I recently visited the country of Guyana. My wife and went with some friends who grew up in Guyana and some other people doing missionary work there.
Guyana is a beautiful country that is 500 miles north of the equator in South America. Georgetown, the capital city, is on the coast beside the Demerara river. The city is actually below sea level so they have a sea wall that protects the city from major flooding.
We had lots of fun there! The food was delicious, with a lot of mild curry and jerk seasonings. The people were nice, especially in the open markets. We got to ride all the way to New Amsterdam and back one day, enjoying the floating bridges they used to cross the rivers. And we got to ride all the way to Parika, known as the "end of the road". We even went on an adventure and flew to see Kaieteur Falls, the tallest drop waterfall in the world - the tannic acid filled water was beautiful, giving the waterfall a brownish hue as it flowed and fell.
I learned some things that I didn't know while we were in Guyana: :
- Some people put necklaces and bracelets on their children to ward off evil spirits.
- Almost every tree in a home's yard is some kind of fruit tree.
- Several fruits and teas from Guyana have cancer fighting properties.
- "Take it from she" is a valid sentence meaning take it from her.
- The kids call you "Uncle" instead of "sir" after getting some time with you. Nice.
- Time is relative. My five minutes is usually not the same as their five minutes.
- Many of the homes are also businesses.
- Houses are built on stilts. Then the lower level is filled in to expand living space. Not always closed in.
Because Guyana was a British colony they mostly speak English, just sometimes with a strong Caribbean accent that makes you pay attention. And they drive on the left side of the road with a lot less space between cars, motorcycles, scooters, big trucks, and horse-drawn carts than I am used to.
Guyana is a beautiful country. If you ever get a chance to visit I highly recommend it!
Map:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/GvcTYxkWmu1yHgqy6
Wikipedia:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guyana?wprov=sfla1
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