Guyana: Travel Experience

Whether you are looking for low key or high-end entertainment and experience, Guyana is waiting for you. The divine pristine landmass of this beautiful South American country, will last much longer in your memoirs than you had anticipated. It’s a fascination with natural habitats, flora and fauna that absolutely takes your breath away.

Don’t let the absence of the white sand and beautiful blue fool you (yes, Guyana has no blue waters and white sandy beaches).Although this country is not gifted with the Caribbean blue, obviously the universe has single-handedly picked Guyana as the recipient of the “Undiscovered South American treasure award,” allowing to 80% of its 216,000 square kilometres being covered with rainforest, jungle trails, rivers, exotic species of birds and animals (and who wouldn’t want to see at least a quarter of the over 910 species of exotic birds that call Guyana home). Let’s not forget it’s also home to the rare and elusive jaguar who it is said may, “best be sighted in the Iwokrama Forest.” It’s your turn to add a memoir of Guyana to your list!

Georgetown (GT), the capital city boasts well-established structures reminiscent of the colonial era and mystique Victorian architecture, with St. George’s Cathedral – one of the tallest wooden structures in the world (and you thought skyscrapers only existed up north). Stroll down Regent Street, well known for its many Chinese shops or be fancy and grab a few items at Giftland Mall, a complete shopping experience for the family.

There’s nothing missing from the GT nightlife, with Palm Court pumping out some snazzy DJs, Hibiscus giving you the night of your life and many others like Night Cap, White Castle Fish Shop and Altitude giving just the right feeling. As you can imagine, partying is better with friends and once you’re in the company of some good Guyanese people, trust me when I say, ‘you good’. The warmth of the Guyanese people, the ease at which they invite you in their circles, their closeness to family and just the desire to lyme and drink a few beers, perhaps along the Sea Wall—(bwoi dem Guyanese people sure love to lyme) give you the best level of enjoyment. While you’re lyming, be prepared to sample some pepperpot, cook-up rice, fish, beef or duck curry with roti and dhal puri. Then there’s Boulanger with eddo and mango achar. Don’t miss the crispy plantains, ‘chicken foot’ and snacks from the wayside vendors served up with mouth-watering mango sour. GT: Eat. Lyme. Party. Chill. Repeat!

To experience the natural reserves of the “land of many waters,” a trip across the Essequibo River (by water taxi), or a venture to Aruwai Resorts and Iwokrama awaits. It’s the joy of nature lovers and adventures. And who cares where the path leads when there’s so much nature, green leaves, beautiful flora, mounting curiosity of what lies beyond the forest? For all we know, you may end up at a stream that gushes with heights of cool cascading water, intended to refresh the wearied traveller; it’s exactly what’s needed. Guyana’s rivers stand by their names, fulfilling the requests of the pleasure-seeking adventurer and doing what they do best – refresh, revive, revitalise.

To Read More: Purchase your copy of Volume 9 #4– September-October 2017