tobago people

[SandraK]

As Steve has said this can be a minefield ! However as a novice to Tobago I would just like to say engage,engage,engage. The sour looking supermarket assistant,the befuddled waitress,the offhand garage guy all react superbly to a little conversation. Suddenly they will beam and I mean beam capital B. What is more when you go back - hey you are an old friend. Beautiful people,but take a little time to talk it will make such a difference.










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[Carol Townsend]

Sandra,
I would second that. Some people are more reserved than others anyway, and we noticed that often applied to some of the older ladies, but find their funny bone, have a laugh and you're away!
There is also the possibility that it takes a moment to tune in to someone speaking with a different accent, resulting in some blank stares. I know I couldn't always understand the locals first time, so why wouldn't it apply the other way around?
Then you don't know what attitudes people might have encountered from other tourists at times; you have to put yourself in their shoes and remember it's their country!
I once saw a woman, I think in Devon or Cornwall, wearing a badge saying: "I'm not a tourist, I live here!"
Cheers
Carol(noe)

[SandraK]

Sandra,
I would second that. Some people are more reserved than others anyway, and we noticed that often
applied to some of the older ladies, but find their funny bone, have a laugh and you're away!
There is also the possibility that it takes a moment to tune in to someone speaking with a different accent, resulting in some blank stares. I know I couldn't always understand the locals first time, so why wouldn't it apply the other way around?
Then you don't know what attitudes people might have encountered from other tourists at times; you have to put yourself in their shoes and remember it's their country!
I once saw a woman, I think in Devon or Cornwall, wearing a badge saying: "I'm not a tourist, I live here!"

Cheers
Carol(noe)

Hi Carol


Thank you so much for getting back to me I know you are an old hand at this from the website but we tend to go all over the place as the fancy takes us. Having said that you are so right respect the country you are in and amazing how quickly that respect is returned. Definitely found that in Tobago -
aybe it is us Brits we met a few that were not exactly prepared to be polite or even civil. Have no idea why but hopefully that is not the majority. In Tobago talk and smile they will reciprocate -we are already E-mailing to friends we made and our housekeeper has a carte blanche when she arrives. What more can I say -bliss if you want to embrace the global village, maybe not for those who expect the British Empire. We absolutely loved the place and would always recommend it. Kind regards Sandra
I

[Carol Townsend]

Um, Sandra,
I'm now going to disillusion you before the others start doing this at me
I'm not an old hand! "Old" maybe, but not an expert, having only been to Tobago once!
In fact apart from a week in Tunisia, this was my first time outside Europe.
I am, however, blessed with great wisdom and insight.
Tobago has got under my skin, as has this site, which is why I always have something to say....
Cheers
Nattering Noe

[David Watkins]

Sandra,I have been to Tobago a number of times and agree with you,once you have broken the ice you are in.I am always made welcome when I return and made to feel more like I am returning home than just staying a while.Can't wait to get back,
David

[GillMathews]

Hi Sandra,
After a few trips to 'Bago I also feel as if I am going home each time.Having only spent 5 days on the island on my first time I was surprised when I thought someone was calling my name as I walked to the beach on the first day of my next holiday.An hour or so later I was asked "Hey Gill, didnt you hear me this morning?" Its a bit like "Cheers" where everyone knows your name. They call me a local now,I love it and always feel safe there. Going "home" again soon. Cant wait and It's great to hear you enjoyed Tobago so much.
Gill

[SandraK]

Hi Gill
Thank you for replying it is good to know you too have had such a good time in Tobago and so uplifting to hear someone say they always felt safe. We felt the same, so much is written about the problems yet we found it no problem at all,obviously one has to be sensible but at no point did I ever feel the need to be over cautious. We would happily leave our beach gear while we went for lunch and too many beers -that's another story -a quick word with the guy we hired loungers from and job done.In the evenings felt the same ,the people you engage with seem to feel a responsibility to look after you never worried and did't need to- sheer bliss.

