!

But I love Coney Island- the vibe is so unique. I wanted to go on a few rides but it was pretty windy/cold, and it probably wouldn’t have been as enjoyable. Hopefully next time!

We went back to my sister’s apartment to nap and get ready for the next stop:

The Golden Diner in NYC

This diner is known for their huge pancakes. We of course ordered one to share, along with chicken cutlets, french fries, and iced tea. When I tell you this pancake was magnificent: rich in flavor, thick, soft, buttery, and dreamy. We definitely could not even finish it, after eating a few bites. The cutlets were also very delicious. The waitresses were very super friendly, and I love that we got to sit outside. The only thing I did not like was how tight the space was. Other than that, I 10/10 recommend.

Next stop: Mr. Fong’s in NYC

It is a small bar. I didn’t care for the drinks.

We tried Orange wine, and White wine. Ewk.

Me and my sister were able to chat about life, which was great, though! The vibe was interesting, but not my particular taste.

Last stop for the day: The Roger’s Garden in Brooklyn

This was much better. The vibe was nice. Younger people, more modern music. The drink options were also very unique/ creative.

I ordered The Freedom Bay Rum Punch: very tropical. My sister ordered the Flatbush Mule: vodka and ginger beer.

The drinks were tasty, and I liked that it was not super crowded.

On the way home, I stopped at a store to purchase some tea, when I stumbled across many west-indian and other childhood snacks. When we were younger, and were always in NY for either church or to visit family, we would get sour pour candy straws from the corner stores. When my grandma used to work in Manhattan, she also used to bring us sour pour when visiting us for the weekend. The candy brought me right back to those years, #nostalgia.

Day 2: It was Sunday and my last day so I went to church with my sister, which was GREAT and then we went to this brunch spot called SHANE’s. I ordered a salmon burger with fries, and a strawberry lemonade. My sister ordered steak and fries with a strawberry lemonade as well.

The food took a little while to come out, but it was delicious. I’d definitely go back.

Overall, this little weekend trip was so fulfilling and a breath of fresh air. It is important to get out of the house, and EXPERIENCE!!! Life is soooo RICH. To many more adventures to come!

I’ll always be a home-body but man, I love to be outside too. They’re both great. Those who know, they know.

Thanks BK!

July 27, 2023July 28, 2023

happy summer

Summer is by far my favorite season. I just love the longer days, the hot sun, pulling out the floral dresses, rocking the sunglasses, and just being outside. Sounds of laughter, sunshine, family bbq’s, spontaneous ice cream trips, soaking in the warm breezes, and just the free time, is unmatched. Winter could never.

Life has been very CALM. I finished my student-teaching in June and will be a new first year teacher in September(will write more about this). I am currently on summer vacation(perks of being a teacher), and man has it been delightful. I have just been spending time with friends, family, and myself. It feels so good to just rest and take everything in. I also have taken some summer classes for my masters program in education.

Something cool and new: I was asked to speak in a panel to about 30 high school students about my journey to becoming a teacher. This was my first ever panel. Initially I was a little anxious, but it was so empowering and beautiful to be a part of that. A question that was asked was “What do you wish you knew when you were in high school?” My #1 advice to them was to prioritize learning about themselves, their passions, and desires. Sometimes, we get so caught up in comparison, timing, people-pleasing, titles or the idea of our ideal job, that we lose ourselves in the process, and potentially end up in a career that was never for us in the first place. Your career choice should not be for anyone but yourself and it is okay if it takes you a little longer. I also told them that their identity is not found in their career. With all of the pressure of finding the right job after college, it is easy to get discouraged, and compare yourselves to others who are in their career. It is also easy to put so much energy into applying to a million jobs that you do not feel worthy until you get the job. The reality is even when you do find the right career path, there is still so much growing and lessons to be learned: it is not just this cake walk, and mentally, you need to know who you are, apart from that job, because you will make mistakes and you will be tested. Overall, my main take-away was that they put themselves first and to enjoy the journey that is not a straight line. Start to look at yourself as the prize and opportunities will seek you!

Just a thought: maybe some of you can relate but whenever I am in a calm season, I sometimes tend to feel guilty or uneasy. I do not know why and I had to check myself several times this summer. Learning to just rest is not as easy as it sounds. God gives us rest and calm seasons for a reason, and it is a part of his plan. Learn to enjoy it and rest in His presence. He’s got you in the palm of his hands and nothing will ever separate you from his grasp.There is purpose in the calm and Thank God for the CALM: we all need it.

On a last note, summer needs to slow down just a little haha. I will dedicate the rest of my summer to resting, reading, writing, self-care, spiritual care, spending time with loved ones and preparing for the upcoming year.

Enjoy some of my summer highlights so far. Thanks for reading and see you soon.