Post Recreated: Originally posted - 28 February 2003
I spent Feb 05-25 in Charlotteville-principally Sportfishing. First off fishing was very poor-ocean temps were about one degree Celsius lower than normal-not a normal situation according to local sources. Fishing both Inshore and Offshore was affected and few did better than the meagre results we were able to produce. I fished 10 days with http://www.workshopseatours.com a very well-run well equipped and safety-conscious operation. The other days I fished with different locals from open Pirogues with varying results-everything from boredom to sheer terror(!)
Accomodation-I arranged in advance to stay for 2 weeks @ Green Corner Villa but left after just one night-the nature of the business had changed and it's now something of a flophouse, less than clean and somewhat rundown. So I shifted up the hill to Moore's Guesthouse-$TT100/night shared bath andkitchen access it's a bargain with a view.
Food-local restaurants sufficed for the most part for dinner-kudos to Jane's Quality Roti and of course the beautiful vibrant and talented Gail of Gail's restaurant deserve special praise for ambrosial meals. Pity about the snobbish and inept boyfriend that Gail has (sort of) managing the front end of her place but no-where is perfect I suppose. Sad news is that the popular and tasty Sharon & Pheb's has had some serious staffing issues to deal with-still do AFAIK-'attitude' and good old fashioned b!tch!ness have negatively impacted the operation of what was once a capable even talented kitchen and the empty tables every night tell the story better than any tale of woe I could reopeat here. NOT recommended.
Birding was of course superb-2 Ruby Throated Hummingbirds watched me digest my breakfast on Moore's terrace one AM so close I could almost touch them-too many more to count. This was my first visit to Tobago although I have visited the Caribbean twice in the past. This engenders the inevitable question from locals who depend so much on Tourism -when are you coming back? And I have to say I'm torn here. So many unique and personable individuals that I met made my visit a joy-I've never been called 'Darling' so much since I was 4 years old. But there's an undercurrent of sullenness that I found-in the aforementioned restaurant as well as many many other places.
And more disturbing were the groups of men standing around day and night on the street with nothing better to do than curse everyone and everything they could think of. "Eff this-Effthat"-"Eff you you motherEffing...." etc., etc. This goes on 20 hours of the day-from very early to very late. I should say that I live in a large North American city inner city neighbourhood-very little surprises/intimidates me-but this behaviour was altogether too much. I witnessed a father with 2 and 4 year old boys standing cursing the world casually as his children played in the surf-what kind of education was that? I'm aware that it's unlawful to swear in public in T&T but in the case of Charlotteville you might as well try to outlaw the rain. Add this to the pressure from mainstream tourism operators Tobago-wide to price everything in $US and I find it difficult to imagine circumstances that could cause my return.
Anyone wishing further details is welcome to contact me@ [email protected]
Charlotteville Report - Feb 5-25/2003
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Steve Pitts
Charlotteville Report - Feb 5-25/2003
Post Recreated: Originally posted - 28 February 2003
Hi All As a three-times visitor to the Island during recent years, I have noticed a change of attitude to tourists in a small sector of the population.
Our first visit in 2000 was met with what can only be described as the typical carribean welcome. Happy smiling faces and warm, friendly and generous people. In 2001 we returned with four friends and noticed a change, particularily in the attitude of the younger males, who we came into contact with. A tangiable feeling of resentment had appeared and the gang/youth culture, so prevelent in the US and UK cities (I live in Bristol UK), was begining to develop. We hadn't felt threatened or uneasy during our first visit, but that all changed half-way through our second stay when our friend has his video camera stolen from beside him by 4 young lads. The police were quick to act but the camera was never recovered, along with the memories contained on the tapes.
Local people were horrified to hear of this unfortunate occurance and it would be true to say that perhaps this was an isolated incident, but last year (Feb 2002), during our third visit, the press contained details of another mugging, where a female tourist had her camera stolen. Once again swift action by the police lead to the muggers arrest and he was imprisoned for his crime in double quick time. Moral: As the duty sergeant in Hill Street Blues used to say "let's be careful out there people" Tobago is not crime-free (is anywhere?)and not everyone can be trusted. It could be even argued that our own influence as tourists does not help, because some people flaunt their wealth (cameras, jewelery, cash) but this is the same the world over nowadays.
Has this put us off travelling to Tobago? - No we are heading out for a fortnight in April for our annual pilgrimage. The rare 'bad apple' is far out-numbered by good, honest folk and we love the place.
