The Enchanting Heart of Princes Town

• HelloWaa gwaan
  [wah gwaan]
• GoodbyeLater
  [lay-ter]
• YesYes
  [yes]
• NoNah
  [nah]
• Please/You're welcomePlease/Tank yuh
  [pleez/tank yuh]
• Thank youTank yuh
  [tank yuh]
• Excuse me/SorrySarry
  [sar-ee]
• How are you?How yuh doin?
  [hao yuh doin]
• Fine. And you?Ahright. An yuh?
  [ah-rite. an yuh]
• Do you speak English?Yuh speak English?
  [yuh speak ing-glish]
• I don't understandAh doh understan
  [ah doh un-der-stand]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseLemme see de menu, please
  [lem-mi see deh men-yu, pleez]
• I don't eat meatAh doh eat meat
  [ah doh eet meet]
• Cheers!Cheers!
  [cheers]
• I would like to pay, pleaseLemme pay, please
  [lem-mi pay, pleez]

• Help!Help!
  [help]
• Go away!Go way!
  [go way]
• Call the Police!Call de Police!
  [call deh po-lice]
• Call a doctor!Call ah doctor!
  [call ah doc-tor]
• I'm lostAh loss
  [ah loss]
• I'm illAh sick
  [ah sik]

• I'd like to buy...Ah wud like tuh buy...
  [ah wud like tuh buy]
• I'm just lookingAh jes lookin
  [ah jess look-in]
• How much is it?How much dis is?
  [hao much dis is]
• That's too expensiveDat too expensive
  [dat too ex-pen-siv]
• Can you lower the price?Yuh cud drop de price?
  [yuh kud drop deh price]

• What time is it?What time it is?
  [what time it is]
• It's one o'clockIt one o'clock
  [it one o-clock]
• Half past (10)Half pass ten
  [half pass ten]
• MorningMornin
  [morn-in]
• AfternoonAfternoon
  [af-ter-noon]
• EveningEvenin
  [even-in]
• YesterdayYesterday
  [yes-ter-day]
• TodayToday
  [to-day]
• TomorrowTomorrow
  [to-mor-row]
• 1One
  [wan]
• 2Two
  [too]
• 3Tree
  [tree]
• 4Fo'
  [faw]
• 5Five
  [fai-v]
• 6Six
  [siks]
• 7Seven
  [sev-en]
• 8Eight
  [ate]
• 9Nine
  [nyne]
• 10Ten
  [ten]

• Where's a/the...?Whea de...?
  [wea de]
• What's the address?What de address?
  [what de address]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Yuh cud show me (on de map)?
  [yuh kud show me (on de map)]
• When's the next (bus)?When de nex (bus)?
  [when deh neks (bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)
  [a ticket (to)]

Princes Town, originally known as the Mission of Savana Grande, was established in the 1680s by Capuchin monks who were tasked with converting the indigenous Amerindian population to Christianity. The town was part of a network of missions spread throughout Trinidad and Tobago. Over time, the area became a vibrant agricultural center, primarily cultivating cocoa and coffee.

In 1880, the town received its current name, Princes Town, in honor of the visit by Queen Victoria's grandsons, Princes Albert and George. This visit marked an important milestone in the town’s history, symbolizing its connection to the British Crown. The town was renamed from Savana Grande to Princes Town as a gesture of respect and to commemorate this royal visit.

Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Princes Town expanded significantly due to the flourishing cocoa industry. The construction of the Princes Town Railway in 1897 further spurred growth by providing a reliable means of transporting goods and people. This period saw the establishment of several key institutions, including schools, churches, and commercial enterprises.

Princes Town is a microcosm of Trinidad and Tobago’s diverse cultural heritage. It is home to a vibrant mix of Afro-Trinidadian, Indo-Trinidadian, and European communities. This blend is evident in the town’s festivals, cuisine, and religious practices. Events such as Diwali, Eid, and Carnival are celebrated with equal fervor, showcasing the town's rich cultural diversity.

Today, Princes Town is a bustling town that has retained its historical charm while embracing modernity. The town center is a hive of activity, with markets, shops, and eateries offering a taste of local life. Historical buildings like the Princes Town Presbyterian Church and the old railway station stand as reminders of the town’s storied past. The Princes Town Regional Corporation manages the town’s infrastructure and services, ensuring a balance between development and preservation.

Princes Town is located in the southern part of Trinidad, one of the two main islands of Trinidad and Tobago. The nearest major airport is Piarco International Airport (POS), situated approximately 60 kilometers north of Princes Town. From the airport, you can rent a car, book a taxi, or use a private shuttle service to reach Princes Town. The drive usually takes about an hour and a half, depending on traffic. Public buses are also available from Port of Spain, the capital city, which connect to Princes Town.

Getting around Princes Town is relatively straightforward. Local taxis and maxi-taxis (shared minibuses) are popular and affordable options for transportation within the town and to nearby areas. Renting a car can offer more flexibility for exploring at your own pace. While public buses are available, they can be less reliable and might not cover all tourist spots. Walking is also a viable option for short distances within the town.

The official currency in Trinidad and Tobago is the Trinidad and Tobago Dollar (TTD). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it's wise to carry some cash for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are available in Princes Town, so you can withdraw money as needed. It is advisable to inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with card transactions.

Princes Town is generally safe for tourists, but like anywhere, it's important to stay vigilant. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and be cautious with your belongings in crowded places. While Princes Town itself does not have specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it's always best to stay aware of your surroundings. Keep your valuables secure and avoid displaying large amounts of cash or flashy jewelry.

In case of an emergency, dial 999 or 990 for police assistance, and 811 for medical emergencies. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Princes Town. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably for the warm climate, but also modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting Hindu temples or churches, dress conservatively and remove your shoes before entering. Public Transport: Do be respectful to drivers and other passengers. Maxi-taxis are shared, so greet fellow passengers politely. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Good day' or 'Good evening'. A handshake is common for formal introductions. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and street food, but ensure it's from a reputable vendor. Don't refuse food offerings, as it can be considered impolite.

To experience Princes Town like a local, visit the Princes Town Market, which is bustling with vendors selling fresh produce, spices, and local crafts. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the town’s history and culture. Don’t miss the annual Divali celebrations if you are visiting in October or November, which include vibrant festivities and local cuisine. For a unique experience, take a walk to the nearby Devil's Woodyard mud volcano, a fascinating natural attraction.