Our First Trip - The Low Down

[TheHarps]

We returned on Friday 10th October from our first trip to tobago, thought I would write about what we did and where we went for -

We flew with Virgin whom I thought provided an excellent service. When we landed at Tobago, the luggage carousel was broken. Staff couldn't find a key to open the doors so our luggage was stuck outside. This was our first experience of the laid back nature of the locals. After about 30 minutes and no information or seeming action the carousel jumped into life and we got our luggage. Virgin reps met us, arranged a taxi and we were delivered to our Accommodation, Villa 38b Tobago Plantations, Lowlands. (In the grounds of the former Hilton Hotel).

Now I read about Villa security etc but I am pleased to report this development has at least 5 or 6 security checkpoints in different locations throughout the development. The staff were alert and did stop us and ask us for ID etc. During the night the checkpoints reduced but a roving security vehicle with green flashing light patrolled giving a visual presence. The villa itself was great and serviced every day.

We had a hire vehicle from SHEPPY, a Suzuki Jimmny, it only had 460km on the clock so was brand new. SHEPPY's service was excellent and we got a mobile phone included. He accommodated our urgent cry for a vehicle a day early because we did not realise how far away from things we were. Within an hour he met us at our villa and took us to the vehicle. Brilliant!

On our first full day we decided to drive around the Island. We started on the Atlantic Side, stopping first at SPEYSIDE. We ate breakfast at the excellent JEMMA'S SEA VIEW KITCHEN. This restaurant perches amongst the branches of trees with excellent views over to Goat Island and Little Tobago Island. We then drove over to CHARLOTTEVILLE. We took the hot walk to PIRATE BAY. What a lovely sandy beach. Stayed for a wee while. Dipped our feet etc. We then drove sown the Caribbean Side. We stopped at CASTARA BAY. The beach was lovely, Lifeguards on duty and not very busy. Another dip of the feet and we were away again. This time all the way down to PLYMOUTH. Here we stopped for lunch at the local restaurant called TJ's. We had our first taste of ROTI. My wife who is veggie had a nice potato one, I had a chicken one - Word of advice, if possible ask for no bones - my ROTI was what appeared to be a chicken carcus wrapped with potato. I spent most my time picking bones out. We then drove down SHIRVAN RD and back to CROWN POINT. We managed to do that trip in one go. The roads on the Caribbean side are much more windey and pot holed.

The next few days we spent around Crown Point. PIGEON POINT was ok. We got one free entry with a Virgin Voucher. It had lovely sandy beach but had no soul, it seemed very tourist orientated. The cafe was run by unhappy staff who even with a smile, chat and tips from me did not raise their spirit. On the other had, STORE BAY was livelier, friendlier and altogether a better place. We used DIMPLE'S chairs and umbrellas. Dimple was a friendly chap who seemed interested in who we were and where we came from. The row of food huts served lovely cheap food. This is where I tried CRAB n DUMPLINGS. Gosh was I in for a shock, I did not expect cut up pieces of whole crab in there. I struggled on but could just not get to grips with trying to break open the crab, so I just ate the dumplings in a nice curry sauce. The bar nearby was the place to get drinks etc. So my recommendation if you are not at a resort, use Store Bay for a much better experience. It also has pristine showers and changing rooms for TT$1, bargain.

Other places we ate around Crown Point were MARCIA'S, store bay local rd. Marcia welcomed us with a menu of creole delights. You must have her CASSAVA pudding! delish. We also ate at BONKERS, this was ok but fairly expensive and mediocre menu. We ate a Cafe Iguana which I found to be very friendly, tasty but expensive food with an excellent cocktail list. For breakfast or snacks well worth going to is VIE DE FRANCE BAKERY & COFFEE HOUSE (opposite the airport). It does good pancakes (house of pancakes was closed for refurb), has a rituals coffee house and is good value.

We did visit SCARBOROUGH but to be honest was not worth the visit. Traffic was terrible and chaos ruled. CAIO CAFE was excellent though and I ate the tastiest cheese croissant ever! The shopping centre was a sight to behold.

The lowlands shopping mall GULF CITY was open with shops and a food court and most important air conditioning. The food court had a disappointing range of international chains, Pizza Hut, KFC and Hagen Das. There is a Cinema being built but was not finished.

Finally we visited LAMBEAU, and if you try anywhere to eat it MUST be SHORE THINGS, Old Milford Rd It is a well priced cafe open between 10-5. Has an excellent veranda overlooking the sea and does excellent food and cafetiere coffee. The staff were wonderfully friendly. It also has a small craft shop attached.

We did lots more but I am conscious of the amount I have typed. Needless to say we had a great time with great people and despite the recent news I would recommend people visit.

The Harps

[Glen O]

Thanks for the great report. It's nice to read about others travels while visiting the island. Some good info for us to digest before our trip. (PS My wife grew up in Cornwall and went to school for a while in Exeter.)