Steve
PS WOULD BE INTERESTED TO HEAR OF YOUR FISHING EXPLOITS.
Hi All As a three-times visitor to the Island during recent years, I have noticed a change of attitude to tourists in a small sector of the population.
Our first visit in 2000 was met with what can only be described as the typical carribean welcome. Happy smiling faces and warm, friendly and generous people. In 2001 we returned with four friends and noticed a change, particularily in the attitude of the younger males, who we came into contact with. A tangiable feeling of resentment had appeared and the gang/youth culture, so prevelent in the US and UK cities (I live in Bristol UK), was begining to develop. We hadn't felt threatened or uneasy during our first visit, but that all changed half-way through our second stay when our friend has his video camera stolen from beside him by 4 young lads. The police were quick to act but the camera was never recovered, along with the memories contained on the tapes.
Local people were horrified to hear of this unfortunate occurance and it would be true to say that perhaps this was an isolated incident, but last year (Feb 2002), during our third visit, the press contained details of another mugging, where a female tourist had her camera stolen. Once again swift action by the police lead to the muggers arrest and he was imprisoned for his crime in double quick time. Moral: As the duty sergeant in Hill Street Blues used to say "let's be careful out there people" Tobago is not crime-free (is anywhere?)and not everyone can be trusted. It could be even argued that our own influence as tourists does not help, because some people flaunt their wealth (cameras, jewelery, cash) but this is the same the world over nowadays.
Has this put us off travelling to Tobago? - No we are heading out for a fortnight in April for our annual pilgrimage. The rare 'bad apple' is far out-numbered by good, honest folk and we love the place.
Steve
PS WOULD BE INTERESTED TO HEAR OF YOUR FISHING EXPLOITS.
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Glyn Kirpalani
- Tobago Fanatic
- Posts: 333
- Joined: Sun Mar 23, 2003 1:27 pm
- Location: Norfolk, UK
Charlotteville Report - Feb 5-25/2003
Post Recreated: Originally posted - 28 February 2003
Hello Walu,
oh dear! Looks like we lost one, which is a shame. I understand entirely your eloquent descriptions of some of the locals' attitude and behaviour, and chuckled a little since you summed it up so well. Yes unemployment and some alcoholism/other has caused bored listless men to hang around cussing, but this is unusual in the extreme outside of a couple of places - I have only seen it in Castara, once, and it wasn't directed at me but life in general.
Such things may be witnessed every day in London (I saw it in Vancouver once), but it doesnt make it right. As for the customer service, it is indeed a problem where the staff are not the owners, but by no means the case in all places. Wages/prospects are low, and therefore the "why should I care? attitude" abounds, plus there is little attention to customer service training to European/American standards (minus UK sometimes!). This is sad, particularly as when you meet the same folk in the street when they are out of uniform they are usually back to their friendly selves. The market (empty tables) will eventually cure this attitude problem, but it is taking a long time and goes a long way to explain why Tobago has never really taken off with North American tourists - as attitude sometimes lacks even in 4* places.
I am returning to live in Tobago from UK and am determined to do my bit to raise standards, starting by paying a decent wage and training the locals that I hope to employ there. Does anyone with a customer service background fancy talking with me about opening up a training company there? (I have managed staff for years in private cos/civil service and know a lot about it/training). I believe the large hoteliers would jump at buying in some affordable training/quality control for their staff, as there doesn't seem to be any available at present. Meanwhile, please give Tobago another chance - stay on the Caribbean coast resorts or in the South West and you would see little or no drunken abuse and friendlier folk who value your presence. I could forward you emails I have received from folk who stayed in my holiday cottage in the SW who have raved about the friendly locals and some service.
Best wishes
Hello Walu,
oh dear! Looks like we lost one, which is a shame. I understand entirely your eloquent descriptions of some of the locals' attitude and behaviour, and chuckled a little since you summed it up so well. Yes unemployment and some alcoholism/other has caused bored listless men to hang around cussing, but this is unusual in the extreme outside of a couple of places - I have only seen it in Castara, once, and it wasn't directed at me but life in general.
