Just
off the coast of the South American mainland they were once part
of, Trinidad and Tobago
(usually shortened to
T&T) form the southernmost islands of the Lesser Antilles chain
and the most influential republic in the Eastern Caribbean. They
are the most exciting, underexplored and un-contrived of the Caribbean
islands, rich in indigenous culture. A cultural pacemaker best
known as the home and heart of West Indian Carnival , the nation
can also
boast having the most diverse and absorbing society in the region.
T&T remain relatively inexpensive as natural gas and oil reserves
have ensured economic independence and freedom from the tourist trade.
Regionally, they are the richest destinations for eco-tourism , combining
the flora and fauna of the Caribbean with the wilder aspect of the
South American mainland. In Trinidad, you can hike through undisturbed
tropical rainforest , take a boat ride through mangrove swamps and
watch leatherback turtles nest on remote beaches. Birdwatching ,
with more than 430 species in an area of 4830 square kilometres,
is among the world's best. Tobago (300sq km) has glorious beaches
and stunning coral reefs. Declared the " Disneyland of diving ",
Tobago has the largest brain coral in the world and sightings of
manta rays are common.
Equally absorbing are T&T's dynamic towns and cities, showcases
for the architectural, religious and cultural traditions of their
cosmopolitan populations. The 1.3 million inhabitants hail from
India, China, Portugal and Syria as well as Africa, England, France
and
Spain, and though racial tensions are inevitably present, Trinbagonians
(as they're collectively known) co-exist with good humour, and
are proud of their multiculturalism . The result is a highly creative
culture with a lively music scene that rivals even Jamaica. |
