Tobago is where Trinidadians go on vacation when they need a break from the hustle and bustle of their own gorgeous Caribbean island.  So, our Trini friend Danielle, the Midwestern Gentleman, and I followed suit by heading to the “sister island” for a couple of days of vacation from our vacation in Trinidad.  Actually, our beach-time on Tobago was a relaxing break from the frenetic excitement in Trinidad leading up to Carnival, as you can see…

The glass-bottomed boat “Miss Jo” carried us out to the Buccoo Coral Reef and the Nylon Pool for a swim.

The view of Tobago from aboard the “Miss Jo” was a Caribbean fantasy come true.

This photogenic pier at Pigeon Point Beach appears in many advertizements.

Arguably Tobago’s most signature dish, crab and dumplin’ (from Miss Jean’s food shop at Store Bay) proved to be a rich, coconut-based green curry with a flavor that haunts me still.  I couldn’t eat the gluten-containing dumplings, so I ordered mine with coocoo, a deliciously rich polenta cooked with coconut milk and okra.

Dead coral from Buccoo Reef breaks off and washes ashore on the beaches.  Happily, Danielle reported that the reef appeared much healthier than the last time she had visited.  As a conservation measure, visitors are no longer allowed to walk on the reef, although you can still snorkel above it.

After a long day of boating and eating, we swam and walked at Pigeon Point as sunset approached — a perfectly relaxing vacation-within-a-vacation.