10 - November 5, 2016

Just 9 miles from Venezuela is the country of Trinidad & Tobago--two islands, one country, with vast mineral and oil resources. We visited the Port of Spain on Trinidad, another country with huge Chinese investment. Suzy toured the Caroni bird sanctuary in a mangrove swamp (the national bird of Trinidad is the scarlet ibis--beautiful, but too fleeting to get a photo). Cap took a cultural tour (the Angostura rum distiller was closed on Saturday).

The port area with steel drum welcome.

National Center for the Performing Arts (paid for by the Chinese government)

Many diverse cultures settled these islands. Our guide made a point of how well they

get along (was she speaking to Americans?). Here's some of the beautiful buildings they created. They were all homes, one still occupied by descendants of the original family.

At the The Botanical Gardens: a Brazil nut tree, HPG with friends, and a flowering tree.

An ocean-going fuel barge bunkers our fuel.

Fresh fish--tuna and blue marlin--brought on board at Castries, and featured in a beautiful 

al fresco buffet--grilled a la minute, just one of the great meals aboard.

The island of Tobago is noted more for its resorts and laid-back atmosphere; Port of Spain is a commercial city with fascinating culture.

The next two days are at sea, followed by our first day on the Amazon.