Making our way along a winding road through the Arima valley Jhodie said excitedly, “Lets wind down the windows and enjoy the fresh air!” The scenery had drastically changed as 10 minutes ago we were on a busy highway and main road and now we were driving among trees, with a sweeping view of a mountain range across a valley. We were traveling with some friends to the Asa Wright Nature Centre and both of the cars were driving slowly to enjoy the view! The Asa Wright Nature Centre, located in the Northern Range of Trinidad, is a Non-Profit Trust that opened in 1967. The Centre was established to conserve and protect part of the forested area of the Arima and Aripo Valleys creating a safe haven habitat for wildlife. Scientists, students, bird watchers, and visitors from all over the world frequent this world- renowned ecotourism site which also boasts of an easily accessible but protected breeding colony of the nocturnal Oilbirds. Our tour began in the verandah of a large plantation house which once belonged to the owners of a cocoa-coffee-citrus estate. We had the tour guide all to ourselves and he was friendly, humorous and very knowledge. He took us on one of the trails pointing out flora and fauna along the way and fielded our many questions. We walked along the path, soaking in the sounds and smells of the forest. Hog plums littered the ground and their sweet smell rose as we treaded on them.
A coffee tree, a remnant of the old plantation, stood tall and our guide let us know that they still grow, harvest and serve their own coffee at the Centre. We admired the many Vervain plants which were introduced to attract one of the smallest birds in the world – the Tufted Coquette. The loud hum of Cicadas increased and decreased at different areas as we moved along the trail interspersed with various bird and insect sounds which created a soothing background melody. Stopping by a large ant’s colony, we were all enthralled as our guide briefly described how these creatures create and maintain their colony. It felt like we were on a journey of discovery as we learned so many interesting facts about our environment, reacquainting ourselves with the names of many local plants that populate our country. My mind ran on a podcast I listened to recently that spoke about the fact that we as a society are losing the interconnectedness with the nature that surrounds us. Many of us don’t remember the names of plants or don’t know how certain animal and plant behaviors are linked to the seasons – knowledge most of our great grandparents had.
How lucky were we to be having this educational moment in nature to reacquaint ourselves with our country’s landscape! “That was amazing!” Jhodie said as we were driving out. “I really love nature. I grew up visiting Toco and spending time on my grandfather’s orchard in Cumuto so I would be around trees, birds and the beach a lot. It feels good to be back in nature. Refreshing.” Windows down, soaking in the atmosphere, the conversation turned to fashion as I remembered Jhodie had altered the jumpsuit she was wearing. Tailoring her outfits to fit, is always a fashion must for her.
J: I’m short so I can’t just buy something and go. I have to alter that bad boy! Hem my pants… take it in… It must fit.
A: How would you describe your overall style?
J: I think my style is easy, cool, natural, Island chic which seems effortless but isn’t really, as if I buy something long, I have to get someone to alter it. I have a lot of rompers and shift dresses and I like prints, florals and pastel colours. Anything I wear must be comfortable and conservative. I prefer to wear cute slippers or sandals as opposed to closed toe shoes.
A: Do you have any style icons? Yes, my Aunty Pam. She really has a nice sense of style. We admire each other’s clothes all the time. If I wear something she says, “That’s my top, I would wear that.” And when she wears something I will ask her where she got it. She likes a lot of colour blocking, prints, platform shoes, lovely bags and earrings.
A: What is a piece that every woman should have in her closet at any one time?
J: A really nice swimsuit that you feel good wearing. We live on an island so a woman should have a favorite swimsuit that when she is in the sun brings out the best of her sun kissed skin and hair, you know?
A: Do you have a local or regional favorite designer?
J: Yeah! Lisa See Tai. Everything that she sews, I want to wear. I feel like it will make me look so pretty. Its feminine. She takes pride in how she makes her pieces. She makes nice denim shift dresses too and I like the little feminine touches like a little frill on a piece. I love all of her pieces.
Article and photographs by Ariann Mieka Photography. Follow her on IG @mynorthsea
Shop This Look Here :
