Daytime VS Nigh-time Living

It seems as though Port of Spain’s daytime and night-time culture has evolved over time, from a traditional colonial lifestyle to a more Westernise approach. (Mumford 1938) believes that the city is defined as a place where diffused rays of many separate beams of life fall into place. This is definitely seen in Port of Spain, whether it be day or night, through the entertainment/ recreation, they way and types of food that are being eaten, traffic and services provided.

Daytime entertainment and recreation seem to be as important as night-time recreation within Port of Spain. People go for lunch and dinner at the same restaurant and relax in the same areas. However, people don’t seem to shop as much during the night time as they do during the daytime and more people use public green spaces during the day than at night. But, it looks like whether it be day or night people look for somewhere to relax. At night some people head to the board walk or Movie Town compared to the green spaces during the day.

Angelo's on Ariapita Avenue can be accessed during the day and at night.

Foods are as important in the day as it is at night. Fast food outlets and restaurants like KFC, Independence Square are opened 24/7. Doubles is another food that is available both at day and night as seen in the photo. However, during the day food courts are more prominent and at night food stall are more noticed.

Doubles during the day on Independence Square

Doubles at night on Ariapita Avenue

Traffic is a problem occurs in Port of Spain. This can be because of the high population density, poor parking availability so people park along the roads and obstructions in the roadway. This can play a major role in traffic congestions, since most patrons and vehicles are attempting to reach to the CBD.

Main services are usually opened during the day, like government offices and commercial buildings. Other services like hotels and motels are open 24/7.

This can be a movement towards development in Trinidad and Tobago. With these cultural changes and apparent lively daytime and night time cultures, it is evident that there are similarities to the Western world and globalization has played a major role.


References:

Mumford, Lewis.1938. The Culture of Cities. New York: Harcourt, Brace and Company. Accessed February 3, 2015 from http://myelearning.sta.uwi.edu/file.php/25346/Lewis_Mumford_Introduction_The_Culture_of_Cities_1938_xid-3429222_2.PDF