Such things may be witnessed every day in London (I saw it in Vancouver once), but it doesnt make it right. As for the customer service, it is indeed a problem where the staff are not the owners, but by no means the case in all places. Wages/prospects are low, and therefore the "why should I care? attitude" abounds, plus there is little attention to customer service training to European/American standards (minus UK sometimes!). This is sad, particularly as when you meet the same folk in the street when they are out of uniform they are usually back to their friendly selves. The market (empty tables) will eventually cure this attitude problem, but it is taking a long time and goes a long way to explain why Tobago has never really taken off with North American tourists - as attitude sometimes lacks even in 4* places.
I am returning to live in Tobago from UK and am determined to do my bit to raise standards, starting by paying a decent wage and training the locals that I hope to employ there. Does anyone with a customer service background fancy talking with me about opening up a training company there? (I have managed staff for years in private cos/civil service and know a lot about it/training). I believe the large hoteliers would jump at buying in some affordable training/quality control for their staff, as there doesn't seem to be any available at present. Meanwhile, please give Tobago another chance - stay on the Caribbean coast resorts or in the South West and you would see little or no drunken abuse and friendlier folk who value your presence. I could forward you emails I have received from folk who stayed in my holiday cottage in the SW who have raved about the friendly locals and some service.
Best wishes
Glyn Kirpalani
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Walu
Charlotteville Report - Feb 5-25/2003
Post Recreated: Originally posted - 01 March 2003
Well I trolled every lure I owned for days on end, Tuna Clones, KonaClones, Moldcraft Super Chuggers w Birds, YoZuri Bonitas, all manner of other creations-no fish atttached. Nada for days on end. No Yellowfin, no Sailfish, no Wahoo, no Marlin in sight. Seas to 15 feet and cool rainy conditions added to the general malaise. Trolling close to rocks/beaches with both large and small Rapalas was also a complete bust-as was Popping along the rocks. Using Live Bait/throwing Jigs produced a few Blackfin and occasional Dolphinfish-more Dolphinfish were arriving just as I left but none were any great size ditto Blackfins. It happens-it's happened before in other places-I did my best as did my Guides.
Well I trolled every lure I owned for days on end, Tuna Clones, KonaClones, Moldcraft Super Chuggers w Birds, YoZuri Bonitas, all manner of other creations-no fish atttached. Nada for days on end. No Yellowfin, no Sailfish, no Wahoo, no Marlin in sight. Seas to 15 feet and cool rainy conditions added to the general malaise. Trolling close to rocks/beaches with both large and small Rapalas was also a complete bust-as was Popping along the rocks. Using Live Bait/throwing Jigs produced a few Blackfin and occasional Dolphinfish-more Dolphinfish were arriving just as I left but none were any great size ditto Blackfins. It happens-it's happened before in other places-I did my best as did my Guides.
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Michelle, Canada
Frightened Honeymooners
Post Recreated: Originally posted - 28 February 2003
We are heading to Tobago in three weeks to spend three weeks based out of Charlotteville. I am now concerned after reading the "Charlotteville Report" posted here. I have heard nothing but excellent reports about Tobago up to this point. Should we fear for safety? are we going to be unable to find a decent meal in Charlotteville? Would be interested in hearing some other points of view!
Concerned honeymooner!
We are heading to Tobago in three weeks to spend three weeks based out of Charlotteville. I am now concerned after reading the "Charlotteville Report" posted here. I have heard nothing but excellent reports about Tobago up to this point. Should we fear for safety? are we going to be unable to find a decent meal in Charlotteville? Would be interested in hearing some other points of view!
Concerned honeymooner!
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Walu
Frightened Honeymooners
Post Recreated: Originally posted - 01 March 2003
First off there is no mention of any need for anyone to be concerned about personal safety in Charlotteville. My post contained comments about aberrant personal behaviour on the part of a minority. Secondly I'm sure you'll be somewhere with access to a kitchen and Bayview Grocery is open 9AM-8PM 6days a week/9AM-1PM Sunday. There is always something resembling a restaurant open as well. Thirdly 3 weeks in such a tiny community is too long unless you are a fishing fanatic with a very narrow view of recreation(!). I hope you'll have a car and take trips almost daily to all parts of the lovely Island and have the time of your lives(!)
First off there is no mention of any need for anyone to be concerned about personal safety in Charlotteville. My post contained comments about aberrant personal behaviour on the part of a minority. Secondly I'm sure you'll be somewhere with access to a kitchen and Bayview Grocery is open 9AM-8PM 6days a week/9AM-1PM Sunday. There is always something resembling a restaurant open as well. Thirdly 3 weeks in such a tiny community is too long unless you are a fishing fanatic with a very narrow view of recreation(!). I hope you'll have a car and take trips almost daily to all parts of the lovely Island and have the time of your lives(!)
