Coral Castle - Miami

On one of my trips to Miami, I decided to see the sights. My cousin, brother, a friend and I decided to do our research and see what there’s to see close by. We found out about a small installation known as the Coral Castle.

Edward Leedskalnin from Latvia, was to be wed to a woman but she called it off early. Heartbroken, he migrated to the United States in New York. He worked as a construction worker, till he was diagnosed with tuberculosis. He heard somewhere that the cure is several hours in the sun every day. He then moved to Florida where he could get this much needed sun. He decided to build a castle here out of Coral at South Dixie Highway.

This one guy worked only at night to avoid prying eyes, created large structures using the same coral that was extracted from the ground during construction. He created large statues, tables with chairs, a well, a monolith, a primal telescope and a 3 ton and 9 ton gates that can be moved with the gentlest of fingertips. Over time however several engineers were contracted to repair the gate to is freely moving system however to this date it could no longer be brought to its original state.

The guy had a very old fashioned look on life and built his castle with thrones for him to be the king, one for his would be queen, and children even though he never married. He turned the castle into a tourist attraction where guests would either pay with 25 cents or bring a meal for him.

Have you ever been to the Coral Castle? Are there any amazing sites to see in Florida, I’d Like to visit them?

Turure Water Steps - Trinidad

If you’re like me, I like to be outdoors. Hiking is one of my favourite pastimes especially if the trips lead to a waterfall or pool at the end of the trip. One such trip is the Turure Water Steps. This is a pretty interesting hike because there are large limestone rock formations in which the water flows over.

We only explored to the 4^th pool but I was informed that there are further pools higher up. The trek is fairly simple and the limestone rocks despite appearing very slippery have impeccable grip and you can walk up a 30 to 35 degree incline without fear of slipping.

If you’re ever in Trinidad, in the Cumaca Area and feeling adventurous, I would recommend you to go on this hike.

What hikes do you think are noteworthy for me to mention?

Minus 5 Degrees Bar - Cayman Islands

On one of my cruise travels I found myself in the Cayman Islands wandering around the city with my family. We have a routine about experiencing local bars in within the islands. While walking about, I came across this bar aptly named "Minus 5 Degrees".

This bar is unique as the actual temperature within the bar is below -5 Degrees Centigrade in addition to the furniture and sculptures within this establishment to be made completely out of ice.

To enter the bar, one must don an ice room coat with gloves. You usually pay for entry with a complimentary shot or drink, but there are additional packages and you can get additional drinks when inside. The shot comes in a ice shot glass, it was a shame the drinks didn't come in ice as well but I'm sure the glass may melt before the drink can be consumed.

I know there's a couple of these establishments within the United States as well. How do they match up to the Minus 5 in Cayman Islands.

Mayan Ruins of Tulum - Mexico

Now I’m an avid Carnival Cruiser (Gold member working on a Diamond membership). Almost every year I am on a ship since 2012. On my first ever cruise, one of the stops were to Cozumel Mexico. I, being excited of the fact of going on a cruise looked at the tours that can be seen on this island. To my surprise, there was a Mayan Ruin tour at Tulum, Mexico.

I made my mind to pay for this tour. The morning we docked into Cozumel, my family and I ensured to have an early breakfast, as this is a full day tour. We lined up out at the port as we had to board an additional ferry to the Mainland of Mexico. The trip took 45 minutes of travel to what seemed like the western horizon.

As we arrived to the mainland at Playa Del Carmen, we were required to board a tour bus to carry us to Tulum. There was a nice stop at a local store that sold artifacts from the Mayan and Azetec Culture.

Within a half an hour we were on the way again to the ruins. On arrival to the ruin, we were given a small background of the ruins and the nature of the Mayans. There’s a particular ruin called the "Temple of the Descending God" on the coast in which on summer solstice,June 21st, the sunrise falls directly in between the small slotted window. The Mayans praised the moon and the sun and carefully understood their patterns.

The group was divided into smaller groups with an associated guide to show you the sites and give you a history as you go along. At the end of the guided tour, you are welcome to tour the ground freely but at the time we were not allowed to climb the pyramid  L. Maybe they have finished their restorative work and its possible now.

