Time in Trinidad and Tobago Trivia Quiz

Answer: Scarlet ibis

Our first excursion was to the Caroni swamps where we went on flat-bottomed boats through the mangroves and out to a large lake where, at evening time, flocks of ibis fly in from the swamps to roost. Within a short time the trees on the islands in the lake look like berry bushes. Our guide estimated about 10,000 birds flew in each night.

Answer: Hummingbird

On our second excursion we visited the Asa Wright Nature Centre. Here you can sit on the veranda with a cold beer and watch many species of hummingbird visit the nectar feeders that hang from the edges.

The ancient name for Trinidad was 'Lere', Land of the Hummingbirds. There are as many species on the two islands as there are in the whole of the USA.

Whilst there we also went on a guided walk to try to catch a glimpse of the Bearded bellbird mentioned in the first question. He was hard to spot, but easy to hear. He is known as the loudest bird in the forest.

Answer: The Twin Towers

Our next trip was to visit the island of Tobago. We left on the ferry early morning and these towers are a big marker on the shoreline of Port of Spain.

Incidentally, doubles are a tasty breakfast in Trinidad, consisting of two roti and a chickpea curry. You have to get up early to get them though.

Answer: Venezuela

As you leave Port of Spain on the ferry to Tobago you sail through a little crop of islands, as you enter open waters you can see Venezuela, which is only 7 miles away from Trinidad's closest point.

This is not the best photo; the day before we travelled there was a haze of sand transported from the Sahara that gave everything a very yellow tinge and obscured much of the horizon.

Answer: France

Fort King George was built in 1777, by June 1781 Tobago had fallen to the French.

Today the forts are beautiful serene areas with fantastic views of the beaches and the sea vistas.

Answer: Angostura

Originally produced as a botanical tonic in Angostura in the Venezuelan state of Bolivar, production was moved to Port of Spain in Trinidad in 1875.

The rum punch in the picture was very tasty and really hit the spot whilst sitting in a bar by the beach. Paradise indeed.

Answer: The Red House

The Red House had only recently reopened when we visited following a refurbishment. We were allowed to go into the central atrium where they had an art display featuring Trinidadian Carnival motifs.

It is a very beautiful building and well worth a visit.

Answer: A bread roll

Bake and shark is also referred to as shark and bake. The fish is seasoned, battered and sold at beach locations, most famously at Maracas Beach. There are many establishments selling bake and shark, and much debate as to whose is the best.

All I know is that it tasted amazing.

Bake is a bread roll, freshly baked, or fried, and oftentimes containing coconut.

Answer: Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday

We were in Trinidad the week before Carnival, there are many events to attend prior to carnival itself. The photo comes from the kings and queens competition, where entrants parade their costumes before a panel of judges choose who is going to be The King and The Queen of Carnival. The costumes are big, colourful, structurally fascinating and can cost a fortune.

There is also a junior king and queen competition.

Carnival starts at 4am on the Monday before Ash Wednesday with 'J'ouvert' participants dressed in ragged costumes and covered in mud and paint, who then parade around the carnival areas near the Savannah, which is the central green space in Port of Spain, until sunrise. It's pretty much non-stop partying for 2 days following.

Answer: Calypso

Calypso is generally witty and satirical, it is topical and includes popular figures, current events and social commentary.

Prior to Carnival, a carnival village springs up on the Savannah, and people sell items, set up food stalls and different groups display their talents. The gentleman in the picture serenaded us and treated us to a free concert of calypso music.