Zeelandia Suites Paramaribo

... she weaves wicker baskets. She showed me how to do it and was not too rude about my efforts.

Gunsi is very small, only 150 inhabitants, mainly women and children; many men go to Paramaribo looking for work. We were told that men tend to “put it about a bit“ and it is very common to have several women at the same time. Indeed, there is an option on the visa form to give your marital status as 'concubine“! We found out that Kwami, for example, has 5 children ...

... us to the turtle nesting sight. In the afternoon we met another English man who is walking around the world, at the moment the he has been going for about 21 years; the latest leg was from Mexico following the same route as us and he has taken about 2 ½ years for this. 19th - Went for a ride around the town looking at the old buildings, most are original colonial buildings, some are restored and others in various stages of falling down. We had a look ...

... used to call it Dutch Guiana in colonial times. As well as Dutch, they speak Sranan Tongo which developed from a fusion of many languages, English, Dutch, Portuguese, Bantu West African languages and (I'm not sure) Amerindian languages. Fascinating if you are interested in languages as I am. The "bus" on the Suriname side is usually a large minibus, midibus, maxi-taxi (about 20 seats, including the ones filled with luggage). On the Guyana side it is ...

... that I spent most of the time lying down, my Aunties (and Uncle Bissoon) spoiled me silly. I couldn't sit still but someone was cooking something for me or giving me something to eat or buying something for me to eat. I mostly watched t.v. all day, and there was, of all miracles, a shower and hot water, and air conditioning! Oh, Oh, Oh, and a washing machine and dryer!!!! So I didn't have to cook or wash or anything for that entire week. Plus, my cousin Tina took me ...

... aan et voilį, er gaat een wereld voor ons open. Voormalige plantages In het weekeind is het feest aan de rivier. Jetski's en speedboten scheren tussen de geankerde jachten door, grote golven trekkend. Radio“s uit auto's klinken door elkaar en veel eettentjes verkopen thuis bereidde maaltijden. Het geeft een Amsterdamse Koninginnedag gevoel waarbij "een losse buik" niet uitgesloten is. We ontmoeten er Steven en Emmie, locals ons graag wat meer van de omgeving willen laten ...

... Also a lot of people colecting honey. Known as the best honey and sweetest the Parwa Honey. Driving to the east we came in Nickerie where there are only rice fields. All the rice of Suriname comming from that district. Small town and other style of living. Most influence from Brittish Guyana. After a good rest and relaxing night we take a boat to the Bigi Pan Nature Reserve. There ...

... They apparently get permits to sell in FG, although I'm sure there is numerous illegal operations as well. When I say lucrative, don't be fooled into imagining more than substance living. It's an interesting village in that the sand extends for a long stretch, probably about 1/4 mile wide on a long stretch with the bush (jungle) behind. The village is spread out on this sand with palm trees and mango trees. The mangoes are in full season. Being a mango lover is was something to ...

... fireworks that went on for 1 1/2 hours that I watched on TV. The city has been decked out all week with red/green/white bunting and many, many flags on homes, cars and buildings. I am thinking that only the USA rivals Suriname in their love of their flag! And this event brings other discussions as well. Sandra, our Dutch teacher when asked what she planned for that day answered. "Nothing, I will stay home and rest, Suriname is not independent! We still ...

... there is a lot of competition and jockeying for position for funding dollars and recognition. Needless to say, it is easy to feel that affecting any change in a few weeks in an overwhelming if not impossible task. On the positive side, while the management of SNMP have major issues, they all want to do a better job and be better managers. Also, CCI isn't the only kid on the block. There are many Peace Corp volunteers in Suriname and they have 2 year postings. There is ...

... a top are topless with their empty sacks of breasts hanging to their bellies. The young girls who are not fully developed and not mothers are often topless. The children belong to the village. They are in and out of any home, including Dara's, generally with out knocking or asking. Dara tells us that the children are never asked to do something, they are told and they are never thanked. It is just expected. She also tells us that the parents eat first and the kids get what ...