SAN FERNANDO HILL AND THE WILD FOWL TRUST.
San Fernando Hill, once upon a time called “Anaparima” by the Amerindians. Here was considered sacred grounds for them and today, the history of this hill is very rich. Astounding views of San Fernando all round, as well as a bit of the Central Plains and the distant picturesque Northern Range. Great facilities for the ideal picnic with very clean washroom facilities. Certainly a great day out for the family, kids and the like.
From the hill, we take a short drive to neighboring Pointe-a-Pierre oil refinery where located smack in the middle of this refinery is the perfect hide-out for the various species of birds, both resident and the occasional migratory birds congregate in perfect conditions where there is a fantastic lake suited for the different species of ducks, many varieties of trees, shrubs and flower plants that make this Trust “The perfect sanctuary”. Site guides with great knowledge of the Trust, as well as the varieties of birds to help broaden your knowledge about the environment as a whole.
FIELD TRIP TO HISTORICAL LOPINOT VILLAGE.
Lopinot Village, located neatly in the middle of the many valleys of the Northern Range. Charles Joseph Compte de Lopinot was the man who initiated the existence of this village from scratch. He transformed this virtual virgin forest into a thriving cocoa estate in 1806 which was then called “La Reconnaissance”. As the years went by, the village got larger and larger as the population started growing, and eventually, more villages higher up the hill were born. Today, La Reconnaissance is no longer a cocoa estate, but the visit here will open your eyes to its very rich history, as well as the very house that was occupied by Compte Lopinot himself, the old cocoa houses that has been beautifully restored, the grave of the Compte, as well as other great facilities fitting for the family and kids having a great field day. The atmosphere in Lopinot is very friendly, very picturesque with the mountainsides all around you; real country side at its best.
FIELD TRIP TO ASA WRIGHT NATURE CENTRE.
A fantastic journey for the kids inside the Northern Range up the Arima/Blanchisseuse Road where in the middle of absolutely nowhere we will divert from the road into the private property of where was once known as “Spring Hill Estate”, another thriving cocoa estate where cocoa was grown and cultivated. Still today, many of the trees are still at your fingertips and once lucky, the opportunity to taste the sweet cocoa pods can be a reality. Inside the Nature Centre one will be opened to the multitude of the many different species of beautiful birds feeding on the feeders, as well as a lovely variety of butterflies fluttering all about. The “Tiger lizards” and the “Agoutis” can also be seen below the feeders waiting on the droppings of food from the birds. Really an enchanting place for the family and kids to be. The site guides are very knowledgeable at the Centre and together with them, a one hour guided tour on one of the most renowned nature trails will your eyes be opened to true nature itself.
Great facilities to have lunch. There is also a small but beautiful shallow pool that is great for a swim together with a beautiful change room facility. Throughout the day, it will only be you a true nature.
EDUCATIONAL MUSEUM TOURS.
In one day, engulf yourself in visiting (4) museums; yes, four museums in one day. At the end of the day, your mind will be really opened to the very broad spectrum of Trinidad in history.
The first museum to be visited will be the “Angostura Museum” where a beautiful museum is in place, together with an extensive butterfly collection showcasing the exhaustive butterflies we have visiting Trinidad year by year, a tour to the art gallery also at Angostura and finally a tour of the other parts of the complex.
The second museum to be visited is the fantastic “Royal Victoria Institute” with views of carnival exhibitions, natural history, life during World War II, the energy industry, paintings of Trinidad’s first ever artist Michel-Jean Cazabon and many other things of great interest. Over the years, the authorities have done justice in having the museum what it really is today.
Our third museum stop off is on Tragarete Road at the Queen’s Park Oval where we will visit the “Cricket Heritage Museum”. This museum is 85% pictorial showing you pictures of the evolvement of cricket being introduced to the West Indies from 1894 to today. Views of the heroes of West Indies cricket from yesteryear to today are on display, together with video clips of Brian Lara’s majestic 400 runs not out. A walk to the middle of the pitch and a full explanation of how the Oval was from day one to what it is today. Finally, a drive around the Oval with brief explanation of the various arts on the perimeter walls.
