HELPPPPPPPP!!!!

Emma Hetherington · Post by **Emma Hetherington** » Thu Aug 12, 2004 11:35 pm

We're caribbean virgins and really need some help cos so far this appears to be about the only site where u get some real feedback!

We're hoping to have a good feb/march 2005 holiday for 2 weeks - we love the sun and need r&r. We love to chill and watch the world go by. Ian (the other one on the sunbed beside me - as if in rainy Northants!) likes to do a bit of sailing, I'm more into catching the rays, bit of pampering and reading the book - in between the beers/glass of wine.

How developed is Tobago really????
Scared the s..t out of me looking @ the security forum and initially decided that this was not for us but can someone convince me otherwise?

We don't like All Inclusive and think maybe we'd like to go for a self cater - villa - or whatever so that we can be a bit more independent - is this a feasible option? But do we then get into hassle re: transfers, car hire etc.

Our real priorities on holiday are:
Great location - not necessarily beach but close, but with swimmable water - pool, water fall etc nearby
Nice place to stay - good bed, bath, shower etc.
Great food - we like all types
Booze available
We tend to be fairly horizontal in the sun for 1st few days, then when batteries charged manage to raise head to do something
We're not great 'joiners in' to group outings as such
(makes us sound like really boring ole f..ts!!) but really what we're after is perfection!!!

Is the place v v americanised???? I know that's a bit rude but hope as this is a Brit monitored site that u may understand where I'm coming from?

All info v gratefully rsvd.
Thanks
Emma

Sally · Post by **Sally** » Fri Aug 13, 2004 3:05 am

We made our first trip to Tobago this summer, and we stayed at a beautiful place that fits your description. However, since we are Americans and we loved Footprints Eco Resort, you might not! What does "Americanised mean? If it means isolated nature on a private snorkeling bay, great food cooked to order, 2 pools, a jacuzzi, complimentary airport transfers, and pampering service at a reasonable price, then we were thrilled to be Americanized! Since we were there during the low season, we had the entire place to ourselves. It was definitely perfection.

Post by **Steve Wooler** » Fri Aug 13, 2004 7:54 am

Hi Emma

Welcome aboard!

My, where do we start?

Other than a small stretch of land in the flatlands between the airport and the capital, Scarborough, the island is almost totally undeveloped. You want unbroken nature? You can have it. How do I quantify it for you?

Yes, the security issue is a worry to all of us who love Tobago, but believe you me it's all relative. Do you go shopping in Peterborough? Well, you're putting yourself VERY much more at risk every time you do.

As far as the accommodation goes, your question and requirements are far too wide to suggest anywhere. It's very much a matter of budget. So, I can only suggest that you read some more of the site and wade through our accommodation listings (and reviews) and list those places that take your fancy, then come back with any specific questions.

80-85% of all visitors to Tobago are from the UK. North American visitors represent less than 10% - with more Canadians than Americans. The island is totally "unamericanised" - although there is now a Kentucky Fried Chicken in Scarborough.

Kevin Hampson · Post by **Kevin Hampson** » Fri Aug 13, 2004 8:10 am

Hi Steve,
Have you ever had a KFC in Tobago or Trinidad. Its nothing like the Colonel intended I'm sure. Much bigger pieces of chicken and a lot spicier.

Regards
Kevin

Post by **Steve Wooler** » Fri Aug 13, 2004 8:17 am

Hi Kevin

Congrats on making "Oh so sad!" status.

Nothing in the world would drag me into the KFC in Scarborough. Over the past two years I've had three complaints from visitors all complaining along the same lines and alleging filthy toilets with over-running water running into the adjacent kitchen.

Kevin Hampson · Post by **Kevin Hampson** » Fri Aug 13, 2004 9:08 am

Hi Steve,
I must admit I have not used the one on Tobago. A couple of years ago I was working in PoS Trinidad and we used a KFC delivery service It was the only way I could stop the guys I was working with from disappearing down the hotel bar for a 2 hour liquid lunch.

