We're making our first trip to Tobago in 64 days! I read in a travel magazine that it's a good idea to take a small suitcase of items for the locals when you're traveling in an impoverished country. Then, when it's empty you can use it to bring home your purchases. We'd love to share our good fortune with people we come across, but we certainly wouldn't want to offend anyone. Would it be proper to take things as gifts, or not?
If so, what would you suggest to bring?
Gifts for locals?
-
Bryn
At the risk of offending anyone...I have to say...
Americans never cease to amaze me. A little humbleness would go such a long way.
Bryn
Bryn
-
Steve Wooler
- myTobago Editor & Chief Anorak
- Posts: 4856
- Joined: Sun Apr 21, 2002 11:00 pm
- Location: Suffolk, England
- Contact:
Hello Sally
Very good advice, but there are a couple of caveats as far as Tobago goes.
I know it’s a relative term, but Tobago certainly isn’t an “impoverished” country. T&T is an oil and petrochemical producer and very wealthy by Caribbean standards. This twin island republic is a “developing” nation, as opposed to “third world”.
You can pretty much guarantee a wonderful time on Tobago, but you won’t be going on shopping sprees. I know it’s early (well, it feels early because the clocks went forward to British Summer Time last night) on a Sunday morning and my brain cells don’t kick into gear until I’ve had two cups of coffee, but I’m struggling to think how I could fill a small suitcase with things bought on Tobago. Maybe a couple of carved calabashes – the sort of useless gift that leaves the recipient in the embarrassing position of wondering what the gift is, what they can do with it and whether you will notice it’s gone the next time you visit.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not dismissing the advice. Tobagonians are very proud people and once you have forged a relationship with them, you can easily cause offence if you try to tip them. Despite knowing this, I did exactly that on my last trip when I tried to tip a lovely young man I first met some years ago at the Coco Reef. He now has a supervisory job at Le Grand Courlan. He showed us to our rooms on arrival. Without thinking I tried to tip him. He raised both hands, as if in surrender, and said “MR WOOLER” and looked at me with an obviously hurt expression.
Gifts are a wonderful way of saying “thank you”, but only – I would suggest – where you have built up something of a relationship. A lot will depend upon where you are staying. If you’re at one of the major resorts, then you’ll be better off expressing your thanks in cash. At US$1.30 per hour, the locals have their pride, but they also have need for something more tangible. If you’re staying in more rural areas, you’re likely to have more to do with the “local” population, so small gifts – particularly for the kids – could be a really great idea. (As an aside, you might want to check out our article on Tipping & Gratuities).
Very good advice, but there are a couple of caveats as far as Tobago goes.
I know it’s a relative term, but Tobago certainly isn’t an “impoverished” country. T&T is an oil and petrochemical producer and very wealthy by Caribbean standards. This twin island republic is a “developing” nation, as opposed to “third world”.
You can pretty much guarantee a wonderful time on Tobago, but you won’t be going on shopping sprees. I know it’s early (well, it feels early because the clocks went forward to British Summer Time last night) on a Sunday morning and my brain cells don’t kick into gear until I’ve had two cups of coffee, but I’m struggling to think how I could fill a small suitcase with things bought on Tobago. Maybe a couple of carved calabashes – the sort of useless gift that leaves the recipient in the embarrassing position of wondering what the gift is, what they can do with it and whether you will notice it’s gone the next time you visit.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not dismissing the advice. Tobagonians are very proud people and once you have forged a relationship with them, you can easily cause offence if you try to tip them. Despite knowing this, I did exactly that on my last trip when I tried to tip a lovely young man I first met some years ago at the Coco Reef. He now has a supervisory job at Le Grand Courlan. He showed us to our rooms on arrival. Without thinking I tried to tip him. He raised both hands, as if in surrender, and said “MR WOOLER” and looked at me with an obviously hurt expression.
