Relocating to another country (Trinidad)

[les12]

My husband has been working an off-shore rotation in Trinidad (three weeks there, three here) and his project is wrapping up. He's been trying to find out what's next for him in the company, and as it turns out they would like us to move to Trinidad when the project (a natural gas platform) is completed. The job would be mainly an office job, with a few trips off shore each month. We would be there for less than 2 years. The offer is a major shock to us, as we thought he would be back here in Houston in an office job.

We have the option to turn this down, however since my husband is fairly new in the company and getting great reviews, it wouldn't look so good for him to decline the offer. It will be a great experience for him to have under his belt. We are young, have no children, and now would probably be the most ideal time to take the plunge into a move like this. But, if I'm being totally honest, I'm terrified. We just recently moved to Houston and that was an adjustment, I can't even imagine a foreign country! At the same time I know that it has potential to be a really fun experience for us both.

I guess I'd like to know if any of you have made a move like this? Are any of you familiar with Trinidad in particular? I'm just trying to get a good grasp of what to expect. We are still gathering information, and I think we've asked all of the necessary questions, but if you can think of some not so obvious but important questions, please share! This is all so sudden and I think we are expected to decide soon.

 

[movie zombie]

i've been to both Trinidad and Tobago. TT has the most beautiful women in the world. i kid you not.

ok, back to the topic: it will be an adjustment. but you are young, married, and no children. do it! the trinidad people love americans. while they speak english, it is with a different lilt/cadence. if they talk their normal speed, you'll understand a word or two. they will slow down to be polite. your ear will get used to it. many have lived in the US and/or Canada. some travel to Florida on a regular basis.

there is a definite class divide.

dogs are not seen as pets.

driving with a beer in your hand is ok.

it is hot. many homes are made with breeze blocks.

driving is a test of wills.

wonderful people. great music. great food. best egg nog i've ever had in my life... they call it a punch.

if you have the chance, go spend a few weeks before making your decision.

MoZo

ps and they love to talk politics, especially why is the US government doing what it is doing. be prepared to talk. they don't expect you to defend but they do espect you to talk intelligently regarding world affairs.

 

[les12]

Thanks for your reply, movie zombie!

I am familiar with their accents, my husband works with several Trinis and I've met a few as well. Driving is one of my biggest fears, I have to say. Not only could there be drunks on the road (since it's not illegal) but I'll have to adjust to driving on the left-hand side, and then I hear they are just plain old crazy drivers! haha!

What exactly do you mean when you say that dogs aren't seen as pets? We're thinking about bringing our dog there, but we're still deciding.

I would love to go down for a visit before the move but I'm not sure that's possible. Something we will ask about.

And I should go brush up on politics, thanks for the tip!

 

[Sha]

I'm from the Caribbean, and visited Trinidad in 2005. I'm not sure if you've been to any of the other Caribbean islands - but by comparison, Trinidad is larger and more developed. The economy is based mostly on manufacturing and petroleum, whereas a lot of the other islands are tourism/agriculture based. It's not a major tourist destination - you won't find lots of white sand beaches and palm trees there (Tobago, the sister island, is the resort destination, and has nice beaches).

I totally agree ethat T&T has some of the most beautiful people on the planet! I can look at them all day! It's quite a mixed population - predominantly black and Indian, but also Asian, Portugese, and white - with lots of mixing in between. The accent is very melodic - one of my favourite accents in the world.

Trinidadians are very fun-loving, friendly people. They love to socialize/party and lime (hang out/have a good time). Obviously, their Carnival is one of the most popular in the world, as well. The biggest negative is the crime rate, which is one of the highest in the Caribbean - with several murders, kidnappings etc per year. Obviously, certain areas are safer than others.

I forgot to mention the food - lots of great food as well! Mostly African and Indian inspired.

Oh, and the music! Trinidad is the home of steelpan (the only totally new instrument invented in the 20th century!), calypso, and soca! Great music. Trinis love to 'wine' (i.e gyrate hips in musical fashion) - that's the type of dancing you see at Carnival time.

ETA: Other tidbits - they have a female Prime Minister.

Dogs - Many Trinidadians have pet dogs and cats like anywhere else. In the Caribbean in general, though, dogs aren't treated as specially as they are in the U.S. They're seen as animals - not necessarily 'man's best friend'. A lot of persons keep dogs for protection as well, and they may be tied out in the yard so that they can 'keep watch'. Naturally, dogs are kept outside (due to the climate) where they can run and play and get dirty- so no real need to take them walking every day necessarily.

 

[les12]

Sha- thanks so much for your info! Crime is one of our top concerns so we are going to make sure that the area we are in will be safe. My husband's office is in Port of Spain so I'm sure it will be somewhere nearby.

I've heard that of the two islands, Trinidad is much more industrialized. A few of his work colleagues have lived there before and highly suggest taking weekend trips to Tobago where the nicer beaches are. I understand what is meant about the dogs now too. Thanks for the input, y'all are really helping me out