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Date: 12 Dec 2007 21:25:20
Title: Wednesday 12th December- at Trinidad
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Hope you all liked the photos.
 
Thursday was a quiet day, with dinner in the restaurant on the marina, and an early night. Mike managed to get himself booked up for a flight home on Saturday, and Bunny booked for Monday.
Friday was sightseeing day for Mike and Ros, they managed to fix a trip to the Caroni swamp to see the pink ibis come home to roost. Bunny and Martin explored the amazing maxi taxi system with a trip in to Port of Spain. Very struck by the friendliness of eveyone we met, one lady gave us directions and then proceeded to tell us to keep our hand on our wallet and not to get into any cars with strangers! We had a good stroll round the town, took a look at the museum- very well presented- and then headed for the Hilton hotel for a beer ( last visit 45 years ago, re-assuringly lived up to memory of a splendid location looking across the town). Interesting chat at the bar with Ken the Texan oilman, straight out of "Dallas", could have been JR's cousin. Back in time to head out for a farewell dinner courtesy Ros and Mike in a local restaurant, Sails, which ended up with certain of the party clearing the floor with a little jiving.
Saturday morning was packing up, and some kind help to put the boat back in order. Mike left around noon, and Ros after lunch, so then we were three. Out to dinner at the "lure" restaurant, Henry was flattered to be propositioned on the water taxi, although it was strictly business. Coming back into the marina we were offered a drink by a member of the First Citizen's bank, who were holding their annual party here. Ferocious rum and coke, and lots of friendly people, we sloped off before getting completely out of control. The noise thundered on into the small hours. What a place!
Sunday we headed back into Port of Spain, and took a walk around the zoo and botanical gardens, before being treated to lunch by Bunny at the Hilton hotel. Spent a lazy afternoon on the terace admiring the view, when not catching 40 winks, and then walked back down to the botanic gardens to attend a candle light carol service in the tropical evening. Very atmospheric. Asked for help from a police lady as we left, and she took charge of us, even interviewing the driver of the chosen maxi taxi before we were allowed to board. Lovely people, although perhaps it is worth adding that the murder total for this year, in a population of less than 1.5 million, is given each day in the paper, today it stands at 359.
Monday, and off went Bunny. Martin hitched a lift in the taxi, to be dropped off at Angostura, a pilgrimage to the essential component of pink gin. Could not get a tour, but acquired some appropriate souvenirs. Returned in time to attend the Christmas party given by the marina and hotel complex.
Tuesday we had intended to head off for Grenada, but somehow were not quite ready, so spent the time doing some forward planning for the next 3-4 months. Wednesday we also postponed our departure, a tropical storm to the north is making the weather very unsettled, with thunderstorms and a warning of strong and gusty winds. Plan now is to stay on until Saturday, when the weather should be settling, and make a 36 hour trip up to St Vincent. Then one more day will take us on to St Lucia, where we meet the Fell family on Wed 19th. Two more days in Trinidad sounds good, looking around the marina it is a bit like Hotel California, some people apparently never check out.
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