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Steve Wooler
- myTobago Editor & Chief Anorak
- Posts: 4856
- Joined: Sun Apr 21, 2002 11:00 pm
- Location: Suffolk, England
- Contact:
Frightened Honeymooners
Post Recreated: Originally posted - 01 March 2003
Michelle Fear not!
Walu’s post did concern me, but to be honest, I didn’t know how to respond. Walu, thanks for clarifying the issue to Michelle. I totally, totally endorse Walu’s attitude towards this ‘problem’. I despise the use of foul language and I too would be upset to hear locals or visitors standing around using it in the hearing of others. However, lets be totally clear here – the use of foul language does not in any way have a relationship with personal safety or imply a threat to your wellbeing.
Being a natural coward and over-sensitive to boot, I pick up very quickly on places where I am not welcome. Crikey, even walking into an English pub gives me the creeps when everyone turns and gives you the once over. I simply don’t go to destinations where I feel ‘uncomfortable’. I’m not even talking as far as personal safety – if I simply get the feeling or impression that my presence is not welcome, I don’t go there again.
That is one of the reasons I love Tobago so much. The vast, vast majority of the population are just so proud of their island and truly love visitors. I might have already recounted the tale of going into Scarborough one evening to look for some hairspray for Jill. The town was buzzing, being a Friday night. I parked up and wandered the streets looking for a shop. It was dark. It was late. It was a situation that would have left me feeling highly uncomfortable anywhere else. I loved it. The very sense of being able to walk around without feeling threatened was wonderful. I tell you this from the heart.
I do admit, however, that there has been a noticeable change amongst young black men, in particular, over recent years. I mean no offence to our American cousins when I say that I personally largely attribute this to the popular street culture associated with black American rap, and “gangster rap” in particular. It’s cool to look ‘hard’. Get the vast majority of these lads and young men out of sight of their buddies and you’ll realise that it’s largely a sham. It takes very little to shake off the “attitude” and get to the warmth and smiles endemic to the island.
Whilst on Tobago recently, I was told some details of last year’s crime figures. Before reporting them here, I would only be responsible to get official confirmation. However, I laughed when I heard the figures. Now I know that the island is small and the population only the equivalent of a small British town (50,000), but when a two-year old could count higher than the number of ‘serious’ crimes annually, you have to get things into perspective. Yes, petty pilfering and burglary are on the increase, but the figures for crime involving personal injury are negligible and I reckon most British town would be proud of similar figures.
I have absolutely no hesitation in saying that I personally believe that you have no reason to be concerned, as long as you are sensible and carry out all normal security precautions. Have a wonderful wedding and honeymoon and please, please come back to the forum and share your experiences – and your honest views – when you return. Tell the world in no uncertain terms if my advice here was misleading.
Michelle Fear not!
Walu’s post did concern me, but to be honest, I didn’t know how to respond. Walu, thanks for clarifying the issue to Michelle. I totally, totally endorse Walu’s attitude towards this ‘problem’. I despise the use of foul language and I too would be upset to hear locals or visitors standing around using it in the hearing of others. However, lets be totally clear here – the use of foul language does not in any way have a relationship with personal safety or imply a threat to your wellbeing.
Being a natural coward and over-sensitive to boot, I pick up very quickly on places where I am not welcome. Crikey, even walking into an English pub gives me the creeps when everyone turns and gives you the once over. I simply don’t go to destinations where I feel ‘uncomfortable’. I’m not even talking as far as personal safety – if I simply get the feeling or impression that my presence is not welcome, I don’t go there again.
That is one of the reasons I love Tobago so much. The vast, vast majority of the population are just so proud of their island and truly love visitors. I might have already recounted the tale of going into Scarborough one evening to look for some hairspray for Jill. The town was buzzing, being a Friday night. I parked up and wandered the streets looking for a shop. It was dark. It was late. It was a situation that would have left me feeling highly uncomfortable anywhere else. I loved it. The very sense of being able to walk around without feeling threatened was wonderful. I tell you this from the heart.
