Oct 7, 2018 - Guyana - Lethem

About 10 years ago on a previous Guyana trip we went south as far as Annai but this time we wanted to travel all the way to Lethem which is a border town only a few miles from Brasil. So we took a long and bumpy 18 hour ride crammed into a minibus with a dozen other people, a baby, and lots of large bags & boxes. Of course we got stopped at roadblocks every few hours with local police looking for “raises” (local vernacular for bribes) but Gordon and I had our papers in order and carried no contraband so we didn’t have to waste any money. We...

Oct 2, 2018 - Guyana - Bartica

We took Gordon’s aged and somewhat frail mother Lulu to Saxacalli - a remote village down the Essequibo river - to see some of her Amerindian family there. So to get there we first took a packed minibus to Parika and spent the night in a scary firetrap hotel that hilariously charged “guests” for periods of 12 hours only. So we paid for two 12 hour stays. I don’t think Lulu had ever stayed in a motel or hotel before and she was pretty confused by the whole arrangement. The ferry to Bartica conveniently departed at 5:00 am and we had to buy...

Sep 22, 2018 - Guyana - Georgetown

We were feeling restless after a month and decided to take advantage of Caribbean Airline frequent flyer miles and so traveled to Guyana. We stayed at a cheap but comfortable guesthouse on Cummings St in Georgetown for the first week and traveled “over the river (Demerara)” to Gordon’s family house several times. Georgetown was hot, chaotic, and dirty as usual - although Guyana is the latest big ExxonMobil oil discovery the only difference was more white oil company faces on the plane - ( all traveling first-class of course) but no...

Jul 19, 2018 - A swim, a boat, a fort, and Georgetown

Up at 7:15 again after a good night and head out to breakfast again. Eat with the two cooks who told us about their lives in the village near the resort. Both were married to men who worked in the mines and were away for six weeks to two months at a time. Friendly folks. Then back and a bit of packing, then we decided to go for a swim as nothing special was planned. As we got in the water it started to rain, but we kept on. The current was quite strong so we had to keep moving to stay near the dock. Then we decided to do a bit of sailing so...

Jul 18, 2018 - On and around Sloth Island Resort

Up about 7:00 after a good night’s sleep and out for breakfast of eggs and toast. After breakfast we walked around the compound to look at what there might be. We found a caiman skull and lots of different flowers. We came upon a swing made from vines and at that point Fidel the guide showed up to walk with us and explain what things were. Both Kitty and I tried out the swing. We came on a red seed pod and Fidel told us it was used for dye and painting – and it washed off. Kitty tried some on – quite bright (and difficult to wash off...

Jul 17, 2018 - To Sloth Island

Up at 6:45 and do final packing for the trip. Over to breakfast and another chilly reception – no reply to our good morning. After breakfast Maya showed us the “craft house” with the different types of weaves for hammocks. Then down to the boat for a long run down river. A fast run with only one stop to look at a red howler monkey. When we got to the take out it was pretty clear that Manuel wasn’t sure where to go. We sailed into a flooded field, then he pulled the boat for a while, then walked off. We heard a car but it drove away from us....

Jul 16, 2018 - Karanambu Park

Up at 4:45 AM after a difficult sleep. Had all sorts of issues with the internet and lots of bugs all over the computer screen. When I finally got under the mosquito net I was accompanied by several mosquitos and several other biting insects. The night was punctuated by snoring from the next room, the fluttering of either a bat or a large moth, and the occasional bang of a mango hitting he metal roof and several downpours. After a cup of tea we headed in the dark down to the boat. The seat with Ann and Robin had its back break, so that was...

Jul 15, 2018 - Kaieteur Falls and Karanambu lodge

Up at 6:45 to pack for the trip into the interior. Taking only one bag as we’re flying in a bush plane. Nice breakfast then meet with the van and off to Ogle airport. We weigh in – both bags and ourselves – then wait a bit for the sky to clear near the falls. We finally head out about 10:00 Am and fly to Kaieteur Falls. Interesting trip =mostly over untouched jungle but the occasional gold or diamond mine complex scarred the land. Moved from all jungle to foothills and finally spotted the mist from the falls. The pilot flew around the...

Jul 14, 2018 - Georgetown!

Up at 6:45 and get dressed and down to breakfast. Provided by the hotel and the buffet was served by one of the hotel workers. Chick peas, a sort of roll, and two other sauces along with a little fruit. Then into the lobby where we were supposed to meet our guide at 8:00. By about 8:25 I tried to call the number they had provided but it was disconnected, But shortly after the tour people showed up – Ann and Adrianne. We met the other two people on the tour – Ann and Robin. All sorts of plans had changed because of flooded roads and other...

Jul 13, 2018 - Finally in Guyana

One-hour flight to Georgetown without issue, then stand in the passport line for about half an hour (being two of only about ten white people in over 100 total folks). We had to show our return tickets at passport but no other problems. We got our bags and met our ride – Amos – 90 minutes late. He drove us into town and we had a nice chat about the country and shared some of our history, We got to the hotel, got checked in, and were in our room about midnight! Kitty took a cold water shower but I waited and eventually the warm water showed...

Jan 21, 2018 - Georgetown, Guyana

After a restless night at the hotel up early and off to my new hotel was lucky was able to check in early got stuff sorted out and down for some breakfast, then it was a bit of computer stuff, checked in online for my early morning flight to Port of Spain, Trinidad. Then off for a walk around Georgetown, Not a very large city so was durable just walking. A stop for some lunch chicken at Popeyes and the back to room for a bit of rest. Back out for some dinner and a couple beers before heading back to my room marking the end of the day.

Jan 20, 2018 - and on to Georgetown, Guyana

Wow what a day it was, LOL My flight from PBM Paramaribo to GEO Georgetown was to leave at 11:15 AM and be a forty minute flight, I had booked a taxi to take me to the airport at 7:30 with the hotel, then yesterday evening was told by the the manager that the flight was delayed until 1:45 PM so the taxi would then pick me up at 9:30. So Could have a bit of breakfast at the hotel before going to the airport, great. The taxi driver was there at 9:30 off to the airport a hour drive, got there and there was a few people setting around also on...