Be Careful when roaming these ruins freely, the ruins are vastly populated by large iguanas. These iguanas are not like the garden varieties that are local to Trinidad and Tobago where our people hunt and cook them. No, these guys believe there on the top of the food chain here as no one hunts them in Mexico. In addition to that they are considered territorial and have taken up residence in the separate ruins and they have been known to attack people but fear not, theres a medical unit on the ruin to deal with any bites or scratches from the grey friends. Our guide actually said to us, “The bigger the ruin space, the greater the amount of female companions the iguana will have”. Sugar Iguana anyone??

Having seen all the beautiful sites and avoided attacks from the iguanas, there one of the most beautiful beaches in which you can take a small bath before getting ready for the trip back to the ship.

Have you ever been to a Mayan or Aztec ruin? How was it? If so which one and where is it located?

First Class Experience - Caribbean Airlines

Now I for one have only been able to travel economy class on my international trips. Recently I had to purchase a last minute ticket to Miami with Caribbean Airlines Miles in August. After contacting the airline, the flight was booked up in economy class and I had to acquire a First Class seat.

I was excited but also unaware of the additions available to me. On the day of the flight I had no delays in the airport and checked-in within 2 minutes. Caribbean Airlines allows three checked bags so I was able to check my carry-on as well. I was freely travelling without the trouble of carrying any luggage.

As I entered the departure gate area, I was invited to visit the Club Caribbean Lounge. This particular lounge is available to travelers who are a member of Club Caribbean or passengers that purchased a first class ticket. I was very surprised at the treatment and amenities within this lounge such as:

• Complementary Wi-Fi
• Comfortacbe Couches
• International News
• Fully Stocked Bar
• Fully Stocked hors d'oeuvres

When the time arrived for boarding, we were indicated from within the lounge. As I got to my seat, I was greeted by my name and the air hostess came and asked if there's anything that I would like as soon as we take off. I opted for a glass of champagne. 

The breakfast was amazing as compared to economy class, a menu is provided to choose what you would like to have. All food, snacks and drinks are inclusive. 

Have you had a first class experience, If you did please let me know how was yours?

Stay at Kariwak Holistic Haven

One of the best hotels in my opinion is the Kariwak Holistic Haven nestled in Crown Point, Tobago. This hotel has some of the most accommodating staff and naturalistic feel. As soon as you enter the driveway you leave your stress and worries at the door. The straw like huts and traditional cabins give you the feel that you have entered a small village. Furthermore, the staff tell you that as soon as you enter underneath the Kariwak sign, you're considered family.

The layout of the Hotel has a side dedicated to family and another for couples only. The amenities are quite amazing. There's a restaurant that is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast is included, however lunch and dinner is available at a cost. There's a Gazebo in which Yoga or Tai Chi is offered every morning at 8:00am all you need to walk with is comfortable clothing, everything else will be provided. A masseuse is available daily from 10:30am that offers an hour long relaxing massage. There is a pool as well as a waterfall Jacuzzi, however, please be aware that the Jacuzzi is not a hot water one as they were informed that cold water is more therapeutic than warm water. Try not to go bathing at 12am. There's a hammock area in which several hammocks are available to relax in the garden area. There is also a myriad of flora and native fauna that can be identified as you travel from the restaurant, to the pool, Jacuzzi or even the restaurant.

PS. Be careful with your sugar and bananas during breakfast as you may be visited by some birds that may relieve you of them.

The hotel is purely holistic in every way, such examples are:

• All the food provided in the restaurant is produced, organically in the hotel or at privately owned farms. 
• All the water provided in the hotel is ozonated (such as taps, showers, pools and jacuzzi)
• To be energy efficient and conservative, the hotel will not wash towels until its placed on the floor and the sprinkler system to water the foliage utilizes recycled water from the taps.

The bar and wait staff are very accommodating and you can get some of the most interesting drinks in the bar. You must have a Kariwak Rum Punch, it is guaranteed to give you a kick and make sure you're very relaxed for your trip.

If you're ever in Tobago and in need of a relaxing, village like experience, Look no further, visit Kariwak and unwind.