I'm back from the most relaxing vacation I've ever had. We got to Trinidad, no problem on BWIA at 01:50 PM, October 27th. Checked the status of my Tobago Express flight at 05:00 PM and was told that they're experiencing 90 minute delays and that my flight will now leave at 06:30 PM instead and to come back at 05:30 PM. I called Sheppy to let him know of the delay. My friends picked me up at Piarco and we went for drinks and got back to the Airport at 05:15 PM only to be told that the flights are now operating on schedule and my flight left at 05:00PM and that I'll now have to go on standby
I stayed cool, called Sheppy again and said to call him when I get there. I managed to get on the 06:30 PM flight. After half an hour on the aircraft, we were told we had to disembark as there were too many aircraft on the ground at Crown Point - appranently on Thursdays there are alot of international arrivals. We eventually departed at 07:40 PM and got to Tobago at 08:10 PM.
From the minute I stepped off the aircraft, my mind was transported into another world, all troubles just dissappeared - Poof - Called Sheppy and he was there in 3 minutes. As he stepped out of the car, you felt totally at ease with him and you just knew you were in good hands. I got into the drivers seat by mistake, thinking it was the passengers side, said to Sheppy, ooops sorry, he said no need to be, you're driving
I said to myself, this is exactly what I did not want, to arrive when it's dark and have to drive on the other side of the road and I was even more nervous with Sheppy in the car. So we drove to his office, did the paper work, he introduced me to his wonderful family and off I went to Plantations and thanked God when I saw the sign.We checked into one of the condo's - not Ocean Air - The property manager gave us a quick tour. This condo was extremely formal, too formal for a holiday - I expected to see Princess Margaret appear on the balcony at any moment - I'm still trying to figure out if I liked it or not, it was really nice, but not my cup of tea. I much prefered Sea Shells, mosquitoes and all, although they don't bother me too much. I guessed I liked the open plan design, family style living of Sea Shells. I found Plantations reminded me too much of Florida. Although gated, It felt restricted and too exclusive, it did not feel like Tobago, but it's just my opinion.
The breakfast buffet at the Hilton was great at about USD $17.00 per person, the atmosphere was sooo soothing, steelband music in the background, birds flying in and out, the sound of the ocean and the refreshing sea breeze.
By the second day, I felt really comfortable driving and ventured all over Tobago. I tried to get over to caribbean side of the Island from Charlotteville on the L'Anse Forumi road, although the surface seemed to be packed with gravel which the Ministry of Works has started to put down, it's far from being completed at this point. It started to rain and became muddy, so I turned back. This road should not be driven upon unless you have a 4 x 4 and need a thrill.
I stopped and asked for directions of this rasta, when he turned around, I saw these piercing blue eyes and heard a strong British accent - I almost jumped out of my seat ! Only in Tobago.
The next day we drove up the caribbean side of the Island, stopped at Castara had lunch which was really good. Too bad D'Almond tree was closed at the time. From there I decided to drive up to Englishman's Bay.
I stopped and asked directions of this chap that was standing next to his car on the side of the road to make sure that I was on the right track. He willingly gave me directions and asked me since I was going there to take up some paper cups, plates and cutlery to his wife Eula that runs the cafe there on the beach - he say's you can't miss it, it's green and white, just go there, ask for Eula and tell her that the car broke down, I'm waiting on the mechanic and that I'll call her later
Needless to say, I was in shock, that this fellow who has never seen me, entrusted a total stranger to deliver crockery to his wife. Only in Tobago, that's why we love her so.
If you were to stay at Plantations exclusively, you would definitely miss the charm of the people of Tobago. I found the environment there a bit sterile.
A friend of mine, is the operations manager for WASA. I raised the issue of the waste water treatment plant for south west Tobago and stressed the environmental impact this is having on Tobago's eco system - the Bon Accord Lagoon, Pigeon Point and Buccoo Reef. He told me that Cabinet is about to approve TTD $ 500,000,000.00 for the construction of a new waste water treatment plant which is slated for completion in 2007. I also asked him about ensuring that hotels and other lodging establishments are disposing of their waste properly, he said to me that it falls under the E.M.A.'s jurisdiction, I said to him that clearly they are not enforcing the rules and that this needs to be policed in a more effective manner.
I got together with Kevin Hampson, the mytobago resident diving expert
and his wife and had drinks and dinner with them at the Kariwak. We had a blast. The food there is excellent and dining there is a must, good atmosphere, friendly staff. Kevin has been trying to convince me to try diving, I think I may just try it.While visiting Tobago, we should all try to get together and truly enjoy the best of Tobago. Use the visitor meeting board, at least we can put the faces with the posts
To Paul "hurricane" Tallet: Your unwavering service you provide with your very accurate weather forecasts to all of us is invaluable. It just makes our vacations that much better. I can say that the weather is always good in Tobago, when it rains it only lasts so long to reveal the most amazing sunsets. Besides the rain is warm, refreshing and cools things down a bit, unlike North America/Europe.
To Steve Wooler: This website is truly the best the internet has to offer. The service you provide to all who use this website is priceless and your efforts are not in vain. This is definitely THE definitive and only comprehensive guide to Tobago. Your talent and creativity are second to none and makes all our vacations memorable.
Steve, you have my support in any way I can.
Cheers Everyone;
Roger.
