Re: Travel info

Ace Suares wrote:
> dear friends
> 
> thursday 15th of Arpil 2004 I am booked for a DCA flight to Port of Spain.
> 
> The flight leaves curacao 21:55 so around 23:00 I will arrive in Trinidad.

OK, I will have my flight information tomorrow evening. If I recall 
correctly I depart on the 15th and return on the 19th, but someone else 
booked the tickets for me and my memory is very poor. I'll confirm when 
I can.

So Allan, can you organise some get together for us. I know my dates 
have changed but flights to Guyana are pretty limited.

> I have not booked a hotel yet. Any recommendations as to which hotel I should 
> book, are very welcome.

I'm afraid I don't know any hotels here. I do have a copy of the Rough 
Guide though. If you find nothing on VisitTnT or other folks mails here, 
let me know I'll type in the details from there.

One place I highly recomend for a couple of days relaxation is Asa 
Wrights. It's a nature reserve in the mountains. Got to be one of the 
best places to relax. No Internet (not even a phone) so not good for a 
work, but very relaxing.	

The University has a couple of rooms I could get for you. Not brilliant 
but OK.

> If someone is in the line of making money off tourists (which I practically 
> am), I don't mind renting your extra appartment for a week. However, I don't 
> want to intrude in your homes and kitchens and bathrooms, so only if you have 
> a really seperate appartment for rent, I would consider it. Also, I need 
> something near public tranportation, but preferably not in the middle of a 
> busy street. I like my quiet. Hmm. Difficult !? Tell me!

Whilst I am in T&T you are welcome at our place (and no I won't take 
your money, but I may make you work a little). We don't have a separate 
kitchen but we do have a section of the house with its own bathroom. We 
are 10 minute walk from public transport but have a nice quiet garden 
(apart from the dogs down the street!) with a hammock and well stocked bar.

We are about twenty minutes from Port of Spain. We only have dial up 
Internet, but my office is only 20 mins walk and there is an Internet 
Cafe 10 minutes away.

> Some general questions:
> - - what kind of transporation need I take from the airport at 23:00 in the 
> evening? Taxi? What price should I pay without getting ripped off?

Easiest is a Taxi. They are a rip-off, but they charge a standard rate 
so you are not personally being ripped off. When you come out of customs 
you will be accosted by taxi guys. As long as they have a yellow 
"airport taxes" badge they are legit. They have a board showing their 
charges that they will show you.

Not sure how much it is to Port of Spain.

Sorry I can't pick you up, but I may pass you in the airport :-)

> - - what kind of curency will do? Dollars? Or t&t money ?

US Dollars will be fine, TT$ are a little easier if you can get them 
before coming. (Taxis and many shops are happy with US$) but...

> - - are there working ATM's that accept Cirrus/Maestro bank cards (not credit 
> cards)

No problem, their everywhere if you stay in the built up areas. There 
are some in the airport if you need to get TT$ when arriving.

> - - what ways of transportation are there at 6 am on may 1st,  I need to check 
> in early

Get a lift (I will gladly help out if you are staying in my vicinity on 
the last night, the airport is only 20 mins for my house). If you can't 
get a lift then there are private taxi companies that will charge you 
about half of what the official airport taxis charge. Ask for a number 
wherever you stay on the last night.

> - - how long from the airport to town (in a taxi, bus, walking ;-) ?

Into PoS at that time of night, in a taxi, about 30 mins tops.


I look forward to meeting you and bouncing some ideas around.

Ross