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Heat and bugs

Posted: Sun Aug 06, 2006 8:39 pm
by Ron Neale
Hi!

My wife and I are visiting Tobago in September, and thinking of staying in Castara. She gets eaten alive by mosquitos, and I sweat like a cold beer mug. So two questions: Most of the lodging in Castara notes no aircon - will I be able to sleep at night without it - good breezes? - or should I play it safe and go with the one or two that have AC? And, since most note no aircon and refer to the "fresh air", will she be able to tolerate the mosquito level without being doused with anti-mosquito chemicals the whole time?

Sound like we are big babies, but really we aren't :-)

Posted: Sun Aug 06, 2006 9:48 pm
by Paul Tallet
Hi Ron

Firstly ... no mossies in Castara around the beach area ... the mossie risk increases as you go into the rainforest (i.e.; the walk up to Castara Waterfall is ridden with mossies).

The problem that most people face is the sandflies on the beach ... nasty little things ... everyone gets bitten but it depends how you react.

If you can try to climatise, it is worth the suffering on the first night to go without aircon ... the humidity is so constant that you should get used to it ... most rooms get sea breezes around Castara and there are plenty with aircon ... just ask the host.

Regards

Posted: Sun Aug 06, 2006 10:17 pm
by Ron Neale
Thanks so much - that really does help!

Posted: Mon Aug 07, 2006 7:21 am
by David Watkins
Ron,I like the description of the beer mug!!I am a little over weight and suffer similarly,however,I think air-con doesn'thelp as you will be going from temperate to tropical all the time.It is surprising how quickly your body acclimatises.Moast if not all places have fans,ceiling and/or floor,which I find is adequate.As for those b****y sand flies,citronell with a massage oil works for me.
David(112 days to go :D )

Posted: Mon Aug 07, 2006 12:51 pm
by Brian Taylor
tiny bit overweight, david, just like me....

beeing in the beer mug section myself (born and breed in beer country germany) I always get a cold from the aircon, so I stick with the fan and a thin sheet. the fan wil also blow away most mossies from your wife, so you both can be happy, ron.
maybe your wife wants to check with the doc before the trip to get some pills against the allergic reaction to the bites. citronella oil does the trick as david said and for the sweating 1. it is healthy 2. just don't move too much :wink: you are on holiday!
enjoy your stay

STEPHANIE