the Whiteys Visit Georgetown

Last Wednesday, I decided to jump aboard an Iwokrama vehicle for a spontaneous but much needed break in Georgetown-the road is somewhat passable now. We stayed at the Sleepin Guest House on Church Street, which was a great location - right next to Borden Market, that is famous for its fruits and vegetable stands, and really close to Regent Street, Georgetown's main shopping area. We wined and dined all week and I looved getting to stay in an air conditioned room! It is also surprising to notice what bush life does to you--its strange to be surrounded by so many people and activity! Georgetown is a true contrast to the lush, green, quiet peaceful field station.

Here is a shot of the pontoon coming to pick us up at Kurupukari Crossing -right beside the entrance to the field station. The water level has risen soo much since I first arrived!

Here is a shot of Michelle Island. Michelle's patio is almost submerged. Lets hope the water doesn't get ANY higher

About 3 hours north of Kurupukari, you hit the rest stop called km 58. They have taken a spider monkey as a pet and roped him to this tree. It was really sad to see him running around the tree while we had our lunch, I was tempted to let him go free. Poor little guy...

 

Here are some shots of Georgetown. I didn't take too many, because I am always a bit apprehensive of  taking photos while walking around...people were staring at us to begin with! Above is a shot of Stabroek Market. We decided to venture to the market on Saturday, the main shopping day in Georgetown. It was insane to say the least. We could hardly breathe let alone move, it was so crowded. Check out all the mini buses lined up

A common site on the streets of Georgetown. They really have to start a proper recycling system in the city and ban the use of Styrofoam...its everywhere, pretty sad. 

A typical house in the city

 There are little hair salons like this one everywhere in Georgetown!

 When walking down the street, we constantly get hissed at and people should out, 'hey Whitey'...Its super annoying, but nice that we had each other to walk with. Once, someone shouted, 'Hey Snowball!' to my friend...pretty unbelievable! One time a guy shouted to me, 'Wheres your sun umbrella, Whitey!' Ever since, I have walked with an umbrella, useful not only for sun protection, but to avoid stares.

 On Sunday, we stopped at a small market on the outskirts of town to pick up some bananas and pineapple, before heading out of the city to cool off in a stream by the road.

 We enjoyed some coconut drinks along the way :)

On the drive back, we stopped for a walk on Georgetown's bridge over the Demerara River. The pink sunset was spectacular.

 

We enjoyed some ice cold mango smoothies at Oasis Cafe after a long walk in the afternoon heat. I love this mural on the wall inside Oasis, taken along Georgetown's Main Street. 

 Cheers!

 View of Church Street from the top flood of the Sleepin Guest House

 This is what the kids in Georgetown get to play on-- never take Vancouver's fancy playgrounds for granted!

 On Monday night, we had to take a mini bus back into the interior, since the intraserv is no longer running. We were squished onto two seats in the front row-if you call the middle seat between the driver and the passenger a seat! It was a bumpy trip, and the driver drove VERY fast along the paved strip between Georgetown and Linden. Not to mention, he was blasting Reggae the whole way, and every time he changed gears, he hit my leg! We had to pile on and off the mini bus numerous times to get our passports checked at Police stops, and for the driver and passengers to stop for snacks. Nevertheless, we eventually made it to Iwokrama!

Happy to finally reach Kurupukari Crossing :)

So now I am back at the field station, enjoying the flooded waters. Wont be able to go on any runs along the access road for the next few weeks, but looking forward to doing lengths in the pool that has formed infront of the field station!