Gifts are a wonderful way of saying “thank you”, but only – I would suggest – where you have built up something of a relationship. A lot will depend upon where you are staying. If you’re at one of the major resorts, then you’ll be better off expressing your thanks in cash. At US$1.30 per hour, the locals have their pride, but they also have need for something more tangible. If you’re staying in more rural areas, you’re likely to have more to do with the “local” population, so small gifts – particularly for the kids – could be a really great idea. (As an aside, you might want to check out our article on Tipping & Gratuities).
Steve Wooler
myTobago.info - the definitive Visitor Guide to Tobago
myTobago.info - the definitive Visitor Guide to Tobago
-
Brian Taylor
- Tobago Business
- Posts: 994
- Joined: Wed Aug 20, 2003 10:43 am
- Location: Castara, Tobago
- Contact:
helo sally!
if you bring something don't be surprised if you don't feel it apresheated (steve what about a spelling check in the program
).
i just met some guys who brought presents from someone who made a lot of friends here. so he send something but when the guys "delivered" it they where surprised not to find much response.i already had the same experience. they are not used to presenting (even for birthday and christmas...)
i think it might be nice if you are prepared for your every day use items (a pocket knife, a hat, a t-shirt etc) to stay here. beeing with the locals it might happen they like it and you could just leave it with them. change the hat on a tour... its fun and give them the feeling of friendship more than charity. most tobagonians never went somewhere abroad and have never experienced how amerik. or europeans really live. i believe they feel much less needy than they m ight look to us...
buy them a drink when you sit together and chat about EVERYTHING....ALL NIGHT! show them you are interested in them and the country, they'll be proud to tell you and show you..
have a lovely, lovely time
steph&ali (brian)
if you bring something don't be surprised if you don't feel it apresheated (steve what about a spelling check in the program
).i just met some guys who brought presents from someone who made a lot of friends here. so he send something but when the guys "delivered" it they where surprised not to find much response.i already had the same experience. they are not used to presenting (even for birthday and christmas...)
i think it might be nice if you are prepared for your every day use items (a pocket knife, a hat, a t-shirt etc) to stay here. beeing with the locals it might happen they like it and you could just leave it with them. change the hat on a tour... its fun and give them the feeling of friendship more than charity. most tobagonians never went somewhere abroad and have never experienced how amerik. or europeans really live. i believe they feel much less needy than they m ight look to us...
buy them a drink when you sit together and chat about EVERYTHING....ALL NIGHT! show them you are interested in them and the country, they'll be proud to tell you and show you..
have a lovely, lovely time
steph&ali (brian)
Stephanie & Brian "Alibaba" Taylor
Alibaba-Tours - http://www.Alibaba-Tours.com
Alibaba-Tours - http://www.Alibaba-Tours.com
-
Glyn Kirpalani
- Tobago Fanatic
- Posts: 333
- Joined: Sun Mar 23, 2003 1:27 pm
- Location: Norfolk, UK
Hi Sally
Nice idea - can I order a gift of a new brake master cylinder for a 1999 Kia Sportage please?
Seriously, Tobagonians are by and large proud and shy, plus Steve is correct to allude to the wealth of many of the locals - they may not be cash rich but often are wealthy in inherited land assets etc. For those without land who must pay rent, cash tips are best, once a service denotes it (my staff love tips, let me tell you, and in my experience staff seldom feel "demeaned" by tips).
Books and magazines often go down well too - particularly ladies'/beauty type mags and used paperbacks. Childrens'/school books/childrens' clothing are desperately needed by the orphanages, and if there is any room in your cases for used wheelchairs or artificial limbs then our hard pressed health service will lap them up for those locals in need.
If anyone wants to donate stuff for orphaned kids, then we are assisting the Sylphil Home of Love Orphanage and would be happy to collect items to pass on.
Best wishes
Nice idea - can I order a gift of a new brake master cylinder for a 1999 Kia Sportage please?
Seriously, Tobagonians are by and large proud and shy, plus Steve is correct to allude to the wealth of many of the locals - they may not be cash rich but often are wealthy in inherited land assets etc. For those without land who must pay rent, cash tips are best, once a service denotes it (my staff love tips, let me tell you, and in my experience staff seldom feel "demeaned" by tips).
