Trinidad and Tobago

Port of Spain, Trinidad, is so different from our last stop, Aruba. As we neared port this morning, mountains rose out of the mist on the horizon. Rainforest dropped down to the ocean and cities hugged the coastline. We are off on a tour today to discover a small part of this island nation. After boarding the small bus, only 10 of us plus driver and guide, we head away from the cruise terminal and into the city centre. Past the Parliament buildings and then through the city centre, making our way towards Queens Park and the Botanical Gardens. The city area has some gorgeous historical buildings, many under renovation and also some more modern buildings one of which was the Music Hall/theatre, Performing Arts Centre. After a walk through part of the Botanical Gardens we boarded the bus and headed to the hills. Passing typical homes and shops of the area. Many shops are just built under the homes, most are small dark and dingy holes in the walls with grills over the windows and doors. Local streets are steep and windy. In the early days there was no town planning so people just picked a spot they liked and built a home. Streets came later and had to wind between the homes, hence their windy nature.

We made a stop at Lady Young Lookout with panoramic views over Port of Spain. From here we drove through lush green countryside, past old citrus and cocoa plantations and over picturesque mountain scenery as we passed over the saddle of the islands Northern Range. These roads could compete quite well with some of Tasmania’s west coast windy roads. They would be narrower and probably steeper but they gave us some great views of the mountains.

Our destination was Maracas Bay, a lovely beach shaded by palm trees with steep slopes behind. Here we were able to taste one of Trinidad’s favourite foods, the Bake and Shark, it is a freshly deep fried bread (very light) with crumbed shark and then topped with whatever topping you desire. All cooked fresh as it’s ordered. It was very tasty. Then after a walk along the beach, not a pristine piece of groomed sand with clearly defined swimming areas as on previous islands, but a real beach with real waves and people just relaxing. Once we left the beach we headed back towards Port of Spain.

After a quick lunch and siesta onboard we headed out on foot to discover the city centre. We even found some fabric shops. More furnishing and dress fabric but it was interesting to wander through a couple of them. We headed away from the main tourist shops and back a few blocks to find the locals area. It’s easy to tell we were out of the tourists area when you look around and there are no other Caucasian people about. My blonde hair and complexion didn’t quite fit into the dark skin and tight curly black hair category. (P:- I never saw another Acubra hat being worn either!)

After a good wander around in 30 degree heat we headed back for a swim and relax before dinner.

(P:- The Mountains Judith mentioned earlier, as we are only a few miles from Venezuela, are actually part of the Andes! Trinidad is the third richest country per capita in South America and is also home to Brian Lara the famous cricketer. The terrain and vegetation reminds me of American Samoa or the Daintree area of Australia.

As some may expect from me, there is a slight emphasis on sampling local foods, to me always a highlight. Sometimes one has to “bend the dietary rules” re gluten and dairy products and suffer the consequences later to enjoy the local fare. Today was no exception as there was many interesting dishes to look at and if brave enough sample.)

We were very impressed with the high standard of dress today, very elegant classy indeed.

P – THE SHIPS CALENDAR informed me Valentine’s Day was fast approaching! Now being one that has forgotten way more Valentines days than I have remembered over the last 40 odd years, I thought I would attempt to correct my forgetfulness and took Judith shopping. She enjoys quilting so researched and found the Fabric district in Port Of Spain and thought I would buy her some fabric and as the fashion area was next door take her clothes shopping. Neither any craft fabric or suitable fashion items appealed to her! (I was rather relieved as the “In fashion” onesies didn’t really appeal to me either! Oh Well the thought was there so hopefully that counts!

As we type this we are relaxing on our balcony, sailing out of the harbour watching the beautiful tropical terrain disappear into the distance and fast approaching dusk.

Scarborough, Tobago, evidently the smallest capital city in the world with only 1000 residents. The island only has a population of 60,000. Tobago is just 42 kilometres long and 10 kilometres wide, it is considered a nature lovers paradise. It has the oldest legally protected rainforest in the western world. The travel brochure we received as we disembarked this morning reads “well kept facilities, genuinely friendly people and sumptuous cuisine from earthy to exotic, all in an atmosphere of total tranquility”. How words can make something sound so much different than it really is, or how much we read into a few words. In our words we would say it’s rustic, tourism from 20 years ago, friendly people and certainly not the same elegance as seen inTrinidad. A very interesting place to visit. So different from Trinidad. Our tour this morning took us from Cruise Terminal, (where we nosed into the only pier at the small port), around the southern tip of the island. On the way driving through Lambeau, on the Atlantic Coast, to the International Airport where the terminal check in is all done in an area open to the elements and there are no jetways, then on to Buccoo Bay Resort where we got off the bus and walked down to the waterfront. Which overlooked Buccoo Reef and Nylon Pool. Back on the bus we drove along the Caribbean coastline through rustic towns such as Hawks Bill and Black Rock towards Plymouth, where we stopped at Fort James which overlooked Great Courtland Bay. Then from Plymouth back across the island over the central mountain range to Fort King George, before returning to the ship.

Fort James was manned from 1650 to 1811, with various regiments quartered in thatched huts nearby. In 1770 the fort was attacked by rebellious slaves. Later the fort saw action against the French in 178, and this particular building was built by the British in 1811.

Fort King George, on the opposite side of the island, was built in the 1770’s, as a sustainable defence for the newly appointed capital of Scarborough. Originally called Fort Castries it was later called Fort King George in 1793. This Fort sits atop Scarborough Hill and provides excellent views over Scarborough, Barcolet and the windward coast.

(P:- This Cruising is a tough gig! I get that tired that I seem to need 1 or 2 Siestas a day! As opposed to getting tired at home and needing 1 or 2 Siestas a day! )

We have put a lot of research into this adventure and it’s starting to pay back, smaller ship, smaller ports (not frequented by the larger cruise ships), not many sea days without ports and many, many visits to different countries and cultures (and foods) we would never have the option to experience otherwise. Also having the one unpack and same bed along with the choice of multiple restaurant food options and a staff /guest ratio of 1 staff to 2 guests ensures we are well looked after.

Currently at 11 degrees North it will only be a day or two before we cross the Equator into the Southern Hemisphere.

Note to ones self Valentines Day today — must organise a special dinner this evening for my special lady.)