Scarborough, Tobago

 I was interested to learn a couple of things about the Island nation of T’dad &T’go.  First, it is two islands, with Tobago being a much smaller, cigar shaped island and second that Trinidad is merely 11 km from the coast of Venezuela, thus sharing the petroleum province Venezuela is famed for.  Oil & Gas is a major component of the industrial activity of T&T.  TTD is the currency (referred to as “Tee Tees”, I found out stumbling around the market).  We had a morning excursion so after b’fast at the Veranda restaurant, we made our way to the bus for a long windy drive around to the windward side where the Atlantic meets the Caribbean.  I made note once more that these drives could be improved with stops at scenic outlooks along the way to break them up a bit.  Our destination at Speyside was another lovely resort where we climbed aboard a rickety old dingy with a glass bottom

for the short trip across the bay to Goat Island where we walked up a nice path to a lookout where we did some bird watching.  The underwater viewing was not that entertaining and we saw very little as we motored past the house allegedly visited by Ian Flemming of 007 fame.  What was entertaining was watching our Captain struggle to get the small outboards running.  Wouldn’t want to be adrift in this craft. I didn’t make note of the exhibition to K as her fear of water and boats was not improved by this excursion.  Later noted that the only boat she is comfortable on is the size of the Splendor.  The Sargassum seaweed issue was on display as what would have been a beautiful beach at this resort was spoiled.  The drive from Speyside back to Scarborough was long but thankfully air conditioned.  Nevertheless, my wish to check out some junk shopping nearby the cruise terminal left K with a fairly healthy dose of Tired, Hungry and Thirsty.  Purchase of an expensive beach cover up didn’t help so we got back to the ship for a small bite followed by a nap.  Met B&R at the Observation Lounge after sunset for another gourmet meal and with Bob having retired, I pulled the pin after a Dublin Buck at Splendor Lounge leaving the girls to check out the late night options on the Regent Seven Seas Splendor.