It's a quirky little country, this home of mine. When you're invited to go “down the islands” (“dong de islands” in local parlance) you may wonder where you're being taken. Trinidad is, after all, the most southerly point of the Caribbean archipelago. Any further down, and you're in South America.

Generally the phrase refers to one of a small chain of islands forming a loose link from the northwestern peninsula of Chaguaramas to Venezuela. But you could also be heading to Scotland Bay which, though it is primarily accessible only by boat, is very definitely on the island of Trinidad. Either way, you're on your way to a somewhat more exclusive sort of beach experience, away from the crowds and traffic associated with the more popular local beaches. Walk with your food and drink though, there are no vendors dong the islands.