I was a bit skeptical at first but compared to the insipid mini chickens you get in the UK it’s a world away (Suppose it is really)

Thanks for noticing the so sad status, my 100 post was the snorkeling listing for Carla. It took an age trawling through my old dive logs and dive guides to sort the ones suitable for snorkeling. Hopefully she will find it useful.

Regards
Kevin

Post by **Steve Wooler** » Fri Aug 13, 2004 9:12 am

I saw you at 99 and thought I must keep an eye out for your next post, then promptly forgot. It's the age you know.

Yes, thanks for that wondeful list - that's what took my mind off you breaking 100 posts. That will be a useful list to supplement my own. You'll be delighted to hear that I've now got the basis of a really exhaustive list of sites. In fact I hope to start work on the article within the next week.

Emma Hetherington · Post by **Emma Hetherington** » Fri Aug 13, 2004 9:14 am

Many thanks for your replies - I really think these sorts of sites are where the web comes into it's own (tho not sure about the merits of definitive guies to KFC!!!).

Am continuing to do the homework as suggested.

Just one more thing which may seem quite trivial to most but to me is v v importants - RODENTS!!! I am completely phobic about rats - like I vomit, can't sleep, cry incessently if I so much as catch a glimpse - honestly is this going to be a problem on Tobago?

Look forward to hearing from you all!

Emma

Post by **Steve Wooler** » Fri Aug 13, 2004 9:23 am

Hi Emma

Yes, there's huge hairy monsters prowling the streets all the time - sorry, I was just thinking of myself.

I'm sure there must be rats on Tobago - I don't believe there's anywhere in the world that doesn't have the damn things - but I can honestly say I've never seen one. Honestly!

And before any clever dick says what about the Agouti, may I point out that this cute little tailess creature is actually a member of the Guinea Pig family - it is not a rat. It is sometimes referred to as the "Royal Rat" in Belize simply as a joke, after the British press objected to it being served to Queen Elizabeth in 1985. Sadly the Agouti makes such tasty fare that it has been hunted almost to extinction. They do still exist in the bush in Tobago, but again I confess that I have never seen one in the 45 years I've been visiting the island.

Brian Taylor · Post by **Brian Taylor** » Sat Aug 14, 2004 1:25 pm

don't know about the last 45 years (am just over 30...

) but live here since two years now...NEVER SEEN ONE!
I think as long you are not sightseeing at the dumpster you are out of danger....

have a lovely rat-free trip (better don't go to trini, port of spain....)

steph

must ask ali, he lives here all his life....

Darren Gribben · Post by **Darren Gribben** » Sat Aug 14, 2004 6:31 pm

While driving south down the east coast in february my family & i were stopped by two local guys while crossing a river by bridge. They were very excited by the sight of a small( 1m) crocodile ? basking in the river.When i got back to our apartment & mentioned it to Prince, the owner he didn't believe me. We are going back in Feb 05 and have the photo proof to show him.

Post by **Steve Wooler** » Sat Aug 14, 2004 7:20 pm

I'm not surprised that Prince (I take it that was Prince of Birdie's Nest? What a smashing young man!) didn't believe you. That is a very rare sight. There are caiman alligators up in the Hillsborough Damn and in the Goldsborough River, but I must confess I haven't heard of them on the north coast. I guess it could have been a saltwater crocodile, but I'm no expert. One way or the other, it was a rare experience. They're not normally dangerous to humans, unless you step on them or disturb their young, but a lovely site and you were lucky to experience it.

The story also shows the lovely nature of Tobagonians, flagging you down to show it to you. That is just SO typical.

Kevin Hampson · Post by **Kevin Hampson** » Sat Aug 14, 2004 8:36 pm

Hi Steve,
Now you have got me worried, saltwater crocs take more people than Great White Sharks.

You almost put me off diving for about 2 milliseconds.

On the serious side it really does show what a natural paradise Tobago is.

