A Stormy Day in Port Of Spain

photography by: Omri Westmark

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The southernmost country in the Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago is most famously known for its carnival and musical heritage. Surprisingly, this island-nation has much more to offer than just being the birthplace of Nicki Minaj, both culturally and naturally. I spent 24 hours at a stopover in the capital city of Port of Spain, soaking wet following a tropical storm, yet extremely satisfied by everything this vibrant city has to offer, from colonial architecture to superb culinary bites.

Markets

Port of Spain has a central market like every Caribbean nation, however, many streets serve as de-facto markets, dominated by plenty of booths offering agricultural products.


Avocado booth on the left, and a makeshift vehicular shop selling corn on the right.

photography by: Omri Westmark


Booths selling fresh herbs.

photography by: Omri Westmark


A booth selling many sorts of yams.

photography by: Omri Westmark


A pile of peppers, a staple cooking ingredient in the local cuisine.

photography by: Omri Westmark


Fruits stalls offering a plethora of local delectable natural treats.

photography by: Omri Westmark


Colonial Architecture

Formerly colonized by the British and Spanish, Trinidad and Tobago still retains much of its colonial heritage, reflected in many of Port of Spain historic buildings, enriching the city with cosmopolitan vibes.


Trinidad and Tobago is predominantly a Christian nation, bestowed with numerous churches, many of which located in Port of Spain.
On the left is Rosary Catholic Church, while on the right side is the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

photography by: Omri Westmark


A traffic congestion in one of the historic streets.

photography by: Omri Westmark


Many colonial buildings like this one are unfortunately dilapidated by years of negligence.

photography by: Omri Westmark


While others are beautifully restored.

photography by: Omri Westmark


A castle-like colonial building during dusks.

photography by: Omri Westmark


Street Life

The streets of Port of Spain are brimming with activity, giving foreign visitors the perfect opportunity to experience an authentic Caribbean urbanism. Except for the old historic part, the city has a modern downtown with skyscrapers, full of commuters rushing to work like any major international metropolis.


Brian Lara promenade is the city’s main street, crowded with pedestrians at its eastern segment.

photography by: Omri Westmark


While its western segment is a little bit calm and quiet.

photography by: Omri Westmark


Some of Port of Spain’s buildings are far from being architecturally impressive, yet they form a vibrant urban fabric that largely compensate for their dilapidated state.

photography by: Omri Westmark


Traffic jam on the backdrop of Port of Spain’s downtown.

photography by: Ormi Westmark


South Quay Lighthouse on the left is overlooking a small lagoon surrounded by informal housing.

photography by: Omri Westmark


The street level of Port of Spain’s downtown, usually less crowded with pedestrians than the city’s historic part.

photography by: Omri Westmark


Another typical street scenery of ramshackle buildings hosting vibrant human activity.

photography by: Omri Westmark


Public Space

Trinidad and Tobago is blessed with large oil reserves, making it one of the richest countries in the western hemisphere, mirrored by the well-kept public spaces and buildings throughout the city, providing plenty of pleasant places to walk, relax or behold at.  


Woodford Square is undoubtedly Port of Spain’s most important public space, surrounded by the parliament, city-hall, Hall of Justice and other significant edifices.

photography by: Omri Westmark


Trinidad and Tobago Parliament as seen from Woodford Park.

photography by: Omri Westmark


Port of Spain city-hall as seen from the park.

photography by: Omri Westmark


Port of Spain city-hall.

photography by: Omri Westmark


The old fire station building on the backdrop of the national library.

photography by: Omri Westmark


The Dubai-style building of the National Academy for the Performing Arts.

photography by: Omri Westmark


In Lapeyrouse Cemetery it’s possible to witness large flamboyant burial crypts coexisting with more modest and minimalistic graves, both of which echo the country diverse legacy as beside English, epitaphs are written in Chinese, French and other languages.

photography by: Omri Westmark


Queens Park is the city’s largest park, mostly popular for outdoor sport activities.

photography by: Omri Westmark


Culinary

Suffice to say, the aforementioned colonial legacy complemented by the African and Indian roots of the modern-day Trinidadians is clearly reflected by the country’s culinary scene, absorbing many international influences.


A guaranteed path for sugar-rush is the local smoothie, made of peanut butter, milk, tropical fruits and you guessed it right, a lot of sugar, Yummy!

photography by: Omri Westmark


A dinner at the French-style restaurant “Chaud”, for the main-course I ordered the pepper jelly glazed pork belly, scrumptious.

photography by: Omri Westmark


While for dessert I took the coconut-lemon meringue cheesecake, gorgeous as well.

photography by: Omri Westmark