CCC.Trinidad&Tobago

The First Question

Having travelled quite a bit, I have found very few people who know where Trinidad and Tobago is. In fact, it's the very first question that I am asked. So... If you want an idea of where Trinidad and Tobago is, click here and keep reading on.

Start at the bottom right of the map and trace your way up the coast of South America. The first island you come to will be Trinidad, and Tobago is right above it. You'll note the proximity to Venezuala, and that it is the Southernmost Island in the Caribbean. More importantly, it's closer to the equator. This means sunscreen for almost all visitors. Sunburn CAN get you really sick down here!

And if you are REALLY interested in facts about T&T, you can visit the CIA Website. Make sure you wear sunglasses and have a wire sticking out of your ear,

The next question almost always seems to be "What language do they speak down there?". English, folks. A distinctive Trini dialect, but it is English. I'd also like to clear up the misconception that Trinidadians speak like Jamaicans. This is not the case. I've had a few chuckles over people in the U.S. trying to sound like they are from Trinidad, but... I'd rather not laugh at anyone. :)

There's a business side to all of this as well, but I'm putting that under the business link.

What's There To Do?

Well, aside from eating mangoes and laying in hammocks (as I often quip on the discussion boards at CramSession.com), there is quite a bit to do in Trinidad and Tobago (T&T). And if you have a personal invitation from me - don't worry. You won't need this page!

Liming is probably the most established tradition in T&T, I even found something for you to read on liming here - but, please, don't think that by reading that you become an expert. The art of liming is something that everyone practices, but very few Master. But it is a very good read, and may even be entertaining to those of us who do lime. I know I had some fun reading it! (By the way, Mr. A.N.R. Robinson is NOT the Prime Minister. He's the President. Tut tut!). And yes, people of Indian descent DO have style. Sheesh. Anthropologists... I may actually have to write my own 'ting' on liming.

So, you have a general idea of liming - but there are many kinds of limes. Beach limes. River limes. Fish broth limes. Down de Islands limes. And, if you have some good limers with you, you'll have a lot of fun. Remember style. :)

There's Eco-tourism, yachting, cultural events, sports fishing, diving, and many other things as well. I'm currently putting together information on these topics as well for you (available on the left), but if you just can't wait, feel free to email me and I'll give you whatever data I have so far!

What's There To See?

Plenty. For example, here's a picture I took at the North-East point of Trinidad, which is where the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean meet at the Southern end. There's the Pitch Lake, which has a seemingly unlimited amount of pitch (personally, I think it is kind of boring to look at). Then there are the birds, and the beaches. Tobago's Bucco Reef is worth at least one snorkeling excursion!

Let's not forget the food. Qcumber from CramSession sent me this link which goes over some of the local dishes. Technically, you can SEE them... but, they are best experienced!

For Thorough Travelers

As someone who has traveled extensively myself, I know that you sometimes want more information than you can glean from one source or another. Your best bet if you are coming to visit is to know someone - certainly, you can stay at hotels, and go where the tourists go, and have a great time, but for the more adventurous spirits, you should really know someone down here, and have them point you at things to see. This is very important of you intend to stay away from the tours - things can change quickly in any country, and it's important that, before you go anywhere, you have some current information on what's going on.

And if this hasn't been enough:

Some people just aren't happy unless they have a book or two in hand so they can plan their vacation, or get to know the places they are visiting a bit better. For such people, I have listed some books: