WHOSE CULTURE IS IT ANYWAY ... In urban context... ?

I love walking around...it really helps me to clear my mind, especially in the city of Port of Spain. Coming from where I'm from the buildings form and structures there are not as they are here in Trinidad. Almost every building passed is two or more stories a midst skyscrapers, a perfect mix of a transition from post industrial into modernization. The presence of retail/commercial, financial, government and hotel buildings give this variety of form and structure that I speak of. But it is almost impossible to see buildings that have been restored to it's former context and any sense of such would be in a dilapidated state. It is furthermore imperative to note the upcoming commonality of these buildings to other buildings in the more modern or "first world" countries and the adoption of foreign franchises thus creating a very homogeneous city.

 KFC right opposite Royal Bank of Canada Port of Spain

In almost every Caribbean island one urban form/structure that is always evident is food franchises such as the KFC in the photo above. While walking between Frederick Street and Henry Street in Port of Spain the most active parts there are at least 2  fast food franchise  restaurants of each of the following from KFC to subway to Churches Chicken (perhaps one on each street). But the count of local restaurants are very minimal in these areas. It is true that globalization both diversifies and enriches culture but as a foreigner I would love to experience more of that local cuisine; liked to see even a few Asian restaurants, or one or two Indian  stores selling saris like they do in Tunapua as opposed to the endless stores that sell mainstream clothing.  Then I would come to accept and understand it is the people that make up the urban area in Port of Spain and not just the influence of a few well known companies that insist on "Mc Donaldizing" the global South in the name of 'development.' When we adopt the businesses, style of buildings, clothing, music from the North, I begin to wonder, whose culture is it that is persistent in the urban areas of countries?

Here is a  little video on the globalisation of KFC; it's interesting to note at the end what country most of their sales come from. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WALk3pZi1gM

Enjoy and don't forget to leave a comment below...THANKS :)

COMMUTING: Riding the bus is a Pain in the...!!!

awaiting transportation at City Gate

Boarding the bus at City Gate

Commuting in itself is seriously annoying. The repetitive act of travelling to and from a place of destination daily, waiting on transportation, sitting through traffic, arriving late to work/school and the brief feeling of accomplishment after reaching home finally only to repeat the cycle on the following day. YES! It is a serious pain. However, it is a must for social and/or economic purposes. At The 4:00 pm rush hour  the bus station in Port of Spain is booming with commuters, anxious to leave the city after a long day. Some are boarding the bus, some are in line waiting on the bus while others either sit and socialize or walk about to pass the time.

So I would think why anyone would want to endure the pain of commuting daily, through the traffic of people, and other vehicles? Well the primary reason is, IT'S CHEAP! During tough times everyone looks for the next best way to save a few dollars. By spending less money on bus tickets over a monthly period than on gasoline helps by putting the excess money into other areas like food...and everyone loves food! Also, public transportation buses have scheduled departure and arrival times. It's up to the commuter to know if the schedule ties into their working hours. The buses also travel along particular routes to ensure quick and easy access so if you miss the bus that was on time...that's your fault.

So saving a little money makes a commuter very happy, even happier after he spends it on a little fete, or on a new outfit. I guess my point is the opportunity cost for commuting via  the bus may be worth it in the long run. It may be wise to ride with friends and gossip a bit to pass the time. Here's a  video via youtube on commuting; though its setting is not Caribbean, the principles in there pretty much look like the ones I use on the bus route. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-CxDZIgWfg. Enjoy!