Last posting

Here we are for our last breakfast enjoying the view of Port of Spain, Trinidad. We are in no hurry to finish our coffee. A beautiful city filled with beautiful people.

The zoo and botanical gardens are less than five minutes from out hotel. We arrived early which meant it was cooler, less crowded and more shade.

This is the poinsettia tree; it is different to what we see at Christmas time.

North American alligator

Unidentified bird

The cougar came from the back of the enclosure to visit with us. The care taker came by with a fresh mouse for him.

Woody has found a feather for his cap.

The mandrill: Revlon has nothing on the colour scheme this fellow can show...on his rump.

Red, orange, yellow or white 

Dozens of birds: tanagers, ducks, owls, toucans, parrots,  hummers, vultures, hawks, pelicans, flamingos, bobwhites, many more

Buzz just had his toes nibbled

Our children used to sing a song:
'I met a boa constrictor and he's taking me home for lunch'
In this case the boa was lunch

A handsome couple

A tapir and a capybara on the right

Hog

The tortoise had been hiding in the grass and came out to have his picture taken 

Iguanas

Agouti (good scrabble word using 4 vowels)
This one had brought a piece of apple to eat. He washed it and then fished for it but then let it go. A turtle close by bit into it and carried it off for himself.

A caiman from South America

Perfect timing

Now we are at the botanical gardens. We only did a small portion. Temperatures were rising and there was little shade. This part of the garden features palm trees from wherever they grow, all so different in their bark, fronds and fruits. 

The common name for this is the
pain bush sugar apple

Tiny and delicate 

The underside of a leaf showing the spores

Finally one landed long enough to capture it

A very complex flower; beautiful

Another of the palms

Woody always feels comfortable amongst the trees. 

A view of the botanical gardens

A bamboo grove

Our last event will be sharing a meal with Crafton and Joyce in their home. It was one of our hopes to be able to visit in someone's home and it is to be.

Until we see you again we sign off wishing you safe travels wherever you may go
Buzz, Woody, Markus and Gaye

Chaguaramas and Port of Spain

Last night we spent a very pleasant evening with friends, Keisha and Calvin. We went for a leisurely drive up the island to Chaguaramas and had dinner at a marina's restaurant. The open air setting allowed a beautiful view of the marina and evening's sunset.

It's us; the photographer and author

Chef's choice: swordfish

Wednesday, 14th August

Buzz is on his second course for breakfast. The first course was a large bowl of shredded wheat, papaya, pineapple and peaches

Last course: cheese scone, traditional tea bread  and a coconut pastry

This version of monopoly money is Trinidadian money called $TT. It looks like a lot but is well under $100

Trinidad is sometimes called the island of the steel band and calypso. Look closely and you'll see that B&W have joined the band

We're off on another marathon, perhaps even walking off breakfast. This is a shadow of the fence at the police station

The building in the foreground is the old fire hall and behind is the national library. We each found a magazine and sat quietly while we tried to cool off. It's 33C (92F) and we walked for almost 3 hours - in the shade when we could (about 6.5 KM or 6 miles)

We've come to a park and Woody has found an old knot hole to escape from the heat

B&W stopped to watch a chess match

How did we end up in Saudi Arabia.  B&W are anxious to go for a camel ride

The Theatre for the Performing Arts

An unexpected photo op. We almost missed him; initially he was very well camouflaged. Signing off for the day. 

The Port of Spain Walking Marathon.

Breakfast was in the crow's nest nook of the hotel's restaurant; it was a 290 degree view. Just around 9 AM we headed out walking. This magnificent park is 2 minutes from our hotel.

Woody found this lovely forest hideaway

There are about 15 heritage buildings in the area, built around the turn of the century

Look out Buzz! This fellow has his eye on YOU!

Coconut vendor resting up before the crowd comes

This pigeon actually went into the coconut vendor's cart to steal something

One coconut vendor had the perfect display for the guys

When we came to St. Clair's street we turned right to reach our first destination

No idea what this is but Buzz thinks it makes the ideal broom

We've come across so many beautiful flowers that B&W may have to take some botany classes

Great shot Woody

That's some kind of bee, Buzz

Flowers within flowers and Buzz in flowers

Our destination? The post office. There's lots to learn at a post office. Featured here: National bird (scarlet ibis), local medical plants, national library, national festivals, native marine animals, fruits of the island, etc. Buzz always looks forward to these stops.

Markus is posting something secret that I won't  find out about until we get home. The staff had a few laughs over us when Markus wouldn't let me check out with him.

A B&W favourite

 Contrast

We are now in a different area with no particular destination in mind

What a lovely sight.
On the way back the water had greatly increased in volume and was certainly not clear.

 The feathers are stunning and the legs bring the whole outfit together perfectly 

Oh! here we are in India

And two minutes later we're in Bombay

Fresh coconuts ready to be cleaved

B&W share some Chinese food. Outrageous-no chopsticks! What is this world coming to?

Look up, way up

The tree hugger

We'd come to a very nice neighbourhood when Markus saw this ham radio antenna which apparently is his design.

B&W are out for a canoe trip all the way home to the hotel