Trinidad & Tobago: Twice the Fun, Twice the Experience Though bound together as one nation, the islands of Trinidad and Tobago could hardly be more different, and they offer twice the opportunities for the cruise visitor.
Trinidad: Terrific
84 T h e F C C A C r u i s e C o n F e r e n C e & T r A d e s h ow
Trinidad is a melting pot of ethnic groups and diverse cultures, and while each brings its separate identity to the table, there is also a sense in which they are joyfully mixed together to create an inimitable character—the Trinidadian. The more famous local creations, like steel pan and calypso, are only the tip of the iceberg. The prominent Indian and African influences have merged with the European, Chinese and Syrian cultures to fuel a vibrant society unlike any other in the world. Around Port of Spain alone, the architecture includes a gothic castle, a Renaissance palace, an Edwardian school and gingerbread houses straight out of a storybook. From cricket to horse racing, from the Hindu festival of lights—Divali—to the exuberance of Hosay, the explosion of culture continues all year round.
is a particular delight; you will not find a more dramatic combination of coast and mountain scenery. The trip takes about 45 minutes from gang plank to beach.
Tobago: Tranquil
Tobago, by contrast, exemplifies quiet Caribbean perfection. With its slower pace and endless beauty, Tobago is a secret paradise. Pristine beaches shaded by coconut palms? Of course, but Tobago offers so much more: historic forts, the Main Ridge Forest Reserve (protected since 1776), breathtaking views, bird sanctuaries, even a championship golf course. Scuba divers get the rare chance to mingle with manta rays around Tobago’s exquisite coral reefs. Few other places on the planet (and no others in the Caribbean) can offer this. These reefs are
home to what is claimed to be the largest brain coral in the world.
Eat, Drink, Be Merry
Like Trinidad & Tobago’s rich heritage, the islands’ food palette is diverse and multicultural, offering you distinct indigenous dishes alongside savory fusion food. Words like sancoche, kuchela, souse, baigan, paratha and callaloo will become part of your culinary vocabulary. While in Trinidad & Tobago, visitors should sample the local food. From Creole cuisine, try pelau, similar to rice pilaf; or bake and shark (pieces of deep-fried shark between two slices of fried dough) topped with condiments and relishes. To savor the Indian influence, try roti or doubles. In Tobago, try curried crab and dumpling! Exotic drinks also abound—from coconut water to mauby and sorrel. Strange names, wonderful tastes!
It is most dramatically observed during the Carnival season (December to Ash Wednesday), which climaxes when this multi-racial, multi-talented population parades through the streets by the tens of thousands, in costume, on the last two days before Lent. A country capable of throwing the world’s largest street party can certainly keep the visitor fascinated for a day or two. Trinidad isn’t just Port of Spain. Its rainforests teem with wildlife found nowhere else in the Caribbean, including ocelots, golden tree frogs and oilbirds. A highlight of any visit is the world-famous Asa Wright Nature Centre, where Trinidad’s many birds, butterflies and flowering plants (including 700 different orchids) can be viewed. For those wanting to experience nature at its wildest without straying too far from the beaten path, the drive to Maracas Bay along North Coast Road
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PHOTOS COu RT E S y OF T H E T R I N I DA D & TOB AgO TOu R ISM DE V E LOPM E N T COM PA N y
The Twin island republic of Trinidad & Tobago is located just seven miles off the coast of Venezuela. The southernmost Caribbean islands, it is living proof that nature also saves the best for last.
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