3rd February 2013

 

Accompanied once more by David and Hella, we drove to and down the east coast of Trinidad.  This coast is dominated by shallow sandy beaches fringed by tall coconut palms.  Inland is the Nariva Swamp, an area of wetlands inaccessible without a guide and boat (kayaking tours are strongly promoted).  Howler and Capuchin monkeys live there, along with anacondas and two species of macaws.

 

At the shore we found a small group of fisherman dragging their net out into the surf in a vain (while we were there) effort to catch fish.  It was appropriate that this area, whose population is dominated by descendants of former Indian indentured labourers, has a coastline reminiscent of southern India with its sandy beaches and wind blown palms.

 

On the return journey we found a Chinese take-away restaurant with tables in a shopping mall which provided an impromptu supper.