The sun was bright in the sky and it was begging me to take a ride to Lopinot (pronounced Lo-pi-no). The last time I drove to Lopinot, I went with my father and his parang band (a very long time ago). For some reason, I cannot remember the drive being this long and winding. But the scenic mountains and tall trees marveled me even more.
A Scenic Lopinot
When we arrived at Lopinot, even though it was long the drive was worth it. The area has a lot of historical relics for visitors to enjoy. First, there is the House of Compte, Charles de Lopinot, who settled in the Valley in 1806 and name the estate “La Reconnaissance. On these 478 acres the plantation house is the most visible.
Views from Lopinot
Some things caught my eye. The first was the sign which gave a brief history of the estate. The other thing that really caught my eye was the dirt oven, an earthen, dome-shaped structure. This oven baked without natural gas or electricity. Sweet! Yes, this is the oven of yesteryear that baked breads, cakes, etc. which was the tastiest (so I have heard and would love to try it someday).
Sign at entrance of Lopinot 
Dirt Oven 
The second thing that caught my eye was the Cocoa House. The Cocoa House is a reflection of the years when cocoa was the main crop in the valley and was a thriving industry. Long time, the Cocoa House was mainly used to dry the cocoa beans that were brought from the fields. The cocoa field workers tools were also stored beneath the cocoa house.
choux pastry, eclairs 
Smart Shopping 
Chadon Beni Garlic Butter 
Steamed Fish in Chadon Beni Garlic Butter 
Curried goat and pigeon peas 
A sweet potato casserole for every trini occasion 
A sweet potato casserole for every trini occasion 
A trini food saying 
Human Kidney stones medical concept as an organ with painful crystaline mineral formations as a medicine symbol with a cross section with 3D illustration elements. 
Fresh crab sticks isolated on white background. 
Dry Organic Cream of Tartar Spice in a Bowl 
Roasted herb rubbed turkey garnished with fresh grapes, oranges, and cranberry is ready for Christmas dinner. Ornaments, Champagne, candles, and other Christmas decorations on feast table. 
happy pregnant woman eating apple near tasty food on table 
Senior asian couple sharing meal at home smiling at one another 
overweight man watching tv with junk food and beer. overeating, sedentary lifestyle, bad habits, food addiction, eating disorders 
Close up of fresh oil palm fruits and cooking oil, selective focus. 
Homemade organically produced soybean oil on a rustic wooden table 
bottle and cups with rapeseed oil, next to young rapeseed flowers on a wooden table 
Pumpkin and healthy pumpkin seed oil.Autumn food 
Ripe corn in cobs and corn oil in glass bottle with green leaves on white background 
Oil pouring and dripping to the spoon close up 
Peanut oil with raw peanuts on wooden background 
grape seed oil in a small jar. Selective focus. nature. 
sesame seeds in sack and bottle of oil on wooden rustic table 
Still life of argan oil with fruit on a natural background. Argan fruits come from Morocco (Africa) and are used as component of many cosmetic products 
Rice bran oil in glass cup with white rice background. Food and healthcare concept. 
Organic healthy coconut butter and fresh coconut pieces on wooden board 
Avocado and avocado oil on a wooden background. 
Watering vegetables and herbs in raised bed. Fresh plants and soil. 
A small glass bowl of diced peaches in heavy syrup with oats and brown sugar topping on a wood table top illuminated with natural light. 
The second thing that caught my eye was the Cocoa House. The Cocoa House is a reflection of the years when cocoa was the main crop in the valley and was a thriving industry. Long time, the Cocoa House was mainly used to dry the cocoa beans that were brought from the fields. The cocoa field workers tools were also stored beneath the cocoa house.
Cocoa
Parang is still alive in the valley of Lopinot, especially at Christmas time. Here is a brilliant depiction of the paranderos and their musical instruments.
The musical instruments the paranderos play (Cuatro, guitar, mandolin, violin)
Long ago, houses were made of dirt, and this house was no different. 
Before I end this post, I must leave with you this view. Enjoy!
See you next time. Bye!
I AM A VENEZUELAN COOK WRITTING A KIND OF JOURNAL ABOUT COOKING AND CULTURAL INFLUENCES IN PARIA, THE EASTERN PENINSULA OF VENEZUELA. I WAS IN LOPINOT ONCE FOR A SHORT TIME AND WOULD LOVE TO CONTACT A FAMILY THERE TO INTERVIEW THEM ABOUT THEIR FOOD…COULD YOU HELP ME? MY EMAIL IS , THANKS