We Are Going to Scarborough... (the port, not the fair)

Scarborough, island of Tobago, nation of Trinidad and Tobago

Thursday February 13, 2025

Since we didn’t have a planned excursion today, we walked into the port town of Scarborough.  The town reminded us of Jamaica. There are distinctive Creole traditions and food on display.  The people, except for the overly pushy tour operators, were friendly and welcoming.

Plantation culture helped shape Tobago beginning in 1672 under the British.  Over the years, hurricanes and conflicts with other islands caused the decline of sugar production.  They gained independence in 1962 and became a republic in 1976.  Now tourism is the main industry on the island.  There are also large reserves of oil and gas that contribute to the country’s economy.

The British influence also explains the driving on the left side of the road!

 One of the things that Scarborough is known for is their Forest Reserve; so, we walked over there to do some bird watching.  Karen did get a picture of a new bird (Yellow-chevroned Parakeet) for her collection, but mostly the birds there were very shy.  We could hear them, but not see them in the trees.

Inside Reserve

View from the Reserve

We will be spending the next five days at sea, and entering the Amazon. So, here is a picture of our cruise family for this trip, great companions for sea days and always.

From bottom left - Karen, Tom, Nancy, Ralph, Marilyn and Katie

Fun facts:

• Trinidad and Tobago is the southernmost island country in the Caribbean, only 11 kilometers off the coast of Venezuela.

  
  

•  The country has a woman president – imagine that!

• Trinidad is the birthplace of the steel drum, calypso music, and the limbo dance.

  
  

•  Nicki Minaj is a Trinidadian-born rapper.

We are sending this blog a day later because of internet challenges; so, it's February 14th! Happy Valentine's Day! Valentine's Day is about celebrating love in all its forms - To all our family and friends - you are deeply loved and treasured!