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near Maraval, Diego Martin (Republic of Trinidad and Tobago)
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Saut D'eau
Wed, 2011-11-23 00:42
The trek to Saut D'eau or Saint Cion Bay is considered to be one of the most challenging,yet in spite of it's difficulty walking through the chive village of Paramin is pleasurable ,exciting and memorable.Some do this hike to test their fitness while others just do it to enjoy the scenery and high altitude breeze.On the east side magnificent views of Moka Golf Course,North Coast Road,Paragrant and Maraval and on the west the Valleys of Mia, Cameron and Diego Martin.
Paraminians are descendants from French Caribbean Immigrants who came to develop the country following the historic Cedula of Population of 1783. Outsiders will be fascinated to see acres of chive, pimento,thyme ,tomato and cabbage growing abundantly on the steep slopes and wonder how difficult it must be to cultivate crop on these precipices.Only then there is a genuine appreciation for the planter who never fails in getting his crop to the market.Villagers are friendly and there is always a welcoming smile when they see hikers making " The Pilgrimage" as they call it to Saint Cion.Just like the old days,everyone greets you with a "good morning" and this is one of the only places in Trinidad you can still hear patois being spoken.
.Paramin culture remains an enclave of both French and Spanish and is known for it's Parang along with the reputation of producing the best seasoning in the country.The religion is mainly Roman Catholic and a place of interest along the way is Our Lady of Guadalupe Church where their is a patois choir and a special patois mass on Carnival Weekend.It takes about an hour and a half to get to the top of the mountain followed by a further hour to descend to the beach.There is a small waterfall cascading from the hills into the sea and the name Saut D'eau is french for "water jump" ".The prominent statue of Saint Cion can be seen as a guardian overlooking the beach and in the minds of each hiker there is the anticipation of the steep return climb to the top.
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