I do admit, however, that there has been a noticeable change amongst young black men, in particular, over recent years. I mean no offence to our American cousins when I say that I personally largely attribute this to the popular street culture associated with black American rap, and “gangster rap” in particular. It’s cool to look ‘hard’. Get the vast majority of these lads and young men out of sight of their buddies and you’ll realise that it’s largely a sham. It takes very little to shake off the “attitude” and get to the warmth and smiles endemic to the island.
Whilst on Tobago recently, I was told some details of last year’s crime figures. Before reporting them here, I would only be responsible to get official confirmation. However, I laughed when I heard the figures. Now I know that the island is small and the population only the equivalent of a small British town (50,000), but when a two-year old could count higher than the number of ‘serious’ crimes annually, you have to get things into perspective. Yes, petty pilfering and burglary are on the increase, but the figures for crime involving personal injury are negligible and I reckon most British town would be proud of similar figures.
I have absolutely no hesitation in saying that I personally believe that you have no reason to be concerned, as long as you are sensible and carry out all normal security precautions. Have a wonderful wedding and honeymoon and please, please come back to the forum and share your experiences – and your honest views – when you return. Tell the world in no uncertain terms if my advice here was misleading.
Steve Wooler
myTobago.info - the definitive Visitor Guide to Tobago
myTobago.info - the definitive Visitor Guide to Tobago
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Louise
Frightened Honeymooners
Post Recreated: Originally posted - 02 March 2003
Hi Michelle, Please do not be frightened of going to Charlotteville! Walu's comments do not represent my impression of Charlotteville when I was there in Decemeber - my second time in Tobago. In fact we had such a great time we are going again this month - and taking friends. Apart from the natural beauty the thing we enjoyed most was the friendliness of the locals - we couldn't find our accomodation when we arrived and Sharon (Sharon and Phebe's) sorted it out for us - while giving us a rum punch to chill out. We enjoyed many a night there chatting to locals. Michelle's is a nother ggood place - a local lady who cooks (and explains) local food on Wednesdays and Saturdays in her house which is right at the end of the bay. Someone is bound to ask if you want to go - and I recommend it! Within 2 days all the locals know who you are and want to stop and chat with you. We made friends at Lyda's bar - they were wonderful people there who cooked us an amazing local meal on our last night as a send off (and refused money). I did not find the men intimidating at all - and I have to say I never noticed the language as being offensive.. If you chat to the fishermen there they will point someone who will take you fishing if yoy want - although be warned they fish for a living and go out early! It's very hard work as well .. or so my partner told me after 6 hours on a small boat. I honestly find it hard to describe how wonderful i thought Charlotteville was - I am sure you will have a fantastic time there !
Hi Michelle, Please do not be frightened of going to Charlotteville! Walu's comments do not represent my impression of Charlotteville when I was there in Decemeber - my second time in Tobago. In fact we had such a great time we are going again this month - and taking friends. Apart from the natural beauty the thing we enjoyed most was the friendliness of the locals - we couldn't find our accomodation when we arrived and Sharon (Sharon and Phebe's) sorted it out for us - while giving us a rum punch to chill out. We enjoyed many a night there chatting to locals. Michelle's is a nother ggood place - a local lady who cooks (and explains) local food on Wednesdays and Saturdays in her house which is right at the end of the bay. Someone is bound to ask if you want to go - and I recommend it! Within 2 days all the locals know who you are and want to stop and chat with you. We made friends at Lyda's bar - they were wonderful people there who cooked us an amazing local meal on our last night as a send off (and refused money). I did not find the men intimidating at all - and I have to say I never noticed the language as being offensive.. If you chat to the fishermen there they will point someone who will take you fishing if yoy want - although be warned they fish for a living and go out early! It's very hard work as well .. or so my partner told me after 6 hours on a small boat. I honestly find it hard to describe how wonderful i thought Charlotteville was - I am sure you will have a fantastic time there !
