My parents were born in the sweet Caribbean island of Trinidad and Tobago. What did that mean for me? I grew up in a TRINI household in America! I called my warm bottle of Nesquik chocolate milk that I drank every night before bed as a child, “tea-tea.” I knew how to wine before I turned five. I remember calling my friends, “allyuh,” in the playground during elementary school, and they all looked at me like I was crazy. I remember having a debate with one of my substitute teachers in first grade, on the pronunciation of vegetables, which I defended the Trini way of saying it ( VEGGUH-TEBBLES) as opposed to (VEGG-TEBLES). I used to “steups,” at everything. Those who know, they know!!! When all is said and done, though, being of Trini descent plays a big part of my identity, and I will tell you why I LOVE IT SO MUCH.
First of all, let’s talk about Trinidad! My parents took me there as a baby and throughout my childhood-adolescence for summer vacation. Trinidad is like a second-home to me, though it sometimes feels more like home than America does in many interesting ways.
What I love most about Trinidad is the warm, family-oriented vibe I get. It is such a small island that it seems as if everyone knows each other. Whenever my parents run into someone they are familiar with or someone else recognizes them (which happens a lot), there is a honking of a car involved, or a huge “YEOOOO,” that is shouted. Sometimes I just may be walking up the street to go to the store to buy an Apple J( apple flavored soda) or big foot cheese snack, and some random person will come up to me and ask “ You “so and so” daughter or niece??” It is like they know me just by my resemblance to someone in my family or because Trinis like to “maco” or (mind others’ business haha). All in all, I like how warm and friendly Trinidadians are. You are sure to be welcomed with a “hello good day,” or “goodnight.” Whereas in America (which I am guilty of), we try to avoid eye contact with each other!
One of the many reasons I love going to Trinidad is to spend time with my family. I have grandparents, cousins, aunts, and uncles there along with family-friends. My relatives may invite my family over and cook a nice warm meal, while we hang and chat. We have many beach limes, where we bring food to the beach, and just enjoy the day in the water. Trinidad water HIT DIFFERENT. We also take trips to mall, the markets in Princes Town and San Fernando, and long drives to different beaches/sites. We also go to Trinidad’s twin island, Tobago! It is a smaller island, filled with beautiful beaches and good vibes. I 10/10 recommend!
I especially love spending time with my grandparents and just embracing their perspective and way of life which is so different from life in the states. It makes me appreciate my culture and heritage. I like to sit outside with my grandfather as we watch cars pass by. He sings, hums, and is always asking us (his grandchildren) to do him favors. I like going into town with my mother and grandmother to the market where they buy their vegetables, herbs, spices, fruits, and groceries for the delectable meals they plan to make. I like going to my other grandma’s house which is down the street from my maternal grandmother’s house, where we just enjoy family time and the country ambiance. There is many sweet breezes and pure vibes. Her home is super special to me, because it is where my father and his siblings grew up. It means a lot to me to get to embrace what was/is home for them. I try to cherish my grandparents as much as I can.
There is something special about being in an island that your family and other previous generations lived in. I always feel very warm and passionate, when in Trinidad. I used to cry on the airplane ride back home because of how much I did not want to leave. Anyone who goes to Trinidad will tell you that the vibe in undeniable.
Secondly, our food! I mean, have you ever tried, DOUBLES???? Doubles is my hands down, favorite Trini delicacy. Doubles consist of two fried flat breads that hold curried chickpeas. If you ever go to Trinidad, it is a MUST that you try it.
I grew up eating bake and salt-fish, provision, rice and dahl, pelau, callaloo, curry chicken, curry goat, curry duck, curry potatoes, different types of roti, macaroni pie, sponge cake, sugar cake, stewed chicken, pholourie, and the list goes on. Trinidadians know how to throw it down in the kitchen. All of my aunts and uncles know how to cook so well, and though their food all have a unique taste, their food is always super favorable and made with love. My mother is the best cook I know! Her knowledge and usage of different herbs, spices, and seasonings is divine. Not a day goes by where she is not cooking a meal for my family, and the meal never disappoints! Can’t nobody touch her sponge cake!
Eating Trini food takes me right back to the island. When my house is smelling of sponge cake, black cake, curry, sweet bread etc, especially during the holidays, I am overwhelmed with warmth and joy. It is like, though in a different country, our traditions and culture is standing strong. I love it and hope to pass it down to my future children.
Lastly, our MUSIC. Trinidad and Tobago is home to so many genres of music such as Soca, Calypso, Chutney, Parang, etc. T&T is home to the steel pan and has one of the best carnivals in the world. To be a descendant of a place that is filled with so much creativity and excellence is something I take pride in.
Anyone who knows me, KNOWS, that Soca is my last name. For me, Soca is a love language. If Soca is playing at my funeral, I will be dancing in my grave. Whenever I hear Soca, I get so ecstatic, like I do not know what to do with myself. Something definitely comes over me. If I hear “EVERYBODY TAKE AH JUMP, TAKE AH JUMP, TAKE AH JUMP, UP NOW,” best believe, I will drop everything to start dancing. Soca is a very upbeat, rhythm filled genre, that you will hear during carnival or at caribbean parties. The intention of the genre is to get you to dance, have a good time, and forget your worries. I listen to Soca when I exercise and for fun, because it just makes me remember the good memories in my life, and just changes the atmosphere. It magnifies my love for my culture. Chutney, Parang, and Calypso, have a similar effect on me, as well. These genres all have their own unique spin: Chutney has Indian influence, Parang has Spanish influence, and Calypso is old-fashioned Soca music. The music from these genres make me feel closer to my heritage and to Trinidad, even when I am not physically there. It connects me to my roots in a very sentimental way.
I also would like to point out that the Trini accent is very soothing and is like verbal candy for my ears. I subconsciously speak in it when I am in my element. Search it up and you will see what I mean.
Trinidad and Tobago will always play a significant part of my identity and I am proud to be a descendant of that island!
Dominique 