Regards
Kevin

Post by **Steve Wooler** » Sat Aug 14, 2004 9:37 pm

Hi Kevin

I stand corrected! I confess that I know nothing about salt-water crocs and was really thinking of the smaller caimans, which I assume is what Darren saw. Certainly if they're anything like those in Guyana, they would scuttle away long before you could get anywhere near. In fact we use to tease my father, because even though there were hundred of alligators up the creeks, he could never get a decent photo because they were always gone by the time he got his camera focussed.

Phew! Did I get out of that one?

Emma Hetherington · Post by **Emma Hetherington** » Sun Aug 15, 2004 11:52 pm

Am v grateful for the responses re Rodents (couldn't give a monkey's ..... about allies or crocs! - I know I'm totally obsessed about the rodents but the responses have really helped and so now I'm one of those

hooked people who are using this site to plan their hols and ask innane questions - sorry all but watch this space!!!

Jane Harvey · Post by **Jane Harvey** » Thu Aug 19, 2004 8:35 am

Hi Emma,
Depending on what you are looking for I would suggest the west side of the island, caribbean side, excellent for swimming. A favourite place of mine is Charlotteville, it has a large bay with bars and restaurants, fresh fish from the market every day fresh off the boats and more importantly to my knowledge no hotels. You can take excursions from there, on my last visit I arranged for a local boat owner to take me to Castara for the day, it was just me no other tourists (great). Castara is the first place I visited last year and it has a special place in my heart but it is very quite and very beautiful. You can find whatever you want in Tobago so long as it is not commercialised, high rise or swamped with tourist. Going back in October for 5 months hopefully it will be my 6th visit since December so I am a huge fan.
I have pictures of both places I can send you on a private message if you wish, happy to share the merits of this fab place.
Jane

Nikos · Post by **Nikos** » Fri Sep 24, 2004 4:48 pm

Two words from a fellow European, Emma: Go ahead.

Emma Hetherington · Post by **Emma Hetherington** » Sun Sep 26, 2004 11:02 pm

This really is an addictive site - Steve W watch it or employers may seek u out when all their staff are spending their whole time trawling thro the forums, info et al!

Seriously tho - it really is a great site - so helpful to Tobago newies ( i was about to put 'virgin's' but thought it might be misconstrued!).
We've already found the long distance friendliness terrific - having booked with Colin @ Blue Mango for Feb/March next year it's great to have him and others (particularly Julia re hurricane report) email us and see reports on the site vis a viz hurricane Ivan etc.

Hope all still fine with everyone there - does Jeannie (?sp) look like a menace?

Am sure all you lot about to go out and those there are REALLY glad to know autumn's arrived in the UK - leaves falling with the rain!!!! Durr..............

Marc Jones · Post by **Marc Jones** » Mon Sep 27, 2004 11:03 am

Emma Hetherington wrote:Just one more thing which may seem quite trivial to most but to me is v v importants - RODENTS!!! I am completely phobic about rats - like I vomit, can't sleep, cry incessently if I so much as catch a glimpse - honestly is this going to be a problem on Tobago?

I saw a rat in Scarborough running along what looked like a drainage ditch, not a million miles from KFC.

Not sure the two are connected but I added that (and it is true!) for mischief

Chris Southcombe · Post by **Chris Southcombe** » Sat Jan 15, 2005 9:45 pm

Nearly falling off my chair laughing, all this talk of rodents reminds me of last christmas in Antigua, First morning at Cocobay resort, Sun-up 6:30 and I have my feet on the balcony railing watching the world go by. The biggest Rat I have ever encountered hopped along the railing, over my feet and into the bushes. It stopped for a few secconds and took a good look at me, realising that i was not going to do it any harm it dissapeared into the wilderness and relative safety.

Welcome to the Caribbean

myTobago – your questions, review and comment about Tobago

HELPPPPPPPP!!!!

HELPPPPPPPP!!!!

Thanks and could you all keep the info coming!

But what about crocodiles ?

Thanks guys

Thanks all!

Re: Thanks and could you all keep the info coming!