Justine Shapiro travels to the Eastern Caribbean, a 600 mile long group of islands also known as the Lesser Antilles. Most people think of the Caribbean as a luxury vacation destination for the rich and famous. But as Justine discovers, the Caribbean has a unique history and fascinating culture that will captivate the independent traveler. She begins her journey in culturally diverse Trinidad, just 6 miles off the coast of South America. In the month of March the streets of the capital, Port of Spain, come alive with revelers at one of the largest street parties on earth. The carnival was introduced by French Catholic plantation owners who used to hold masquerade balls to celebrate the last 2 days before lent. When slavery was abolished, the masqueraders took to the streets and today more than 250000 people take part in the festivities. Justine finds herself a costume and takes the opportunity to learn the Caribbean arts of chipping and wining. With the party over on the stroke of midnight, Justine flies north to Trinidad’s sister island, Tobago. Famous for its unspoiled beaches and crystal clear waters, Tobago was a wealthy British colony until 1962, thriving on the coconut, sugar and cocoa plantations. Justine visits Richmond Great House, a former plantation turned guesthouse, and witnesses a local gambling institution, the Buccoo goat race. From Tobago, Justine journeys north to the spice island of Grenada. Here, she pays a visit to the thriving St. George market …