Trinidad - Port -of-Spain is has one of the busiest ports in the Caribbean. The harbor is almost always filled with boats with flags of a multitude of nations. Independence Square shares its posit with the Roman Catholic Cathedral which was built in 1832. A Muslim Mosque is not far away as was as the Anglican Cathedral. The National Museum and Art Gallery contains many interesting works including costumes. The Botanical Gardens were originally laid out in 1818 is not far from Queen's Park Savannah which is a tropical park with a race course and cricket ground. Two top beaches near Port-of -Spain are Maqueripe Bay and Maracas Bay. where coconut palms overhang the beaches.

Tobago - The island has become much more of a vacation place in contrast to the days of sugar plantations and rum production From the village of Speyside boats run to Little Tobago which is a 450 acre bird sanctuary which is also known as "Bird of Paradise Island." This is reputed to be the only place outside New Guinea that the Bird of Paradise can be seen in their wild state. For snorkelers and divers, Buccoo Reef is abundant with sealife among the underwater coral formations and those who just swim can take advantage of Nylon Pool. Two other outstanding beaches and swimming areas are Pigeon Point and Store Bay. Other swimming areas that can be easily recommended are Englishman's Bay where the forest come down to the beach. Hillborough Bay has a long beach with palms that overhang almost to the water.

Capital: Port-of-Spain, Trinidad

Population: 1,315,000

Area: 1864 square miles

Language: English with a little French and Spanish

Time: +1 hours from New York

Electricity: 115 and 230 volts AC/ 60 Hz. Check before usage

Geography: Trinidad & Tobago are two separate islands, Trinidad being the larger at 50 by 37 miles. The highest point is 3,085 ft at Cerro del Aripo.

Port of Spain: The Piarco Airport is about 17 miles outside of the capital. There are always taxis availible to help out in transportation.

Scarborough: The airport for Tobago is located about 7 miles outside of the Scarborough. Taxis are availible.

Tipping: Check the restaurant bill to make sure that a service charge has not been included. If not leave a 10% tip. Taxi drivers should get 10% and porters should be given loose change.

Shopping: Shops are open from 8 in the morning to 4 in the afternoons on weekdays and 8 to noon on Saturdays. Sundays everything is closed. Local products such as handbags, shoes, copperwork, leather, jewelry, ceramics, batik, straw work and pottery are very popular.

Food and Drink: A popular dish here is called "stewed tattoo" which is the Caribbean name for "stewed Armadillo". Other dishes of distinction are Crab backs ( crab meat and stuffing), tum-tum ( mashed green plantains), fried plantains and chip-chip (a small shell fish which taste like clams). If you dream of sipping rum under a palm tree, this is the place. Rum is the national drink.

Social: The people ar every informal and tend to be on the talkative side - which means that they are friendly. Since English is the language, it is very easy to communicate. Crime is not as big a problem as it used to be here, but be careful and ask advice as to where not to venture.

Business: Jackets are not required. Normal business practices.

Banking: Banks are open Monday through Thursday from 8 am until 2 pm. On Friday the banks open at 9 am close at noon and reopen at 3 pm and remain open until 5 pm.

Currency: Trinidad & Tobago Dollars

Money Exchange: Best to exchange at banks.

Credit cards: Visa, Master Card, American Express and Diners Club

Climate.

The average temperature in the summer ranges from a low of 74F to 95F with an average humidity of 85%. In the winter the average high temperature is 91F and a low of 70F with an average humidity of 80%. The best time to go is during the cool dry season from January to May.