What do you do on your day off in Tobago? Heading to the beach comes to mind, especially on bright sunny days like the one I spent with Rhea, but I had something else in mind. Camouflaged in the landscape, sometimes shrouded by trees and tall brush, sugar mills dot the island, giving us a brief reminder of our island’s history as sugar producers from as far back as the late 1700’s.
These structures that are still standing have always mesmerized me and it’s incredible that we can explore them up close, appreciating the architecture and feeling the handmade stone and coral bricks that form them. The ones we explored and photographed, sit on an estate that has three mills and a huge water well. Getting to these mills was a little difficult because of the overgrown brush that surrounds them, but there are two beautiful Sugar Mills off of Shirvan road, where the area has been landscaped, making them easily accessible.
After our little adventure, we headed to lunch at the delightful Shore Things Café in Lambeau. For me, this is always a good spot to not justgrab a bite, but to relax while listening to the background melody of waves from the sea below and chirping birds that flitter about. “The sugar mills were really fascinating.” Rhea says as we are settling in. “I just admire how these structures have been here for so many years, and are still standing, while modern buildings are falling down with earth quakes and whatever other natural disasters we have passing through!” She continues, “What was amazing to see is how all the vegetation around actually just incorporated itself onto the mills itself. That was really pretty!” When the food arrived, the conversation turned to fashion.
R: My style is pretty easy breezy. I wear a lot of summer dresses, or shorts with a cute spaghetti strap, flare top. I look for patterns and bright colours in particular. That’s what attracts me the most. I am not as adventurous to mix the patterns as some people would, so I would probably style a solid coloured piece with a patterned piece. I also look for loose fitting, flowy type clothing. I tend not to wear too many slinky, fitted things but I could mix it up some days with something fitted like a body suit with a flared pants.
A: What is a fashion must for you?
R: I must have earrings to finish an outfit. I love eclectic style earrings and crafty earrings. Whether long or short, they must make a statement. I also love bangles and I have to hear them go clink, clink, clink. That’s why I’m loving these earrings, it’s as if I have my own wind chimes.
A: What is one piece that a woman should have in her closet?
R: Definitely a white shirt. You can dress up a white shirt, dress it down, make it look professional or stylish if you tie it up in the front.
To find out more about Sugar Mills and Tours in Tobago, contact the Tobago National Trust
Check out Shore Things Café in Lambeau, Tobago 1-868-635-1072
Article and photographs by Ariann Mieka Photography. Follow her on IG @mynorthsea
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