3 Countries, 2 Islands and 10 Days Collecting Memories

It has been 4 days (today August 4^th 2018) since my return from the much-anticipated vacation. It began in Toronto Canada and annulled in the island of Tobago. People often tell me they feel ambivalent prior to any vacation. Unfortunately, that was not the case for me. I was ready, excited and well prepared- At least what I call well prepared, although most of my friends will disagree with my organizational skills. This was me living my dream of travelling more, creating memories and living the dream life as portrayed on social media- “Collect memories not things” they say. Cliché Cliché Cliché.

Toronto Canada

This vacation began on a Saturday and prior, I had just been posted on a project in Toronto, only 5 days in. I tried to keep calm and grasps all the information during the onboarding week because I knew there was sunshine at the end of the tunnel. This, I had to take seriously because I had been requesting to get on a project with such scope and complexity (It was a big deal for me) – I would tell you all about it in subsequent series. I intended to make “memories” during this trip so I had to focus that week.

I began the Saturday by swimming and taking series of pictures and videos for the gram then proceeded with a trip to African Lion Safari. This Safari was the wooa. We were expected to drive in our cars (windows fully closed) throughout the safari. As many of you know, I love adventures, so this drive with windows fully close was not going to work for me- I was wrong, I soon realized the reason. The cat specie (Simba lion, white lion) were so beautiful, scary and left to roam outside their cages- Yes I mean that.  One guy @white lion came all the way to my window to say hi to his African sister@myself – lol. The other animal that fascinated me was the Baboon with his reddish buttocks; they kept hopping on cars enjoying the scenery. So many beautiful animals but whatever. The highlight of the evening was Lily the elephant. The 30 year old beauty displayed extreme intelligence, courtesy and impeccable hygiene. She saluted at every opportunity, cleaned up after herself and painted for the guest. I was in awe of her beauty. She drinks gallons of water and eats baskets of fruits- you needed to see how she consumed one full watermelon

The second day in Toronto was more swimming and relaxing than anything else. I was getting ready for my early morning flight to Boston. Don’t ask me – “All day”?

Boston, United States

If you know me, you know I love academics. Therefore, it should not come as a surprise when I say Cambridge was all I was excited about. I also learnt that Cambridge happens to be another city just separated from Boston by the river. I have to say this quickly “Boston has the worst subway system I have come across”. I have used the subway in Toronto, New York and Chicago and boy was I disappointed with Boston’s. The infrastructure was visibly too old and the voice over mic was so inaudibly, which rendered that service useless. I enjoyed shopping and the several street performers, wandering around the Boston commons and gardens and trying to figure the people out. I gave up on that task and kept on collecting “memories”.

My visit to Massachusetts Institute of Technology AKA MIT and Harvard University left me analyzing every person I came across within the vicinity.  I expected everyone to be extremely smart and egocentric. However, it was all my assumptions.

I finally left this city to return to Toronto and begin my trip to Trinidad and Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago

The two islands were the highlights of the vacay. On our arrival at the Trinidad airport, we had to wait another 8 hours to get the next flight to Tobago. The wait was worth it all. This country gave me the chills because it reminded me a lot about where I come from-Nigeria. Aside from the fact that Nigeria is not an island.  The people of Tobago literally live on the sea and in the party arenas. This people live in a different space, enjoying every day to the fullest in the blossom of nature.  They sailed and partied late and frequent, welcomed and socialized with visitors and local’s .Our hotel was only meant for sleeping-at least most times.

I made this trip with three other persons- two of which were random people who ended up becoming part of my posse. Best travel friends you can ask for-Cheers to Tolu, Reme and Nengi. We spent most of our time on water either exploring the island or doing various water sports such as jet skiing and snorkeling. The ocean was divided into the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Ocean. What a beauty to grace both water bodies with their unique characteristics. Other days we spent exploring dry land, visiting the various forts and learning about the islands.

While there were carnivals going on every day we only made it to one where we left so early-4am and got booed by the locals and other visitors- trust me we all have been Canadianized and lack the ability to party till the wee hours of the morning. To top the trip we graced a destination wedding between a Nigerian Canadian and a Trinidadian Canadian. My first destination wedding and I got the wedding butterflies. The music, décor and ambiance was all perfect.

 Cost Estimate to Trinidad and Tobago for 6 days

Flight from Canada- $600-$800 CAD

Accommodation @ $50-$80/night/person-$300-$400 CAD

Food/Activities/Shopping/Transportation-$300-$600 CAD

TOTAL = $1200-$1800 CAD

I really enjoyed my 10 days and look forward to my next adventure either in Italy or Dubai…Who knows where next I will be collecting “memories”