Suriname is as beautiful as ever and things are good. Since our last journal we have found both a Spanish teacher and a Dutch teacher, so much of our time has been spent learning. Our Spanish teacher is a 20 year old missionary from Columbia. He is quite interesting and for 20 years old has many stories to tell. He is also a good teacher. Our Dutch teacher is an older lady who is Surinamese and is a school administrator. She's also a good teacher, but I'm afraid that the Dutch is taking a bit longer to learn.
This past weekend we went on our first trip to the interior. We went to a few places which were all very tranquil and beautiful. Our tour guide and our cook were quite knowledgeable about the places we visited and also knew many of the Amerindian people that we met along the way. It is amazing that in year 2000 so many people still live in huts and hunt and fish for food. Their only income is selling handmade pottery to the few tourists. We also found it amazing that most of them speak 3 languages; Dutch, Taki-Taki (the local street language) and also their own tribal language. They put us to shame in the language category. The place we finally spent the night was called Blakawatre, which means "black water". They call it this because there is a large creek there which flows black water. It actually has the exact colour of coca cola! It was very peaceful there. We swam, made a fire and did all the wilderness stuff, including getting eaten alive by mosquitoes. Better precautions will be taken next time.
This weekend we go to Galibi to watch the leatherback turtles lay their eggs. I'm excited! It is right on the border of French Guyana, so are hoping to spend one of the days there eating French food!! Also my friend Wendy arrives next Tuesday for a 2 week visit and we have many things planned for us to do with her. Never a dull moment. More soon.
Ana
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