For the last week I’ve been enjoying life on the beautiful island of Tobago. When I mentioned where I was going to people, I got variations of “oh, so Trinidad?” Which made me realise there’s quite a few people don’t realise that despite often being said in the same breath, Trinidad and Tobago are actually two separate entities.

Located just 22 miles from mainland Trinidad, Tobago is 120 sq miles of beaches, rainforest and beauty

(Quick side note: ngl I really thought the two islands were a lot closer. In the grand scheme of things 22 miles isn’t thattt far, especially considering I live in London, but still. The ferry is a 3+ hour long trip one way)

History

Like any proper traveler, I took an island tour. Kerwin, our driver and tour guide, took us to almost every village on the island and taught us about all the important historical happenings.

One of the craziest things I learned was that at some point, Latvian settlers (known as Courlanders) came to the island. What business they had here, I don’t know but it was interesting all the same.

I also learned that the island was hot property (ew) during the colonial era due to its rich soil, and changed hands (double ew) an astonishing 30+ times – the most in Caribbean history.

I visited various forts dotted across the island and learned about the different battles for ownership the Europeans felt it necessary to have.

Folklore

No I don’t have a strange obsession with trees.

I absolutely love Caribbean folklore (maybe one day I’ll do a full post on some of my faves) and this tree is part of Gang Gang Sarah’s story.

Who is Gang Gang Sarah I hear you ask. She was said to be a witch from West Africa who was blown over to the island of Tobago and landed in the village of Les Coteaux. While here she cared for many of the enslaved people, working as a midwife and healer. She even met a lovely man who she married named Tom. Legend has it that after emancipation was declared, Sarah decided she was ready to return home. She climbed a tall silk cotton tree (the exact one above) but tragically discovered she had lost her ability to fly. Apparentlyyyy the reason for this loss of flight was her consumption of salt whilst on the island.

The legend still holds weight today, Kerwin told us that a few years ago some locals tried to trim the tree a little but it just grew back bigger and better, and no one has touched it since!

Culture

While I absolutely came out here for a nice, relaxing holiday, I did have an ulterior motive – carnival!

Tobago’s carnival is only 2 years old but you wouldn’t be able to tell. I didn’t play mas (shock, I know) so my opinions are limited but as a spectator a time was had!! I only attended on one day but that one day was truly an experience

They have two parades on the one day – Traditional Mas and then Pretty Mas and honestly, seeing the Traditional Mas parade made not playing very worth it. It was beautiful to see all the traditions being continued so beautifully by people of all ages. Seeing the babies in their moko jumbie and jab jab (both Trini and molassie) costumes was the cutest thing EVER. In London we don’t get to experience these things and none of the international carnivals I’ve been to so far feature these characters.

My cab driver described it as a miniature version of the carnival that takes places in Trinidad in Feb but honestly I think this one has its own identity despite the obvious similarities. I will absolutely be back to play mas soon and very soon.

Travel deets

Booked through: British Airways – the absolute ghetto but I think they’re the only ones who fly here directly. I could be wrong

Accom: Starfish Resort – I did all inclusive because I’m a lady of luxury and it was worth it. Dinner was hit and miss on the days I had it but everything else was pretty good. The staff are super lovely and I felt safe during my whole trip which was a big concern for my loved ones since I was halfway across the world by myself

Tour operator: Classic Sunshine Tours – big up my good sis Monica and Kerwin. They were amazing from I landed till I left, would highly recommend booking with them!

No one is paying me for promo so I won’t be dropping any links, go and google them if you’re interested

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Overall, I’ve had an amazing trip. I could’ve written so much more but truthfully nothing I write could capture the beauty of the island so I’d just strongly recommend that you come and experience it for yourself

(I took more videos than pics so eventually I’ll make a reel or something so you guys can see more of my adventures)

Until next time,

Ri x