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Glyn Kirpalani
- Tobago Fanatic
- Posts: 333
- Joined: Sun Mar 23, 2003 1:27 pm
- Location: Norfolk, UK
Frightened Honeymooners
Post Recreated: Originally posted - 02 March 2003
Hi Louise, what a relief to hear that Charlottsville is as the guides/others described! I have been to Tobago many times, and would you believe never made it further north than Speyside due to the delights en route - my wife and I are going to Charlottsville this month to see it, so will check out those eateries. Thanks for setting us/others straight , regards,
Hi Louise, what a relief to hear that Charlottsville is as the guides/others described! I have been to Tobago many times, and would you believe never made it further north than Speyside due to the delights en route - my wife and I are going to Charlottsville this month to see it, so will check out those eateries. Thanks for setting us/others straight , regards,
Glyn Kirpalani
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Tim W
Chalotteville
Post Recreated: Originally posted - 01 March 2003
Hi, Interesting note from Waki. We were there this time last week. had luch at Saron & Phebi's- it was fine, attitute was great, place was almost full. Only 1 lady on when we arrived(about 12 noon) as 2 or 3 other tables filled up 2 other ladies arrived together with I guess a husband /boyfriend who chatted to customers, pointed out the loo and made sure those that wanted to take photo's fron the unfinished top level were safe. i spoke to 2 other couples of advanced years! They had a great time no problems and thought the local people were very helpful and so friendly compared to home(this is saying something as this lady comes from Lancashire). Don't know anything about fishing, but there was a hell of a lot of good size fish being gutted by the beach and other people carrying 2/3 largish fish, i presume, home. i just put this in as balace
Hi, Interesting note from Waki. We were there this time last week. had luch at Saron & Phebi's- it was fine, attitute was great, place was almost full. Only 1 lady on when we arrived(about 12 noon) as 2 or 3 other tables filled up 2 other ladies arrived together with I guess a husband /boyfriend who chatted to customers, pointed out the loo and made sure those that wanted to take photo's fron the unfinished top level were safe. i spoke to 2 other couples of advanced years! They had a great time no problems and thought the local people were very helpful and so friendly compared to home(this is saying something as this lady comes from Lancashire). Don't know anything about fishing, but there was a hell of a lot of good size fish being gutted by the beach and other people carrying 2/3 largish fish, i presume, home. i just put this in as balace
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Laurence Ranson
Green Corner Villa, Charlotteville
Hi,
Having just returned from a wonderful stay at the Green Corner Villa in Charlotteville, I feel I just have to put the record straight regarding Walu's comment: "I arranged in advance to stay for 2 weeks @ Green Corner Villa but left after just one night-the nature of the business had changed and it's now something of a flophouse, less than clean and somewhat rundown".
Having been made to feel more of a friend than a guest at Green Corner, I almost took these remarks as a personal slight. I recognised the situation Walu describes immediately, but I want to assure readers of the Forum that it was a strictly temporary state of affairs, brought about by a 'guest' who (largely influenced by an over-fondness for the local rum, in my humble opinion) abused the place and its facilities. In fact, I arrived at Green Corner at the moment that he was leaving 'under a cloud'.
I'm happy to report that Green Corner is clean, well-equipped and superbly located at the heart of village life (it's also one of the closest guesthouses to Pirate's Bay, and right next door to Gail's restaurant - handy for breakfast!). Not perhaps the first choice for someone seeking complete seclusion, but perfect for those like me who want a taste of 'real' Tobago life.
Above all, there is Green Corner's greatest asset: its manager, Ms Patsy Christmas, who is not only a warm, humorous and welcoming hostess but also a first class driver and a knowledgeable and entertaining rainforest guide! You can contact Patsy for booking enquiries etc. at [email protected].
To sum up, I can highly recommend Green Corner to anyone looking for great value for money self-catering accommodation and an authentic island experience. It would particularly suit solo travellers too, and I'd have thought especially women travelling alone, who'd greatly benefit from Patsy's help and advice.
I'll finish with a little anecdote which may help to put discussions here about obscene language etc. in perspective. I was chilling out on Charlotteville pier one evening, just watching the world go by and observing a group of local youth whose (hip-hop influenced, let's face it) vocabulary would make your maiden aunt blush. Suddenly there was a gust of wind which overturned a garbage container on the beach. These 'tough guys' immediately rushed over, righted the container, and spent the next ten minutes picking up every last plastic bottle and scrap of paper. Enough said!
One Love,
Laurence
Having just returned from a wonderful stay at the Green Corner Villa in Charlotteville, I feel I just have to put the record straight regarding Walu's comment: "I arranged in advance to stay for 2 weeks @ Green Corner Villa but left after just one night-the nature of the business had changed and it's now something of a flophouse, less than clean and somewhat rundown".
Having been made to feel more of a friend than a guest at Green Corner, I almost took these remarks as a personal slight. I recognised the situation Walu describes immediately, but I want to assure readers of the Forum that it was a strictly temporary state of affairs, brought about by a 'guest' who (largely influenced by an over-fondness for the local rum, in my humble opinion) abused the place and its facilities. In fact, I arrived at Green Corner at the moment that he was leaving 'under a cloud'.
