Footprints Resort and Scarborough

I don't think I've ever been as exhausted from traveling as I was after this long, seemingly endless journey to get here. After a bus ride through Tobago, we made it to Footprints Resort, which is located in a secluded area of the island. After roughly 30 hours of traveling, we were all pretty dazed and overwhelmed so we were all just gazing at the beautiful scenery that looked like it was from a post card. Our tired group was greeted by a really friendly staff who had a very American lunch of hamburgers waiting for us. We came to the resort for group bonding and to get acclimated to the humid 85 degre weather, and to rest up after the journey to get here. As you can imagine, this wasn't a difficult task and was easily accomplished with exploring the 2 pools (one regular and one salt water), a hot tub (that was actually pretty cold!), the individual villas (some with their own pools even!), and the resorts own little beach. Even though we were exhausted, a group of 7 of us ventured to the beach that day. The resort offered to drop us off and pick us up between 5:00 and 5:30.....sounds like a reasonable plan right? The beach, of course, was beautiful and stunning and we had a lot of fun playing in the water and sun bathing. 5:00 came and went, 5:30 came and went, and around 6:00, we were beginning to wonder where our ride was. The problem was that not only was it dark, but we realized we had no idea how to get back to the resort, had very limited means of communication, and had no TT's (Tobagan money). Long story short, we ended up waiting at a motel down the road because it was dark and after making a few phone calls, the resort came to get us. It was at this point where we had a very authentic taste of what it means to be on "Tobago time" which is basically arriving a good 30-45 minutes after an event is actually suppose to start. A lot of the events and social gatherings operate on this chill, laid back "schedule". This sure has been a good test of patience, especially coming from the American culture where we have a tendency to work from a to do list, to maximize efficiency, and fill our schedule to accomplish the most amount of work in the least amount of time. The change of pace has been refreshing because it has given me time to stop and think about what i truly value and whether or not that is reflected in how I spend my time. Here, it would be rude to leave an in-depth conversation with a friend to get to a meeting on time because of the value placed on the friendship, but in the states, leaving the conversation would be considered normal. We have a tendency to operate on the principle that "time is money" but here, the Tobagans don't even measure time and money on the same scale because they're valued completely differently...how refreshing is that?! We were all pretty grumpy, tired, and hot during the ride back to the resort after being stranded at the beach for 4 fours and while making a quick stop at a store, I stayed in the van with 2 other group members while the others went in. This local came up to the window and asked why we were so unhappy and we tried to play if off by saying "We're fine! We're so happy" but he wasn't convinced and reminded us to smile because here we were, on a beautiful island, and that there was so much to smile about. My whole mood changed after talking with this local and after then, I had a hard time keeping a smile off my face. It's little reminders like that that puts everything in perspective. 

Last night, we went to "Sunday School" which was like no Sunday school that I've ever experienced! Tobago Sunday school is basically a late night block party, complete with a steel drum band, local vendors, music, dancing, food, and drinks. I think this is going to be the one time I'll be able to experience being offered drinks at Sunday school! ;) Everyone in the group had a great time and the evening continued back at the resort with late night swimming. 

Today, we arrived in Scarborough, which is the largest and main city in Tobago. After getting settled at "Pearls place" (which boasts stunning views of the ocean, and sunset), we were sent on a scavenger hunt in the city to become better acquainted with our home away from home for the next few weeks. I can proudly say that during this adventure, we successfully ordered lunch (chicken panini and gelato), talked with locals, found the locations of necessary shops (pharmacy, grocery store, post office, information center, etc), navigated the taxi system and made it back to pearls place. We were truly immersed in the culture at this point. There were groups of school children in matching uniforms, fruit stands that we're colorful with all kinds of local fresh produce, lots of people strolling around, and plenty of loud speakers playing fun, upbeat carnival music. Carnival is a huge annual event that is a hallmark event in Trinidad and Tobago. Carnival usually happens later in the spring so we're just missing it but its basically a long celebration of parades, dancing, dressing up in elaborate, flashy costumes, more dancing, eating, and spending time with family and friends. We were all exhausted, hot, and sticky from the humidity and as soon as we got back, all of us made our way to the pool before it was time to get ready for dinner. During this trip, we're responsible for all our meals except for when we go out to dinner as a group. Tonight we went to "Cafe Coco". The name sounds like the place would be a casual shop but this restaurant was absolutely gorgeous with an open layout, fountains, elaborate detail, and bright walls. Their menu was half American food and traditional Tobagan food. The American items were pretty funny, especially a dish called "Big Mammas Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, and Vegetables", ha! I went with a traditional meal of grilled king fish, mashed potatoes, vegetables, and salad as well as a fruity drink called "frosted lulu". We had a fun time laughing along with the guys who were all ordering these fruity drinks. The evening was fun but by the time dessert came (red velvet cake!), we were all full, relaxed, and ready for a laid back evening. Tomorrow we're going into town for grocery shopping and will visit a historic British fort/look out while our service learning cites are being finalized. 

Its unbelievable quickly time has gone....it was only a week ago that we were celebrating new years! Here's to an unforgettable first weekend in Tobago!