Kirkjubæjarklaustur – Höfn

 Iceland 2008  No Responses »
May 282009
 

I can’t tell you how many people were tickled by our attempts to pronounce the name of this town. It was ridiculous and I think that while travelling through Iceland, the two trickiest town names that we tried were Kirkjubæjarklaustur and Höfn.
Trying to pronounce Höfn is like trying to inhale and speak at the same time, and there doesn’t seem to be a firm rule on how it should be pronounced. Its seriously pronounced like you hiccup and get startled at the sametime. Another blogger described pronouncing Höfn somewhere between “hep” and “hup”, with a glottal stop. I always wonder about how people come up with this stuff… the same question comes up when I think about the rotting shark dish : Hákarl or kæstur hákarl. Who exactly decided that they would eat this stuff??

I found a receipe on how to prepare “rotten” shark but the awesome thing about this webpage was the warning that you shouldn’t try this at home unless you know what the end product is supposed to taste like and that Putrefied shark can become spoiled. WHAT!?!?!? How can something that is rotting become more spoiled?? It is like a dead person being more dead – you dont have more than one type of “DEAD”. Dead is always dead! Yanno!!!

So quoting from http://www.simnet.is/gullis/jo/shark.htm

I read in a book that fresh shark is unsuitable for eating because there is uremic acid in the flesh. This I am inclined to believe, considering that cured shark smells like stagnant urine or ammonia. It has also been claimed that that there is cyanic acid in shark meat. Fresh shark meat is said to have caused people to vomit blood. The curing process removes the acid from the flesh and makes it easier to digest. Connoisseurs of strong cheese generally like cured shark on the first bite. Others find it to be an aquired taste…

Traditional method:
Take one large shark, gut and discard the innards, the cartilage and the head. Cut flesh into large pieces.Wash in running water to get all slime and blood off. Dig a large hole in coarse gravel, preferably down by the sea and far from the nearest inhabited house – this is to make sure the smell doesn’t bother anybody. Put in the shark pieces, and press them well together. It’s best to do this when the weather is fairly warm (but not hot), as it hastens the curing process. Cover with more gravel and put heavy rocks on top to press down. Leave for 6-7 weeks (in summer) to 2-3 months (in winter). During this time, fluid will drain from the shark flesh, and putrefication will set in. 

When the shark is soft and smells like ammonia, remove from the gravel, wash, and hang in a drying shack. This is a shack or shed with plenty of holes to let the wind in, but enough shade to prevent the sun from shining directly on the shark. Let it hang until it is firm and fairly dry: 2-4 months. Warm, windy and dry weather will hasten the process, while cold, damp and still weather will delay it.

Slice off the brown crust, cut the whitish flesh into small pieces and serve, preferably with a shot of ice-cold brennivín.
 
The modern method for curing shark relies on putting it into a large container with a drainage hole, and letting it cure as it does when buried in gravel.

Like seriously! Who figured this stuff out??? How does that first person figure out that they can eat this stuff??? It still amazes me!!! The Icelanders have a festival in which the goal is to eat the most crap. Its called Þorramatur and this consists of many different foods. The only thing in the list that I would even consider eating would be the dry bread.

It includes:

Kæstur hákarl, putrefied Greenland shark
Súrsaðir hrútspungar, the testicles of rams pressed in blocks, boiled and cured in lactic acid.
Svið, singed and boiled sheep heads, sometimes cured in lactic acid
Sviðasulta, head cheese or brawn made from svið, sometimes cured in lactic acid
Lifrarpylsa (liver sausage), a sausage made from the offal and liver of sheep kneaded with rye flour
Blóðmör (blood-fat; also known as slátur, meaning slaughter), a type of blood pudding, which is prepared like lifrarpylsa without the liver and adding blood.
Harðfiskur, wind-dried fish (often cod, haddock or seawolf), served with butter
Rúgbrauð (rye bread), traditional Icelandic rye bread
Hangikjot, (hung meat), smoked and boiled lamb or sheep meat
Lundabaggi, sheep’s loins wrapped in the meat from the sides, pressed and cured in lactic acid
Selshreifar, seal’s flippers cured in lactic acid

 Posted by rishiray at 11:37 pm  Tagged with: , , ,

How to get from Trinidad to Tobago? | How to get to Tobago from Trinidad? | How to travel between Trinidad and Tobago | How to travel between Tobago and Trinidad

 1 - All Trinidad Posts, 2 - All Tobago Posts  No Responses »
May 212009
 

This is such a common question, whether it be on Lonely Planet, Couchsurfing or any other of the travel forums and travel sites I know. Personally, I would always take the plane instead of the ferry, even for the cost conscious backpacker, you will find that it is a better experience. The waters between Trinidad and Tobago are fairly rocky and depending on the weather conditions, you could be in for a fairly rocky ride…. have your Imodium on hand!! You could also be lucky and have calm seas…. the point is that you should keep abreast of the local weather conditions.

1. Plane :

This is the much faster way of getting from one island to the other. Booking tickets can be done online at http://www.caribbean-airlines.com/

Tobago Express was a scheduled passenger airline based in Trinidad and Tobago. It operated as a sister airline of Caribbean Airlines. Caribbean Airlines is now the main airline which operates the essential “air-bridge” between the Crown Point International Airport located in Tobago and Piarco International Airport located in Trinidad
One way flights as of June 2009 range from 24$USD to 50$USD for a one way flight. Booking online is the easiest way to get this and you get an e-ticket for boarding.

You should book your flights one day in advance, and there is very little chance of a sellout, unless it is a holiday weekend in Trinidad. Then you should book a couple days in advance. There is no standby fare that I know of, but then again those rules could change in the future.

