If you are a visitor to Trinidad and you are wondering what is next, now that the Carnival is over don't fret. You don't have to go and put ashes on your forehead and ask for forgiveness for your naughty behavior over the past few days that started with Fantastic Friday and culminated with the last lap wine on Carnival Tuesday night.
Well there is nothing wrong with going to church and cleansing your mind of, your soul and to reinvigorate yourself until the Carnival comes again. I don't want to get involved with the Carnal nature of Carnival and the religious yoke that the Catholic Church has placed on the organization of this national event Now we are not going to get embroiled in that kankalang. Today we are taking about what Trinis love to do and do damn better than anyone else in the region - Lime!
No, we are not talking about the fruit that is used to 'cut the freshness from the meat' or used to make a refreshing lime juice drink - not at all. When Trinis talk about Liming that are making reference to the art of doing nothing for entertainment sake. You may call it hanging out with friends or just relaxing and socializing with companions. In Trinidad, the lime is open to anyone and can lead to anything... a party ole talk, 'cracking jokes', reminiscing about special moments or sometimes the lime just becomes rowdy and confrontational. However, most of the time the lime is a fun time and after the carnival is over, after Lord Kitchener sings his tribute to King Carnival it is time to Lime!
So how is it done and where do you go? Well first of all you must have the energy to get yourself and some friends willing to hang out together and start the lime. No planning is needed but in Trinidad after the Carnival limes are now organized events that many flock too (they even have the dates and places marked on calenders). Let us take a look at some of the places and events that Trinis love to take part in on Ash Wednesday.
Well the number one activity is a beach lime. There are many events organized for the beaches. Mayaro, Manzanilla, Blanchieusse, Toco, Las Cuevas and Maracas beaches are some of the places 'major Limes' take place. Don't forget the one ritual that every Trinidadian has for Maracas beach... get one of those tasty bake and shark sandwiches and just experience your taste buds going crazy with every bite. The warm beach sand and waves crashing to the shore will surely put you in the mood to relax and after a few beers everything will feel just right. Many of these limes have music so the carnival feeling continues for one more day.
Some places offer what is known as 'Wild Meat Cool Down' and this event takes place on the East Coast beach of Balandra. Now if you are not into the Salt Water effect or simply don't wish to get burnt in the sun after two days of burning out in the tropical sun then you may opt for a River Lime. This is a love for many Trinidadians. They enjoying going to the river where they cook on the river bank and if you are brave enough swim in the very cold waters of the Valencia River. One well known lime that takes place every year is the River Lime at the De Freitas Ranch in Valencia.
One event that recently became very famous is the River Luau on the Blanchieusse Road just off Arima. Now this is a very beautiful area and I remember travelling along the Blanchieusse road from Arima to the village of Blanchieusse on the North Coast. The air is sweet and the area misty in several areas. This one can be considered the cool spot and less bustling than the beach lime areas. However, be aware that the stretch of road from Arima to Blanchieusse is very narrow... if you plan to drink make sure and designated a 'sober' driver. The road can be a problem for night driving because there are no street lights in this mountain region.
There are many events that one can partake in and with the beach limes the next step would be to get in on one of the boat limes going down the islands and using that experience to simply relive the feting atmosphere with music and food on the 'Treasure Queen' or one of the boats from down South (San Fernando).
Yes there are many options but you may opt to simply remain at home and lime with your family and a few select friends. Sometimes this may be the best option. So while you are at home take in the action be part of the action but always remember to be safe! If you are a Trini living in a foreign land and returned home to chill for the Carnival I guess after one week you have already lost your America, Canadian or British accent and are talking like 'ah born Trini' however, I do know that once you sit on that plane for the ride back to your foreign home everything will return to the status quot and once again you will get on the phone and put on your best foreign accent and brag about the wonderful time you spent in the homeland. Trini Sweet eh!
Please be advised that the music is presented here for your listening pleasure and for promotional purposes only ("Fair Use" Musical Content Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976). Lend me your ears... Enjoy!
♫ Please press the play button to listen (small triangle below).The Carnival is Over - Lord Kitchener