Books and magazines often go down well too - particularly ladies'/beauty type mags and used paperbacks. Childrens'/school books/childrens' clothing are desperately needed by the orphanages, and if there is any room in your cases for used wheelchairs or artificial limbs then our hard pressed health service will lap them up for those locals in need.
If anyone wants to donate stuff for orphaned kids, then we are assisting the Sylphil Home of Love Orphanage and would be happy to collect items to pass on.
Best wishes
Glyn Kirpalani
-
Marc Jones
Good to hear Glynn. I like tipping good service within reason.
A good example is taxi fares. I'm used to paying a lot for taxi rides in London, I'll not be worried about giving a decent amount for kind and friendly service when I'm on the island. I'd hate that to be seen as vulgar and offensive, I assume it won't!
A good example is taxi fares. I'm used to paying a lot for taxi rides in London, I'll not be worried about giving a decent amount for kind and friendly service when I'm on the island. I'd hate that to be seen as vulgar and offensive, I assume it won't!
-
Glyn Kirpalani
- Tobago Fanatic
- Posts: 333
- Joined: Sun Mar 23, 2003 1:27 pm
- Location: Norfolk, UK
Hi Marc
Tip away dear chap - taxi drivers will appreciate it very much - but don't tip the ones who drive like they are Schumacher - this needs to be discouraged. Your Mr Watson, who I told you about, drives more akin to Victor Meldrew (without the moaning/mishaps) whih means you will get there slowly but safely!
Cheers
Tip away dear chap - taxi drivers will appreciate it very much - but don't tip the ones who drive like they are Schumacher - this needs to be discouraged. Your Mr Watson, who I told you about, drives more akin to Victor Meldrew (without the moaning/mishaps) whih means you will get there slowly but safely!
Cheers
Glyn Kirpalani
-
Roger D.
- Oh, so Sad!
- Posts: 162
- Joined: Tue Apr 20, 2004 8:55 am
- Location: New Jersey, USA
Sally's First trip to Tobago
Sally; As a citizen of Trindad and Tobago residing in the United States,
I would get rid of the notion that Tobago is an impovrished country,
Trinidad and Tobago enjoys a very high standard of living.
Each country is wealthy in it's own way. One piece of advice, do not
go to Tobago or Trinidad for that matter with what we call the typical
American Attitude, just treat people with respect, courtesy and enjoy.
I would get rid of the notion that Tobago is an impovrished country,
Trinidad and Tobago enjoys a very high standard of living.
Each country is wealthy in it's own way. One piece of advice, do not
go to Tobago or Trinidad for that matter with what we call the typical
American Attitude, just treat people with respect, courtesy and enjoy.
-
J. Tomasulo
Going along with what Roger D said. I encounted and befriended many locals while I was there. As soon as they saw me (I always wore a desert storm full peaked hat to block the sun) and heard me talk they automatically assumed I was American. As soon as started asking questions and being myself (friendly little chap that I am, lol) they asked me were I was from. I'm sorry to say this, but they seemed to be almost relieved that I was Canadian and then basically became my friend.
I lived just ouside of the touristic area in Store Bay past Pigeon Point Road just past the Bon Accord sign. Actually, right beside the over priced House of Pancakes. I walked to the beach, Store Bay or Pigeon Point everyday and saw the same people everyday stopping and talking to them for at least ten minutes. I must say that I have never met so many friendly people in my life! and that's what is going to make me go back for the rest of life.
I lived just ouside of the touristic area in Store Bay past Pigeon Point Road just past the Bon Accord sign. Actually, right beside the over priced House of Pancakes. I walked to the beach, Store Bay or Pigeon Point everyday and saw the same people everyday stopping and talking to them for at least ten minutes. I must say that I have never met so many friendly people in my life! and that's what is going to make me go back for the rest of life.