Run and Beach...

Ok, so I know I overdid it this week. I went to the beach AGAIN. But only after I 'punished' myself with a 12 km run on the steep mountainous hills of the North Coast Road on the way to Maracas Bay... just as I did last Friday.

And for the second time in a week, my wife ran with me, which is like a big deal, since its been years since we've been able to to this.

(don't tell her I posted a pic of her- she has not started reading my blog yet)

It was difficult and beautiful all at the same time, but need to work on my patience as I'm accustomed to running alone, and tend to run at a faster pace.

After the run, took out the skipping rope and went a few rounds before heading to the beach...

Now if you ever visit Trinidad, there are two things you must do, or you weren't really here. The first is visit Maracas Beach, and the second is Try Richard's Bake and Shark at the same venue.

Richard's is pretty famous, and was featured in Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern on the Food Network (sorry for the video quality). In his words, it was the 'best fish sandwich I ever had,' and he wasn't kidding.

So the wife treated me to one, which I had to show you...

4 hours after eating this thing, I was still full... Don't ask me about the calories, I'm trying to put on weight, remember?

And these are all the dressings you can put on it...

And then the beach...

I even found a message for you guys...

OK, I've had enough fun to last for a while... back to work! I actually have to work tomorrow (Saturday) with a client, then back to my normal schedule next week.

All the best guys (and gals)!

Valleys, Cathedrals and Buljol...

OK, so my wife and I did a long run this morning, and there was a beach involved- but we didn't go out of consideration for those who were at work, while we were out running (not really, we ran out of time:).

We went to Tucker Valley in Chaguramas Trinidad- a place very rich in the history of Trinidad. Back in World War 2, it was a very active American naval base, where up to 30,000 US troops resided. That time has now passed and it is now a protected area, with magnificent biking and running trails- and a beach.

We did about 15 km on the route, and here are a few shots along the way...

The remains of the St Chad's Anglican Church, built in the 19th century...

The tombstone of Amelia Tripp, who died way back in 1879...

But by far the highlight of the run was passing through the Bamboo Cathedral, which has remained unchanged for over 150 years... From the following pictures, you will see why it got its name...

I was ready to fly away at this point...

I have to say, this was one of the most beautiful scenes I have ever seen- even though it was overcast. I can only imagine how it would look with the sun streaming through the bamboo... so you know I'll be back soon.

After that wonderful experience, the wife again treated me to breakfast (building up quite a tab), and we went down to the Crew's Inn, for a traditional Caribbean breakfast of buljol (salted fish), eggs and coconut bake (as the name implies, there is coconut used in preparing the dough):

The Crew's Inn Restaurant, is really good, with some nice views of the harbour...

All in all, its the best run I've had all year... will definitely be doing it again soon. Join me, won't you?