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twin islands of Trinidad and Tobago are the "Odd Couple" of the Caribbean.
Trinidad is a densely populated, thriving island with a cosmopolitan people
and strong influence in the region - while "little sister" Tobago is relaxed,
with little development. |
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Trinidad's Carnival is the
king of all Caribbean Carnivals and many Trinidadians prepare for it with
obsessive devotion. From New Year's Day onwards, activities start swinging
into full gear, culminating on Carnival Monday during Lent. It's definitely
the loudest, wildest and most popular Carnival in all of the Caribbean. |
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You remember the saying
about taking life's lemons and making lemonade? The people of Trinidad
went one better: They took old oil drums and created a unique music that
has become the soundtrack to tropical relaxation. Steel drums are made
from the bottoms of oil barrels and were first heard in Port of Spain in
the 1930's. The instrument says much about the people of Trinidad. They
are very resourceful, drawn to lively music, and willing to use whatever's
available to get a party started. The people are part of the attraction
on Trinidad. The island's population includes Syrians, Chinese, Americans,
Europeans, East Indians, Parsees, Madrasis, Venezuelans and the last of
the original Amerindians - the early settlers of the island. |
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| There are claims that Daniel
Defoe had Tobago in mind when he wrote Robinson Crusoe, and travelers who
enjoy its beaches, reefs and birdlife still tend to think of the island
as the last undiscovered gem in the Caribbean. While Trinidad is high energy,
Tobago is tranquil - a temptress with idyllic white-sand beaches, shallow
offshore reefs and mountain jungles. It's the Caribbean of yesteryear,
a land of swaying palms and fishing villages, sandy beaches and azure seas
teeming with fish. The island moves at a more leisurely tempo than Trinidad.
In addition to the usual offerings of beaches and water sports, both islands
have stretches of tropical rain forest and nature preserves. |
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| So much variety, the ultimate
in Carnivals, and music that has come to symbolize the Caribbean - make
Trinidad and Tobago a good choice for those who want to sample a lot of
the Caribbean in a small space. |
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