Our landscape in this country is so colourful and when the rain falls it seems as though the water increases its vibrancy. This is something I love to observe as the various shades of colours of the plants, fruit and leaves that surround us all become enhanced when soaked by the raindrops. This was even more pronounced when walking through a heavy rain shower as I did recently during a visit to the Nariva Swamp! Besia and I were on a tour with the National Trust of Trinidad and Tobago and we were in a long line of people trekking through the rain along a beautiful nature trail.
The adventure began during the two-hour long drive to the swamp, where the guides in each bus gave information about specific sites we passed. Driving through Kernaham Village, we were all amazed to see piles of watermelons in front of many homes along the bumpy road. These wooden houses were set back with a canal in front of them filled with beautiful Lotus flowers! We were told that trucks come to buy watermelons at wholesale prices and then go to resell them across the country. “On the way back, we have to stop and buy some of these melons!” one of the ladies on my bus commented. We all enthusiastically agreed.
Located in South East Trinidad, the Nariva Swamp is one of this country’s most ecologically diverse and is the only habitat for some plant and animal species. This protected area is home to and breeding ground for, over one hundred bird species, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. The endangered Blue and Gold Macaw and West Indian Manatee make their home in the swamp, which not only has mangrove, freshwater marsh and freshwater swamplands but also a large evergreen forest consisting of hardwoods and fruit trees.
We walked primarily through the forested area. The rangers pointed out several different types of trees and other plants, while the booming sound of monkeys echoed in the distance. We were told that we couldn’t walk the entire trail because a major rainfall was on its way but we managed to make it to a huge, beautiful tree before the rain came down steadily. Walking through the rain, surrounded by nature was an amazing experience. I was being soaked but the water felt warm as it washed over me. The sound of the raindrops hitting the ground made it a therapeutic experience. A lady on the tour shared these sentiments saying she felt cleansed by the rain water.
Back on the bus we reminded our driver of our desire to buy watermelons. This stop was the icing on the cake for me as we given samples to try while we chose which ones we wanted to purchase. I was shocked that the price of the entire watermelon was less than a typical packaged wedge at the supermarket! With our watermelons firmly packed into the bus we made our way to the Manzanilla Beach boardwalk for lunch. “I am glad I got out of the house. Today was interesting. It was an adventure.” Besia reflected. “I don’t go into nature a lot and it felt nice to be there. Like I was doing something right.”
The conversation turned to fashion as we started talking about the jumpsuit she was wearing.
B: It is bright, fashionable, easy to wear and the material is nice. It is unique and eye catching, which is something I look for when shopping for clothes.
A: How would you describe your overall style?
B: Definitely casual and comfortable. I wear long jeans or jeans shorts with a top or even a jersey. I like tops that have a nice pattern and that go with a lot of things. I also wear a lot of short rompers which again are very casual and easy to throw on.
A: Would you say you have a go to look?
B: Yes. Jeans and a top. I don’t normally step outside of that look, it’s like a uniform. Mostly everyone I hang out with wears the same. For me it’s about playing with the tops – how it fits and a cool pattern. Only recently for graduation, everyone really stepped outside of the box. My grad outfit was the one time I dressed up. I didn’t want something too grown up. I wanted something that looked young, fun and also like me. I chose the colour of the crop top and skirt as I thought it went really well with my skin tone and I wore boots as I think heels are awful to wear.
A: Do you have any style icons?
B: Jane Birkin. She’s amazing. She is an actress, model and singer. In the photos I love of her from the 60’s, she is casual and wearing jeans and mostly white tops that are either fitted or loose. I like how she styled those outfits. I want to be a model and most models like Jane dress more casual like this.
To find out more about the National Trust, call 1-868-225-4750 | www.nationaltrust.tt
Article and photographs by Ariann Mieka Photography. Follow her on IG @mynorthsea
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