Voices Newspaper Altinkum Didim Turkey - Holidays with a difference

Altinkum-based globe trotter Chris Tofield reveals his latest forays from Guyana to the shores of the Arabian Sea.

THE BA flight 829 alied approached Trinidad International Airport. Seat belt on and thoughts of sun, sea and serenity for the few days stay on the Caribbean isle. Smooth landing, the hustle and bustle of passengers fihgting to be the first to the overjead lockers and off the plane.

On the bus to arrivals terminal, then the quwuw to Immigration where the first problem arises: Where are you staying, sir and When do you plan to leave. To both I replied Not a clue.

Hoping that the taxi driver would know a cheap b and b and stay depends on how I enjoy tis sceptred isle. So back of the queue I wait while a supervsor is sought.

One hour later after satisfying immigration of my honest intentions, I found myself outside a pleasant b and b called the Gingerbread House situated in the captial Port o Spain. Not a cheap island so budget only allowed a few days stay.

Sorry to say no description of sun kissed beachesand ice blue sea as I quikcly discovered that Trinidad is not a safe place for the lone tourist, particularly at night.

Sure that the tourists in their fully inclusive five star hotels are having a wonderful time. Me, on a West Indies aircraft on the on hour flight to Georgetown, Guyana. The last time I was in Guyana I had been a young soldier during their independence from Britain. So I was looking forward to revisiting old haunts and especially revisiting a small village in a place called Mathews Ridge situated in the jungle heartland near the border with Venezuela.

Also a visit to Kaitur Falls which has the longest drop 741 ft of any waterfall in the world.

Georgetown is a city with a thriving population of a hopscotch mix of African, West Indian, Spanish and Portugese . It is a lively place and also boasts the tallest wooden building (a church) in the world.

I had planned to jump on a ferry drift along the Esposito River before a final raft journey to Matthhew’s Ridge. Alas my plans did not come to fruition, as I was told that in no uncertain terms, that to travel alone was to invite being robbed at best or chopped up at worst.

Unfortunately, unlike my travels in Cambodia,Laos and other countries, the backpacking fraternity have not hit Guyana, so unable to pal up and share my travels.

I did manage to visit Kaitur Falls. They were awesome but had to use an internal flight so the budget was severely dented. So after a serious rethink, I cut my losses and after considering where to go and fund guaranteed sunshine, beaches and affordability I settled on Goa.

Writing this I have landed up in Candolim, in Goa, India, where there is great entertainment, great food, nice people, although the dirty, smelly trafic is a nightmare. But this is my fifth visit and I love it here.

I even manage to run a weekly quiz at the Taste of China. It is nearly the same as being back in Turkey as it seems half the Brit population of Altinkum are here,

On reflection, Trinidad would be an enjoyable place for a package holiday. Guyana was fantastic scenery and great with a group. Not a beach holiday. Georgetown, visit the market and the British forcess cemetery.

In Guyana visit Kaifur Falls, jungle experience and catch a ferry to explore the hinterland. Can travel by coach to Brazil.

Goa: Just get here. On my balcony, with a pair of shorts on. See you in April.