myTobago – your questions, review and comment about Tobago

Will be traveling to TOBAGO for the first time (arrive in the morning of the 7th Feb.)
I have been to lots of sites trying to be prepared....we would like to stay at a few spots....but because we arrive on the first day of Carnival....
we booked for a few nights at the Bananaquit. The site I found this place on showed pics of the room, and it seemed quite nice. I talked to the lady (Elaine Best) and she seemed very nice. It is close to beaches, and stores...so until we get familiar with surroundings, I thought this place would be nice. Would appreciate any info on the place thanks


Also, I would like to know what would be an inexpensive treat to take along to give to people and children we meet...what have you heard that they would like? (being from Canada, when I was in Mexico, the children liked Canadian stickers, pins, and gum.)
Any feedback on this would be great!

Lorrie,the question of bearing gifts for the natives has arisen before.Don't take anything accept a smile and courtesy,the population is generally fairly well off in comparison to Mexico.The children are without exception well fed and cared for and don't "hang round" visitors for hand outs and would probably be told off by an adult if they did so!
Hope this helps an that subject.
Regards,and enjoy your visit,Tobago is like no other place you have visited.
David,in a gloriously sunny Charlotteville,and his seventh week in Tobago

David:

Thank you for your reply...
Can you tell me anything about the food?
We went and got some shots yesterday, and the health nurse told us
not to eat anything that was not cooked!
Do you eat salads....and do you get sick ??
She said do not eat anything that has been washed in local water.
She said we have to boil all water unless it is bottled, and sealed.
Where can we eat?
PLS...some info

Faithfully Yours
In waiting for reply
Lorrie

Hi Lorrie
I can't give any help on places to eat near the Bananaquit but I can give you my experience on the safety of eating salads etc and drinking water.
We drank the tap water all the time and ate salads and other uncooked foods without any problems. I do not think you are anymore likely to get food poisoning in Tobago than you are in Canada, Europe or USA. On official sites about Tobago the tap water is always described as "potable".
I think your nurse is either being, very, overly cautious or she is confusing Tobago with somewhere else.

We've been to Tobago three times. Eaten everything at restaurants and prepared at our room (including fruits and vegetables), cooked with tap water, drank bottled water just to be safe. Never had a problem with the food. My Mom, who is a nurse, says always bring amodium, as even the change in types of food and spices can cause temporary stress.

Lorrie,eat and drink anything you like where you like,I know of no individual that has suffered other than from hangovers!!!!There have been instances in the larger resort hotels of food or water born bugs but that has usually been the establishments fault.Don't worry you'll be fine.Have a look in the eating out section on this site-and don't be afraid to eat local food in local restaurants.You will find it good and inexpensive.