Peace For The Soul
The incredible views you get whilst visiting the northern range of mountains in Trinidad and Tobago is phenomenal. The benedictine monastery situated within these northern peaks is a place many visit to enjoy the sights and take in the fresh pristine air away from the city down below. It is in a way a pilgrimage to even the non benedictine people who visit like us in that it is a place you can count on to bring peace and calm to your heart.
It just so happened that the day we visited, the sun was setting and the evening breeze was cool and calm. The church bells rang in the distance and it brought a surreal sense of nostalgia and extreme peace. The nostalgia was misplaced because it is not a site I used to visit in my childhood or in the past. The beautiful golden sunlight bathed the city down below and in the moment, I appreciated the beauty of my home country and felt a sense of national pride, amidst the chaos of current affairs that plagued the nation.
The monastery itself always overlooked the lower city and was visible from every corner. Even in its courtyard, it felt as if it was looking down upon us due to the car park being sloped to match the mountainside. The main building blocked the sun and consequently appeared to have a glowing and heavenly backdrop.
The adjacent mountain peaks were also visible but now up close and in person. The setting sun put the slopes on fire with its light that highlighted the lush green vegetation that covered them. You could feel the cool therapeutic breeze on your face when it blew and hear it rustling the trees for miles on the slopes. It sent chills down my spine. The peace and quiet that came with being in the mountains is something that cannot be replicated elsewhere.
We decided to take a look in the church or chapel for a bit since it was empty at the time. Just outside the door was a statue of Mary and the infant. As soon as we entered the building, the symmetrical placement of the pews was immediately in view. Christmas decorations were up already and the setting sun brought nice warm golden lighting into the chamber.
The hallways and arches were beautiful to appreciate and look at whilst thinking about the history of the place and influence of the styles and architectural choices. It was also fun to see the mixture of old and modern ideologies such as the ceiling fans (relatively new compared to the building) and speakers.
Stepping around a side door to the outside of the building on the southern side, I saw the most heavenly and beautiful view I had ever seen in my life! It was away from the view of the city and of the sun and of the clouds. It was simply just the building and a little garden or lawn if you will. The colours of the setting sun were just breathtaking! I almost did not take a picture. I was so speechless and paralysed by just taking in the view.
No matter what, every time we visit this place, it never fails to bring a sense of peace and fulfillment to the soul. The mountains, the views, the pristine clean and crisp as well as the sound of the forest of the slopes all heavenly culminate in something beautiful and amazing!