Our forth and final stop off is in Chaguaramas where we visit the “Military History and Aerospace Museum”. Here shows you Trinidad’s involvement in World War II and other conflicts. See the wreaks of the warships, weaponry, and aircraft. Lots of photographs are also in place showing the days in Trinidad during the times of war.
SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL HISTORICAL P.O.S. TOUR.
Every other day we pass through Port of Spain. We all know Frederick Street, Henry Street, Duke Street and other streets don’t we? But do we know who was Frederick, Henry, Duke and other street names? Do we know what were the previous names of these streets when we were under Spanish rule? At that time as well, the majority of people who were living in Trinidad were people of French origin, and so, the street names were also French, but do we know the names of these streets then? What about the old buildings like the old library on the corner of Pembroke and Knox Streets, the old Fire Brigade building on Abercromby Street that has been refurbished, the old Treasury building, and so many other buildings of historical significance; do we know when they were built and by whom? What about the various Squares like Woodford, Lord Harris, Columbus, and Tamarind as to when they were built and why were the names given? Once you get on board, all of these questions, as well as many other attractions will all be revealed.
At the end of this particular historical, a complete brochure will be given out to each person on this particular tour so that this particular part of the history will remain etched in your memory. So important to know the history as to how we began up to this present day.
As this particular tour is so compact with loads of important information, (20) students can be taken at a time so that each student will get the individualized attention that is absolutely necessary.
EDUCATIONAL HISTORICAL WALK AROUND THE QUEEN’S PARK SAVANNAH.
This tour is absolutely special simply because we will be walking all the way around the 3.2 mile Queen’s Park Savannah whilst every bit of history that you need to know will be revealed. Hear detailed information as to the former name of this savannah, who owned it then and who purchased the savannah and why. Listen to detailed explanation about each of the then “Magnificent 7 Buildings” in the then early 20th century regarding who were the owners and what contribution they made during the development of Trinidad as a whole. Listen to the full names of the people who the names of the streets were named after. Hear about the history of the various buildings around the savannah like the BP Headquarters Building, the All Saints Anglican Church, George Brown House, Knowsley Building and other places of significance. Hear detailed history of the Hollows as to why it was given that name, the history of the Emperor Valley Zoo, the Royal Botanical Gardens, the Presidents House, Hilton Hotel and what occupied that spot originally, detailed information of Belmont and many more information to get you really dizzy. At the very end of this tour, not only will you be well informed about the entire history of the Queen’s Park Savannah, you will also get quite fit after the walk which in truth is quite a lovely flat stroll throughout.
EDUCATIONAL HISTORICAL DOWN “D” ISLANDS TOUR.
In the ever placid waters of the Gulf of Paria, we take a memorable boat ride from Chaguaramas on a large vessel that can accommodate up to (80) persons maximum and from the shore, we head straight to the well known “5 Islands” that so happens to be Nelson, Caledonia, Craig, Pelican and Rock Islands. Hear of the rich history of the 5 Islands one by one. We then venture onwards to “Kronstadt Island” that also played a significant part of our history. Next to Kronstadt is the prison island “Carrera” that also holds a special part of the rich history of the islands. From Carrera Island, we head on to “Little Gasparee or Center Piece Island” that holds a bit of important history. From Center Piece Island, we head to “Gasparee Island”, home of the local famous cave system where regular tours are carried out. From Gasparee Island, its back to the shoreline close to “Staubles Bay”, home of today’s Coast Guard and “Tetron Bay”, home of the Defense Force and “Scotland Bay” where the history of the three places are paramount. From Scotland Bay, its now onto “Monos Island”, the well known vacation spot for the well to do folks and is rich in history as far as development is concerned. From Monos Island, its onto “Huevos Island”; this island is totally empty as far as occupation is concerned, but its history is quite interesting. The last island to visit is “Chacachacare Island”, the former leprosarium and in even earlier history, a flourishing cotton cultivating island that once was the main source of Trinidad’s revenue in the very early days.
Pending on arrangements by the teachers and parents, a bit of swimming can be arranged if necessary.