At last, I arrive at my jungle home!

I made it to the beautiful Iwokrama Field Station!

Fun Facts I have learned on my journey so far:

1. You MUST have a return ticket in order to enter Guyana! I did NOT, since Ross and I are still trying to figure out our travel plans and I am not sure if I will head straight back to Canada. I was held at customs for about 1 hour trying to convince the lady to let me through. At first, she was going to make me pay a return ticket on the spot, but by the end, she stamped my Passport for a 3 month stay and I will have to go back to apply for a longer stay before 3 months are up.
2. My last name Beaty (pronounced BT) is what the Guyanese call butt, booty or tush! They think it is really funny my last name is Beaty.
3. Guyana used to have Giant Sloths in prehistoric days thatwere up to 6 meters tall!
4. I am really pale
5. Canada's transportation system is amazing

~

My trip so far has been unbelievable, astonishing and challenging. I spent two days and one night in Georgetown where I made friends with two amazing people from Iwokrama who took me under their wings. Georgetown is a dangerous city, and it was interesting walking around getting hissed and smooched at by men loitering around the streets. I stand out like a sore thumb with my pale, Canadian-winter legs and arms. One Guyanese women actually told me she has never seen feet as white as mine! After I was escorted onto the Intraserv Bus by my dear Iwokrama friends, I clung to my purse as the bus ricocheted out of the bustling city towards the untamed jungle abyss. Once we passed through Linden, an outskirt city of Georgetown, the paved road ended and the dirt road began. For the remainder of the bus ride, I attempted to get some shut-eye while getting jostled and thrown around. All members on the bus had to get off for 3 different police checks along the way and one ferry crossing over the Esquibo River. I was really worried that I was going to miss the stop for the Iwokrama Field Station, but once the bus was on the 'ferry' (more like a raft), I could see the field station up the Esquibo River. I was overcome with relief knowing I was so close to my future home. Immediately, I was escorted to the staff accommodation wing, where I was given a small and quaint room. For the remainder of the day, I have been introduced to the field station staff who are all very friendly and have explored the grounds. It is breathtakingly beautiful and I love all of the bird and bug sightings I have already seen!

Here are some photos I have taken so far:

View of my room from the door. Small but perfect

View of the staff accommodation building. My room is far right

The central research and dining hall. While eating my first breakfast,
I saw a monkey climbing a tree and half a dozen Macaws flew by!

cute birdie

The guest houses

The researchers go swimming even though there are Piranhas
and Cayman. Soon I will have courage too!

That is all for now. Will update soon! xox