I'm happy to report that Green Corner is clean, well-equipped and superbly located at the heart of village life (it's also one of the closest guesthouses to Pirate's Bay, and right next door to Gail's restaurant - handy for breakfast!). Not perhaps the first choice for someone seeking complete seclusion, but perfect for those like me who want a taste of 'real' Tobago life.
Above all, there is Green Corner's greatest asset: its manager, Ms Patsy Christmas, who is not only a warm, humorous and welcoming hostess but also a first class driver and a knowledgeable and entertaining rainforest guide! You can contact Patsy for booking enquiries etc. at [email protected].
To sum up, I can highly recommend Green Corner to anyone looking for great value for money self-catering accommodation and an authentic island experience. It would particularly suit solo travellers too, and I'd have thought especially women travelling alone, who'd greatly benefit from Patsy's help and advice.
I'll finish with a little anecdote which may help to put discussions here about obscene language etc. in perspective. I was chilling out on Charlotteville pier one evening, just watching the world go by and observing a group of local youth whose (hip-hop influenced, let's face it) vocabulary would make your maiden aunt blush. Suddenly there was a gust of wind which overturned a garbage container on the beach. These 'tough guys' immediately rushed over, righted the container, and spent the next ten minutes picking up every last plastic bottle and scrap of paper. Enough said!
One Love,
Laurence
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StephenM
Hi Laurence
Thanks. We were thinking of going Charlotville so that comes as a nice reassurance. Do your reckon that post by Walu was genuine? I'm always a little suspicious of posts from people who don't have the balls to post under their own name. I thought you werent allowing accounts with nicknames, Steve?
Thanks. We were thinking of going Charlotville so that comes as a nice reassurance. Do your reckon that post by Walu was genuine? I'm always a little suspicious of posts from people who don't have the balls to post under their own name. I thought you werent allowing accounts with nicknames, Steve?
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Steve Wooler
- myTobago Editor & Chief Anorak
- Posts: 4856
- Joined: Sun Apr 21, 2002 11:00 pm
- Location: Suffolk, England
- Contact:
Hi Stephen
Whilst I understand and agree with what you are saying, I will assume that you were speaking metaphorically as I cannot condone or allow flames (personal attacks) of other contributors.
No, I do not allow nicknames - largely for the reasons you mention. However, you will notice that these posts from "Walu" were transferred from our old forum, before I started validating users.
Thanks for a lovely report, Laurence. In fact, this thread has so much good information about Charlotteville, that I've decided to move it to a more appropriate forum. It seems a shame to have it hidden away in Security where many readers will miss it.
Whilst I understand and agree with what you are saying, I will assume that you were speaking metaphorically as I cannot condone or allow flames (personal attacks) of other contributors.
No, I do not allow nicknames - largely for the reasons you mention. However, you will notice that these posts from "Walu" were transferred from our old forum, before I started validating users.
Thanks for a lovely report, Laurence. In fact, this thread has so much good information about Charlotteville, that I've decided to move it to a more appropriate forum. It seems a shame to have it hidden away in Security where many readers will miss it.
Steve Wooler
myTobago.info - the definitive Visitor Guide to Tobago
myTobago.info - the definitive Visitor Guide to Tobago
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Barry
Hi Steve,
Can't comment on the validity of Walu's post but I am pretty certain he is genuine. We have exchanged emails privately about fishing topics. His comments here are actualy gentler in tone than those he has posted on another forum. Personally I think he was a bit distressed by the paucity of the game fish - the main pupose of his visit - and let things get to him.
I'm counting down to my trip in three weeks and won't let one person's perceptions deter me from visiting Charlotteville, or anywhere else.
Just like to say thanks again for this site and to the forum contributors. It has been of immense value in planning my trip.
Barry
Can't comment on the validity of Walu's post but I am pretty certain he is genuine. We have exchanged emails privately about fishing topics. His comments here are actualy gentler in tone than those he has posted on another forum. Personally I think he was a bit distressed by the paucity of the game fish - the main pupose of his visit - and let things get to him.
I'm counting down to my trip in three weeks and won't let one person's perceptions deter me from visiting Charlotteville, or anywhere else.
Just like to say thanks again for this site and to the forum contributors. It has been of immense value in planning my trip.
Barry