Tobago
                                                      
Home
With acknowledgements to http://3dflags.com/
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                        
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                                   
 
                                                                            
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tobago is the smaller partner of the twin island republic of Trinidad and Tobago, (usually shortened to T & T).  Situated 11 degrees north of the equator just off the coast of South America the island measures some 41 by 14 kilometres (25 x nearly 9 miles).  Rich in natural allure - deserted palm-lined beaches, coral reefs and a wealth of lush rain forest, Tobago is one of the least developed and unspoilt islands we have visited.  With a population of approx. 54,000 its people are easy going, friendly and extremely helpful and we felt most welcome there.
     Stay at an all-inclusive resort by all means (we stayed at the Turtle Beach by Rex Resorts and couldn`t fault it), but do get out and explore.  The all-island tour is a must and you will be amazed at the number of "undiscovered" coves and beaches you will see and visit, each more inviting than the last with no development or commercialisation to spoil things (Long may it continue.)     Tobago is also the home of the oldest protected rainforest in the western hemisphere.  In 1776 the sugar plantation owners were persuaded that it was in their best interests to preserve the forest areas.  Felling trees for fuel and clearing land to make way for more sugar cane would have resulted in the island being incapabale of supporting the smallest of shrubs, let alone a massive sugar plantation.  The scheme was successful and on the 13th April, 1776 14,000 acres of central Tobago were designated a protected Crown Reserve.  This you must visit.
      A walk down the Gilpin Trace trail is an unforgettable experience.  Very muddy, whatever the weather, you`ll be offered wellington boots (a small hire fee) or these will be included in your tour package.  Always make sure you go with an experienced and accredited guide and they will point out the many varieties of birds flitting between the dense growth.
     For a more "managed" view of the native birds, go to the Grafton and Caledonian Bird Sanctuary where the wild birds are fed twice a day, at 8am and 4pm.  If you`re lucky you`ll see the blue-crowned Motmot.
      The capital, Scarborough, has little to offer from a sightseeing point of view other than it is the hub of island life and here you will see a wide cross-section of Tobago life.  Visit the bustling market, walk up Carrington Street, past the ferry terminal and drop into the Cafe Ciao at the top of the road for a coffeee or a delicious ice cream.
     Taxis are not cheap and the local buses (all quite new vehicles) run to a timetable of unknown schedules.  Tobagonians stand at the side of the road with their arm outstretched, hoping for lifts from any passing car.  We didn`t hire a car, but heard from some at our hotel that having done so and gone out on their own that they were hassled extensively by locals begging for a handout.  Going on organised tours (usually it was just the two of us or one other couple) and this just did not happen when we were with our guide.
     Introduced by French planters in the late eighteenth century Carnival (carne vale - "farewell to flesh") is celebrated over the three days prior to Ash Wednesday, but it was really only after World War II that it started to develop to its current form with the introduction of the steel pan, fashioned from oil drums brought to the island by the US military.  If you are lucky enough to be going in February you will be greeted by the most amazing spectacle and the loudest music possible as the bands compete for the much coveted Band of the Year title.  Everyone takes part.
     We thoroughly enjoyed our holiday on Tobago, and I would urge you to go to experience it for yourself - you most certainly will not regret it.   Remember to take your commonsense with you, leave your bling at home, don`t flash the cash and there`s no reason why you should experience anything other than a marvellous holiday.
      Just one last tip - Some time before you go, invest in a good Guide Book and read it thoroughly before your trip.  It will pay dividends.

Click on the link below to see the video and also the slide show:-