Monday 2nd<\/p>\n
With today being a rest day and after last nights celebrations, we afforded ourselves a later start this morning. However, we did need to spend a bit of time packing up team bags and suitcases ready for the TRA to collect and store during our trip to Tobago.<\/p>\n
At around 10.30 we headed off towards the Asa Wright bird sanctuary, stopping off at a supermarket for water and snacks on the way. As with previous days, driving in Trinidad is an experience in itself and today was no exception as we followed a long winding road through the mountains with sheer drops to the side, no barriers and sporadic obstacles in the way. However, we were rewarded with absolutely stunning views!<\/p>\n
On arriving at the bird sanctuary we were met by our guide and taken through to a beautiful colonial clubhouse that would not have looked out of place either at Bisley or on a tea plantation during the days of the Empire. Feeders were hung up across the balcony attracting many humming birds and creating a great photo opportunity. Our guide also showed us a tarantula that had been caught that morning on the walk. After a short warning about snakes and other more dangerous creepy crawlies, we were taken on a guided walk through the rain forest spotting gold headed Manakins, White Bearded Manakins and Toucans as well as a wide variety of flora and forna. Including Lizards and Agoutis. We also stopped off for a quick snack at a termite nest where we were all surprised at the amazingly strong carrot flavour.<\/p>\n
Following the sanctuary tour, several of the team remained in the clubhouse for afternoon tea while the rest took a short walk to find a near by rock pool where we were able to take a refreshing dip in some ice cold fresh water and bathe our heads under the rushing water falls. A welcome break from the intense heat.<\/p>\n
We then had to race back weaving our way through the Trinidad rush hour traffic to get back to the hotel in time for a fast turn around and to meet the TRA who were generously offering to keep hold of our team bags and any suitcases not needed for the short stay in Tobago.<\/p>\n
Taxis were booked immediately after to take us to an all you can eat Brazilian BBQ restaurant to be greeted by a range of 15 different perfectly cooked meats to indulge our gluttony. Suitably stuffed, we headed to the Harvard Club, a private members Cricket Club, where we had been invited by some of the Trinidadian shooters. We enjoyed a few beers and a few games of darts and then were offered a real local treat, a private performance of the Steel Pans (Trinidad’s National Instrument) by the Harvard Harps who were training for the Carnival.<\/p>\n
The music was fun but powerful and atmospheric. They were kind enough to let us have a go and to teach us a few scales before playing for us at full speed. It really was a totally unforgettable experience.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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