[SandraK]

Um, Sandra,
I'm now going to disillusion you before the others start doing this at me
I'm not an old hand! "Old" maybe, but not an expert, having only been to Tobago once!
In fact apart from a week in Tunisia, this was my first time outside Europe.
I am, however, blessed with great wisdom and insight.
Tobago has got under my skin, as has this site, which is why I always have something to say....
Cheers
Nattering Noe

Hi Carol
Sorry Idid not reply earlier but thank you for your reply. Apologies for calling you an old hand the obvious connotations escaped me at the time - can't think why ! Thank goodness for your great wisdom and insight or I may have been forced to grovel.

[Gisela Grell]

Hi Sandra,

know exactly what you mean and - like Gill - I feel almost local when I'm there. If you open your heart to the people they will take you into theirs. People know you after a short while and take care that you enjoy your holidays.
As a woman travelling alone Tobago is one of the safest places I ever visited.

Good to hear that you enjoyed your visit.

Cheers
Gisela (longing for a cold Carib)

[SandraK]

Hi Carol Please let me know I did not offend you with my last post - was totally tongue in cheek !

[Carol Townsend]

Hey Sandra!
It takes a lot more than that to offend me!
"Easygoing" is my middle name (amongst other things)
I do hope you're not a worrier. As an elderly gentleman in Tobago said to us: " I always smile even when I'm serious, man. You worry, you only get hassle. Stay cool, chill out."
Take care now.
Love
Carolnoe
xxx

[SandraK]

Hi Carol
Of course I'm a worrier, I'm female, comes with the territory ! If I sounded a tad wimpish it's due to the fact I am new to this forum and know my sense of humour can be a tad acerbic at times - correction, most of the time, so thought I would just check. Loved the shot of your garden even mine looked good in the snow. As to Tobago we are going back next Easter - I've just got to see those goats racing ! My parents kept goats when I lived in Devon and if anyone can make these animals do anything other than eat and the obvious - well -respect.
Take care Sandra

[Jenny]

PHIL, If you are out there, can you find out if the ATM in C-ville is working to withdrawl funds with card? I am heading your way in a few weeks. Thanks JENNY

[David Watkins]

Jenny,don't bank on it!
I think Phil is back in the Us.The ATM in C'ville is known not to be very reliable.
David

[Phil Bondie]

Yes, David I am back in the US but wishing I was in Tobago. Jenny when I left on the 31st of March it was working. As David says it is not to reliable, although since the Game Fishing Tournament in early March it has been working better. It was not working on the day the entry fees were to be paid. Someone made a couple of calls and it was back working very quickly. I will try to find out the status next week for you. Phil

[Carol Townsend]

Sandra,
Don't worry about having an acerbic sense of humour; I know someone just the same. He says he has vinegar on his cornflakes!
May I formally extend an invitation for you to join us on the Waffle Thread?
Cheers
Carolnoe

[Emma Storey]

Sandra & others - I cannot agree more. The first time I went to Tobago (Jan 08) I met some locals and agreed to keep in touch when I got home. I never thought I would get replies to my phone calls & text messages but sure enough, I did. I think I received my first message within 2 hours of being home! I kept in regular contact with Dexter Henry, a tour guide from Island Man Tours and he helped me to arrange my return visit in March 2008. I have to say he was fantastic, arranging accommodation, using his contacts to get me & my friend the best of everything. He said he classed me as a 'personal friend' so I was very well looked after, picked up from the airport etc etc, he couldnt have done more. He wasnt the only one to class me as a 'personal friend' - thats the thing with the locals - have a conversation, be friendly, have a laugh and if you ever return you will be classed as a 'personal friend' and they cant do enough for you. I have never known people so friendly, it's truly heartwarming

[SiannDave]

hi sandra, hope you dont mind a question, is it ok to tip for service ie waiters etc please, i am off to tobago for the first time in october, and so much want it to be a fantastic holiday. regards dave

[SandraK]

Hi Dave
Yes, please do tip just don't make a big deal about it. We took on board all Steves comments, simply left money as we felt appropriate - basically the same as I would here. Obviously it is a totally different economy but good service anywhere deserves recognition. You will have a wonderful time but as I have said you do need to engage with the people,the rewards will make your holiday all the better.
Sandra