2. Ferry:

The duration of the voyage between Trinidad and Tobago is approximately 2½ hrs (fast ferry) to 5½ hours (conventional ferry). The ferry schedule is here http://www.patnt.com/ferry_schedule.shtml

Tickets are sold:

  • GSS Terminal Office, Wrightson Road, Port of Spain, Trinidad
  • Tobago Terminal Office, Scarborough, Tobago
  • TTPost Outlets (City Gate, Tunapuna, Trincity Mall, Carlton Centre, Chaguanas, Siparia, Princess Town, Sangre Grande, Bon Accord – Tobago)
T&T Express & T&T Spirit (Fast Ferries) Economy return Economy one-way
TT$100.00 – Adult TT$50.00 – Adult
TT$100.00 – Kids 12 and over TT$50.00 – Kids 12 and over
TT50.00 – Kids between ages 3 – 11 TT25.00 – Kids between ages 3 – 11
Panorama & Warrior Spirit
(Conventional ferries)		 Economy return Economy return
TT$75.00 – Adult TT$75.00 – Adult
TT37.50 – Kids Under 12 TT37.50 – Kids Under 12
Vehicles TT$600.00 (return)
TT$300.00 (one-way)

Important Guidelines
• All motor vehicles must be delivered three (3) hours before sailing.
• All foot passengers must check in two (2) hours before sailing.
• Check-in will be closed off 30 minutes prior to the sailing to ensure that the vessel departs on time.
• Photo ID must be presented prior to boarding vessel.
• Passengers will not be allowed to disembark the vessel after boarding.
• Flammable items such as liquid petroleum tanks, cooking gas tanks and oxygen tanks will not be allowed on board the vessel.
• The use of radios or tapes is prohibited on the vessel.
• Sailing schedules are subject to change without prior notice.
• Vessels assigned to the ferry service are interchangeable without notice at the authority’s discretion.

The Domestic Ferry Service is operated by the T&T Port Authority, providing transport for passengers, vehicles and cargo. Services include dining and bars.

The prices along with rules and regulations for the ferry can change without notice when this page was compiled.

Port of Spain, Trinidad Office hours (Port of Spain only) are Monday to Friday – 7.30am to 4.00pm.
(868) 625-4906 (tel1)
(868) 625-3055 (tel2)
Scarborough, Tobago (868) 639-2417 (tel1)
(868)-639-4906 (tel2)
(868) 639-2181 (cargo)
 Posted by rishiray at 9:56 pm  Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

How do Trinidadians dress? What to wear in trinidad?

 1 - All Trinidad Posts  5 Responses »
May 142009
 

Someone asked me these questions and I thought that they were ridiculous questions, when in fact, it really wasn’t. How could someone figure out what to wear in Trinidad.

Trinidadians aren’t the most fashionable of  dressers. This is not a function of Trinidadians having no style, to the contrary: Trinidadian are a very stylish people and always want to be in style. This style however is dictated by a certain practicality. In the temperate climates, stylish coats, layers and multiple dark colours are staples, in a warm climate though it is not to most useful of choices.

For social occasions:

  • Men : If going to a bar or just hanging out, then jeans and a soccer jersey will be just fine. Through some crazy obsession with soccer, how fashionable a guy is, is determined by his choice of soccer jersey. The better known the football team, the better the jersey.For formal functions, you can’t go wrong with a suit. Dark suit preferably to weddings, christenings etc. It is possible to overdress for functions though. When in doubt about what to wear, ask your host or someone who is going to the function…. preferably beforehand.

    Work wear: Shirt and tie is usually the uniform for the white collar jobs.

    For danceclubs, a nice pair of jeans, and dress shoes with a nice dress shirt will do. But there are rules, if you are white/tourist, then going somewhere in jeans and sneakers will be fine, locals though will not get past the bouncers for the clubs like 51 degrees, Zen, Sting etc. My question would be, why bother going to a club in Trinidad, if you are not a local. Partake in the local culture rather than the imported “culture” i.e go to Chutney Shows, Calypso tents etc.

  • Women: Shorts are ubiquitous. For most places and danceclubs: heels and nice pair of fitted shorts will get you in ANY bar/ club in Trinidad.Work wear : Same as in North America.

    Formal: Depends on the event : Indian themed events : prayers/puja/wedding calls for a Sari
    Christian themed events will do with standard North American female wear.

Since the weather on Trinidad and Tobago is generally pleasant, with average temp of about 26C-28C, temperatures can fluctuate, with cool evenings and hot and humid days driving temperatures up or down from the average. In order to stay cool during warm days, pack clothes made from light fabrics that allow ventilation. Clothing made of linen and cotton are the best choices. Travelers may want to avoid packing snug, tight-fitting clothing because of the heat. Clothing should be relaxed and casual, but neat. A sweater or light jacket comes in handy during winter evenings, or when visiting the region’s higher altitudes.

Trinidad and Tobago’s rainy season lasts from June to December, and if you visit the islands during these months, definitely pack protective rain gear in case you are caught in a typical afternoon shower.

Be sure to pack plenty of beach and active wear clothing, including swimsuits, athletic shorts and shoes, sandals, hats, sunglasses, tank tops, and shorts. Travelers who know they will be enjoying a recreational activity such as mountain biking will want to pack the necessary equipment for their excursion. Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen provide protection from the powerful sun. Beachwear, activewear, shorts, and other revealing pieces of clothing should not be worn in cities, shops, restaurants, or in hotel lobbies. When out, men should wear pants and a collared or button down shirt. Women can wear informal dresses.

While most vacationers will not need to bring formal wear, travelers should be sure to consider their itinerary when packing. Pack accordingly if a business meeting or upscale dinner requires a tie, jacket, or even a suit.

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