Everybody probably knows. That stunningly picturesque beaches, exhilarating warmth of tropical weather, and exotic mix of spicy local cuisine are amongst the chief lures of most Caribbean holiday destinations. And if in complement, the sheer spectacle of color and passion of carnivals is also on offer, the temptations of these places can truly intensify.
But for tourists and visitors undecided or even reluctant to take to this world of exuberances and relishes, modest but adventurous destinations like Charlottesville appear to nurse subtle ambitions; otherwise how else can her myriad of innocuous surprises and intrepid thrills be explained? A perfect example would be to take the two-hour-long drive from Scarborough's Crowne Point International Airport. Travelling in the dark, even Indiana Jones would consider this Sixty Dollar (US) taxi ride a formidable Jurassic Park experience. Just beyond every spine-tingling bend of a tortuously winding climb dinosaurs and mammoth creatures seemingly threaten to suddenly step into the glare of headlamps on that lonely ageless wilderness road. That village can boast of many excitements.
Immigration Requirements and Travel Itinerary
But foreign visitors would first have to fulfill Trinidad and Tobago's immigration requirements. And these vary, depending on nationality, from a ninety-day visa-free stay to an almost Four Thousand Dollar(US) security bond deposit for a visitor's visa. As for an itinerary, there are a handful of service providers catering for a portfolio of tourists needs from accommodation to diving expeditions. Making reservations and bookings require no more than the ability to use a telephone or compose an email; but as is often the case, availability is mostly an issue specially with accommodation for tourists which commonly comprises of beach cabins, guest houses and rented apartments. And the rates do vary from about Sixty Dollars to One Hundred and Fifty Dollars (US) per night. It is worthwhile to note that Charlottesville is stretched over a topography of heights towards the northern edge of the island of Tobago. Thus it may be a useful advice for the fitness conscious to secure accommodation higher up from the sea level since it would indirectly guarantee a gym session even for menial activities like grocery shopping. Indeed another of the charms of this village is to behold, the beauty of its heart-shaped delineation by the glow of its sleeping lights. For those not fortunate to enjoy that first impression picture, any view from a high perch window can still serenade the senses.
Marine Pastimes: Scuba Diving, Snorkeling and Beach Swimming
As to indulgences and activities, there is scuba diving and snorkeling as vibrant propositions. Just a few hundred Dollars(US) can cater for a week's foray into turquoise-colored depth and glory for underwater experiences television cannot match. The local Adventure Dive Centre offers an unforgettable reality, especially for first timers who can get to enjoy company with marine life ranging from barracudas to turtles. To snorkeling enthusiasts, the reefs named Bobby and Pirate's are a must-explore. But should dipping under not be an option Charlottesville still remains committed to showing off her marine beauty; glass-bottom boats are readily available to ferry marine sightseers towards the island beaches of St. Giles or The Sisters at negotiable fees.
The beaches of Man-O-War Bay are a godsend for any with a healthy appetite for beach swimming. Clean and beguilingly emerald its waters in temperate coolness can only be an apparent motivation for the army of joggers on Charlottesville's steep and twisting streets. And it can boast of a bar with billiards table and also offers changing facilities. For entertainment or spectacle it can occasionally show off the naughtiness of local children floating lifeless on its frothing waters for considerable minutes or competing fishing boats racing within concentric circles to cheering swimmers.
Any need for relative privacy in sea bathing should be met by Pirate's Bay. But myths and legend aside, it requires a considerable march around the shoulder of a bluff, then a descent down two long flights of steep steps to reach its brilliant white sands. Often scarcely populated, swimmers can enjoy the quiet of beach-side reading in the influence of lapping fresh breeze between breaks from thrashing and slithering in its clear and calmer waters.
Legends, Social Indulgence and Cuisine
Whenever a mood to explore the onshore essence of Charlottesville eventually stirs, tourists may likely discover that a stroll along the stretch of the waterfront can be rewarding. On this strip of macadam the village flaunts its restaurants, grocery stores, souvenir kiosks, a few guest houses and a solitary ice cream kiosk famous for its babadeen and soursop flavors. The locals roar vehicles about from which the melodies of Bob Marley wail to idlers sitting on the stone seats which look out to sea. Here curious visitors can seek out, particularly during late afternoons, dreadlocked tale tellers full of impressive accounts about Pirate's Bay and its romance with personalities such as Black Beard and Captain Finn. Just off the main street squats a tiny but decently stocked local library, where the itch for pirates' tales can be further indulged, especially by those without the ubiquitous ipad. The local Customs & Immigration office, a bank with ATM machine and the local police station all contributed their illustrious presence on this side street which eventually crescents back into the wharf stretch.
At sundown, Charlottesville's several restaurants become places of convergence for tourists and locals in ambience of joviality and calypso music. And the swapping of daily experiences among the gathered nationalities is usually rife. For about Thirteen Dollars(US) a dinner plate of local cuisine garnished with chopped goat meat or shrimp, and an accompanying glass of 'Mauby' drink can be relished. Afterwards the lulling charms of Charlottesville evidently connive, and restful sleep is probably an outcome.
Austin Osoroh - A freelance writer with a penchant for diverse genres in both fiction and non-fiction, he is a Christian and Nigerian born who mostly ...
