Recently I met a man who is an investment counselor and a native of Trinidad. I told him I had a great image of Trinidad. “Yes, everyone has an image of Trinidad, and those who come leave with a better image.”

He told me that usually he wears worn jeans and beat up tennis shoes. If things are slow he mingles with those who have come to enjoy the image.

One of the common images he sees is two couples, best friends in two weeks. They arrive and the next day are awake at noon looking for breakfast in canvas shoes, brightly colored shorts and colored shirts. They find a place that appears to be a restaurant – but not much activity. Is it open for breakfast?

They ask a native sitting near, "Hey mon, can one catch breakfast here?"

"Sure, but I wouldn’t."

"Why?"

"Not up to my taste."

"Where would you go?"

"I already have."

"Hey mon, what are your recommendations today?"

“See down the street.” With a gesture of his left hand. “Well you go until you come to Jake’s. Not a big place and a bit run down, but if you keep your eye out you will see it.”

“Is Jake’s a good restaurant, mon?”

“No! You turn left at Jake’s.” Again gesturing with his left hand, “Go up the hill until you come to the Pelican. Good place, especially in the evening but ok now.”

One of the men with brightly colored shorts reaches in his pocket and gets out a large domination coin and gives it to the native.

“Nice custom from the mainland but you should thank me after you have eaten. We may not agree as to what is good.

"Don’t worry this is a small island, and it is hard for us to avoid each other. If you like it, you will say thank you by asking for more advice. Advice is about all I have in this world worth anything, and the more I share it the richer I become.”

So remember, it is the Pelican for a late breakfast unless you are an early riser. In that case you will have the place to yourself. If you see a native in jeans and tennis shoes ask him about stocks and bonds. He is my friend, and he owns the place.

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Contents copyright 2004 by Dr. A. V. Persson and ParaComp, Inc. All rights reserved.

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