TRAVEL AND LIFESTYLE DIARIES

We are off tomorrow for 2 weeks to the Greek Isles! Dutchman and I are so taken by the lovely islands in Greece. We have been to many Greek Islands namely, Crete, Santorini, Kos, Zakynthos and a few smaller islands as well. Last year we were in Zakynthos which is part of the Ionian Islands. You can find our summer holiday pictures and stories here (divided by province within Zakynthos Island): Alykes, Zakynthos Arkadioi and Artemisia, Zakynthos Elation, Zakynthos Laganas, Zakynthos Zante (capital), Zakynthos So this time we have chosen an island that we have not been to yet. The island is part of the North Aegean group of islands. Because its on the eastern side near the international border, we might even pay a visit to Turkey. We will see. Grotere kaart weergeven So we are excited! Just a few more last minute stuff to do for work, then pack tonight and tomorrow we are off to a place where I will not think of anything stressful at all. That is nice for a change. I w...

Blondine and I accidentally discovered this wonderful place while walking around in Trinidad. We were looking for a place to dine in the evening anyway so when we stumbled upon ‘Restaurante Museo 1514’ we thought—wow, this is it! Restaurant Museo 1514. Beautiful porcelain and silverware on display at the restaurant. When you walk in, you right away feel the aristocratic ambiance of the restaurant. The tables are dressed regally with antique-looking china (I checked; they were from the USA, perhaps early 1900’s), crystal and silverware. The setting is in an open garden courtyard that is elaborately designed in aristocratic style, channelling a retail atmosphere of an antique interior design shop specialising in kitchen and diningware. There is also a rooftop terrace that offers nice views of Trinidad. And food is cooked traditionally in the kitchen using wood and coal. So after a quick tour, we told the waiter that we will be back later for dinner =) Let me rewind ...

I mentioned previously that Blondine and I drank our way through Cuba. We literally sampled all alcoholic concoction that is being thrust in front of us. Now, we are happy to report that we both like Trinidad’s famous fresh cocktail drink called ‘canchanchara’. Canchanchara is a mixture of rum, honey, lemon juice, water and some ice. The base of a Cuban cocktail drink is always rum. You can enjoy this drink everywhere in Trinidad and in Cuba actually, however, in Trinidad, there is the ‘La Canchanchara Bar’ faithfully offering this drink to visitors. Blondine and I went there of course and after ordering our canchancharas, we were exclusively serenaded by some locals. Very sweet! And we met the funny ‘Jose’ as well! It was late in the afternoon so there were not many people in the bar. We almost had the place to ourselves =) Inside the La Canchanchara bar... not busy as it was very late in the afternoon. Trinidad is not like Havana. It is not rundown with tourists. ...

Trinidad is an intimate little town, especially in the old historical town centre, everything moves slowly and everyone seems to know each other. Time stands still in this UNESCO World Heritage town. The locals gladly spend their days sitting from the window sills or their doorsteps watching people go by, while others gather together in groups, laughing and chatting with each other. This relaxed social sphere and people watching activity seems to be a national culture and pastime. Many even upped their comfort by bringing their own chairs outside on the street. Voila, the old centre has become an extension to their living room. Ah, such is life in a slow, provincial town. With my complex and pressurised ‘the deadline is yesterday’—‘they need it now’—‘projects’—‘constant changes’—‘numbers, numbers, numbers’—‘politics’ life, I can definitely use a little laidback provincial town feel. In Facebook (and other blogs as well), you get all sorts of meaningful sayings flashed on t...