Sangre Grande by Two

by Claire Watson 

December 22, 2021

We were on the road again today, despite bad weather forecasts, off to chez Allison’s, our other Traveller friend and in-house poet and author. We were invited for lunch and some R&R. 

I picked up my co-pilot by Montrose KFC and off we went. I was well prepared in my boots, for ‘mud’ as Allison instructed. Zorina took her chances in her slippers, showing me the attire that got her braced at a Government office recently. Blue skies and gentle breeze embraced us until we hit Piarco and then the grey skies appeared. No rain so far. We took a right turn by the Guaico Tamana road sign after we left the Valencia Stretch. Down came the rain suddenly, just when we felt that we needed some directions from some native of the area to be certain that we were on the correct road to Cunaripo. 

I pulled up alongside a doubles vendor under a tent. He was so happy to see us anticipating a sale only to be asked directions to Cunaripo. He kindly assured us that we were heading the right way, so off we went again. My "straight road" strategy was paying off. Zorina was on the look out for a church and a school. She had some memory of her time spent on Sou Sou Lands Initiative so was happy to pass these land marks. We finally called Allison for more precise directions. She told us to look out for Rocky’s Bar and then turn right by the Country House sign. We passed Scottie’s Bar straight, still on the lookout for Rocky’s. No Rocky’s in sight. I did recall seeing "Country House" sign though, so we doubled back and took the right turn by Country House. We were on track. Good dry road so far. Lovely countryside. A strange big lizard like creature was crossing so we slowed down to look. It was a Matte, my son told me later when I excitedly recalled my outing.

This Matte was seen at Asa Wright Centre.

The ‘mud’ started and I convinced Zorina that my Honda City could take on bad roads. Well we had recently gone through the bad roads in Crest Camp Fyzabad and had once got stuck going to Erin Beach. When we finally saw Allison, who came to pick us up in her 4-wheel truck, we stopped. She waved and anxiously signalled us to stop and reverse to high ground. Sadly Honda refused to mount. My driving skills failed and I just could not find the right moves to get out of the mud. Help came in the form of a young gentleman who kindly offered to drive us out and park us safely a bit higher up. Bravo, he did it easily. So much for women's lib!

We were safely in Allison’s vehicle and now able to take in the view. It was beautiful. So scenic with lush under and over growth. Trees, vines, flowers, birds, butterflies, fresh clean air. Finally a lovely blue and White House with two smaller houses some distance apart. A Keatsian atmosphere, I thought. A place to forget all your worries and dance.

Shoes and masks off. All protocols observed, all vaccinated, we stepped into Allison’s Christmas wonderland of blinking lights, beautiful Christmas tree, a well set Christmas table, music, food, drinks, really lovely and festive. Breakfast and lunch called Brunch, was well prepared by Allison’s family. We started with cake and wine. Zorina had freshly brewed coffee with bake, pumpkin, bhaji and buljol.

Allison had a menu ready

A toast to friendship

The food was delicious. The huge meatballs tasted yummy with the sauce. We went down on everything written on the menu. Clean plates, no waste. There was a power outage, apparently nationwide, so we took the opportunity to tour outside. Lovely landscape, now overgrown with all the rain but still lovely flowers and plants, lots of butterflies flitting around. Very calm and fresh and peaceful. No pollution, noise, just oxygen and peace.

 

Allison had emergency lighting so we were inside again and shortly after electricity returned. We chatted about everything, the good, the bad and the ugly. It was great to socialize with friends. We heard about the robbery. House was burgled three times. The entry points were now sealed and more burglar proof installed. Items stolen included ice cream, scrabble letters, not the board. So we concluded that it must have been kids or teens who were the bandits.

No reason for the traffic congestion

It was getting late now and Allison’s family came in from work, so we started to make movements to head back home. Allison packed us with cupcakes, rum cake and black cake. All delicious, then her husband drove us back to our car. What a wonderful day we had. According to Zorina, we forgot all our cares and just relaxed and had fun. The Scotch and coconut and some fancy spiced tea went only too well. The trip back home to CHAGUANAS was cool except for one major traffic congestion just coming out of Cunaripo.