Departure
With bags packed and passport in hand, I headed to the
airport bright an early for my 9am flight on Thursday February 7th.
I could not have left at a better time, as later that morning Toronto
experienced a huge snow storm where many flights were delayed or cancelled. My
flight itinerary included a connecting flight from Toronto with Air Canada, to Barbados
and flying to Trinidad with Caribbean airlines. Prior to checking in my bags, the attendant
placed a sticker that stated to POS (Port of Spain). When I asked about the
sticker, the attendant advised that my bags would be transferred to POS
directly. At first I was a bit confused, because though I knew my final
destination was POS, I thought it was odd that my bags would go straight there
while I would be on connecting flights. Despite this, my dad and I asked again
to confirm and were told they would be transferred straight there. With that I said my goodbyes and happily went on my way
through security.
Once I arrived in Barbados, the information I was told in
Toronto turned out not to be 100% accurate. Thinking that my bags were being transferred,
I headed towards customs and provided my form. At the customs desk, the two
attendants asked me where my checked back was and I responded by saying what I
was told in Toronto. The two attendants then proceeded to tell me that was not
the case and that I had to transfer it. At this point, I had two sets of conflicting
information: one I was told in Toronto and another that I was told in Barbados. The
customs attendants then advised me to speak with my airline to confirm. I
proceeded to ask where the Caribbean Airline desk was, and headed outside to
their departure counter. Once at the counter, the Caribbean Airlines staff
confirmed what was said at the customs gate. My bag was still on the conveyor waiting
for me there to be picked up and brought over to their desk. He went on to further
say this miscommunication has happened previously with other passengers that
were told by airlines that their bags would be sent directly. I ended up having
to rush back and explain my story to security to let me back in to get my bag.
Once I finally got my bag and wheeled it to the check-in counter, I was able to
breathe a sigh of a relief (as there was a bit of a time crunch with making the
connection). Recalling back to that moment, it was kind of funny some of the
stares I was getting trekking through the airport with jeans, winter knee
length boos and a leather jacket, while everyone was in shirts and shorts. I decided to take a
breather and switch my footwear to something more appropriate attire (sandals!) The flight from Barbados to Trinidad went
smooth. The excitement of carnival was in the air, and several passengers were
singing big tunes like Bunji’s Differentology- “We Ready, We Ready for the Road”
as the plane touched down in Piarco airport.
Once I got off the plane, I knew this was the start to an
amazing week ahead! Walking along the hallway, I must add how impressed I was
with the airport. You can definitely get the feel of the strong cultural
presence, from noticing the various pictures and artifacts placed throughout
the building. Piarco Airport was also
really convenient with having certain services were right at your fingertips.
Two phone companies, Bmobile and Digicel had booths set up and were offering
special promotions to customers during the carnival season. While I was in Toronto, I had gotten my old
blackberry unlocked with the intention to use the phone once I arrived in
Trinidad. At the Digicel counter, I was
able to buy a sim card, minutes and text for about $30US. This plan was really
great, as it allowed me to have a Trinidad number yet also be able to call
local and international numbers back home. One thing that came to mind was how
affordable this rate was, especially compared to the plans back home in Canada.
ARRIVAL:
As I headed through the arrival door, I was happy to be
greeted with a sign that had my name on it. I had arranged a driver through The
Carnival Connection, which had partnered with TriniCabby. The gentleman who was
holding the sign was very courteous and friendly and advised we could wait for
the driver by the bar, as he was on his way. When we went outside, you could
hear the sounds of soca pumping through the air. I instantly felt all the
tiredness from travelling, dissipate from my body and had renewed sense of
energy. The car ride to the hotel was extremely pleasant, as the driver, greeter
and I discussed our favorite soca artistes, carnival events and sites to see. I
was highly impressed by the service and professionalism of The Carnival
Connection and TriniCabby. (Side note: The Carnival Connection is also extremely
helpful in securing tickets for fetes and accommodations. Had I not been able
to secure my tickets through family and friends, I would have definitely used The
Carnival Connection.)
HOTEL
Once I arrived at the Hyatt hotel, I was instantly greeted
by warm faces at the door and reception (and a complimentary glass of champagne
lol). The hotel was beautiful and was buzzing with many people. The hotel also gave
a greeting bag that had a complimentary t-shirt, wrist band for the pool,
information about the free shuttle and points of interest in Trinidad. (The
shuttle service definitely came in handy, as I used it on Carnival Monday and
Tuesday into town to find my band.)
The rooms at the Hyatt are really nice. Something which is
an interesting feature is the shower and bathroom door are glass and see
through, with the exception of frosting that runs through the middle. (Though
visually appealing, this may be one drawback in terms of privacy). Overall the
room was lovely.
The atmosphere in the Hyatt was great. I kept saying to
myself, wow everyone is so friendly here! It was also really cool to find out
that a few celebrities were staying or visiting the Hyatt. One morning when I
went down to the breakfast buffet, for example, my friend had whispered to me “Hey
isn’t that Tatyana Ali sitting there?” I was like, no it can’t be! Turns out it
really was! Another interesting run in I had was when myself and a few friends
came back from Cesear’s Army and were waiting in the hallway. While I am
standing covered in red paint, who walks past me and heads towards the
restaurant? Fay-Ann Lyons and Bunji Garlin! Wow, lol. That was definitely a
great/funny moment. I also heard from a few friends they saw Vivica A. Fox in
the elevator. This was definitely something I thought was cool to see at the Hyatt
and in Trinidad in general: seeing celebrities without all the security and
just wanting to have a good time.
Here are a few pictures and video of the Hyatt and scenery.
More to Come on Fetes and Carnival Monday and Tuesday
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