Karen brought her son for the first time to little Guyana. This is how she describes Georgetown.

Good Morning,

I recently visit Guyana after MANY years of not having seen it and took my son with me for his first trip.  Can I say that we had a FANTASTIC time and what’s more – my son loved it and is looking forward to another visit.  I had absolutely no problems anywhere – everyone was friendly and very helpful everywhere we went. Staff in banks and public offices were very friendly and professional.  I would only like to make a recommendation or two, if you don’t mind.

We went to the bank in Georgetown to exchange U.S. currency for Guyanese currency and found that they would only change exactly what we had.  Meaning – if I had $100 US and only wanted $75 of it changed, and the rest returned to me in US currency – that was not possible. They did change it, but there was some reservation.  Is there a way that visitors are allowed to change what ever is requested – perhaps with a limit, such as nothing less than $20. – but… I went with the flow… didn’t stop us from having a good time.

I went with my father to conduct some business and found on arrival to the office on Charlotte St. that they would not let me in because I was wearing a tank top and shorts.  They would over look the flip flops and perhaps even the shorts (which were khaki and stopped about 1/2 an inch above my knee) but they would not allow me to come in because of the tank top I had on.  The top was black with white stripes – cotton.  Even when I explained that my dad doesn’t see well, doesn’t hear well and it would have been better to have someone explain what was being told to him (he’s 83), they would not let me in.  So I had to wait outside while he went inside & pray that he understood what was being told to him.  Once done, the document appeared to be in order – so that worked out fine.  But I couldn’t get over the point that they would not let me in because my arms were outside.  If you could explain that to me, I would be grateful.  Again, I didn’t make a fuss, just went with the flow… I was there to have a good time.

On leaving, we arrived at the airport about 2 hours ahead of the time that we were supposed to be there – which was about 1 1/2 hours before the flight time so we had plenty of time to sit, chat, people watch.  When it was time, we checked in our luggage and then proceeded to customs/immigration.  When we got there that’s when we found out that we had to pay a tax – or we couldn’t leave – you could imagine the horror – as I had to be back at work on Monday.  In any event, one of the staff persons at the airport was kind enough to make the change and we were good to go.  Is there any way that they could have a booth/kiosk with someone stationed there for currency exchange? Or perhaps in that very booth where you have to pay the tax, they have the ability to change the $ or accept payment in US currency.  That would have cut down on the panic tremendously.  I was shaking so hard, I couldn’t even count – and I don’t have a problem counting money – that’s just how rattled I was.

Why are we not allowed to take pictures in the museum?  It is absolutely beautiful and the treasures there are magnificant – especially the Megatherium – WOW!  And the airport on arrival, I’m sorry, but that’s the most beautiful entrance that I’ve ever seen at an airport! Again… sorry – but I sneaked a picture – and had to show everyone how beautiful it was.  Well like I said, we had a great time, my son ate banga mary like it was going out of style, roti, curry, channa, you name it and he had ginnips until he popped  – and I was right there with him .  We went to the zoo, the seawall, shopping at big market, Guyana stores, city mall, regent street, Demico house for lunch AND… we even got a blackout LOL – brought back memories – It was GREAT!  We stayed at Palace de Leon on Croal street and it was very convenient.  I was driven through Cherry street but it was getting dark so we really couldn’t see much – but it looked like that was a busy street in terms of hotels etc. (any recommendations in that area?) The next time we come it will be for 2 weeks and not just one and this time… we’re heading to the falls, so I guess we’ll have to figure out how best to work some time between Georgetown and a resort that will get us to the falls.

All in all we had a GREAT time.  Enjoyed the fresh fruits, the fresh food, the mini vans (they were great – it was like being in a rolling dance hall) and everything about Guyana.  I was so glad to go back to visit after 20+ years of not being there and then to take my son – that was truly a blessing.  We kept everyone up to speed on face book with videos and photos.  They’re so excited that the whole gang – and that’s a lot of us – are gearing up to return in about 3 years.  It was wonderful.  I will check the tourism site to see what’s available and the ratings things that are going on particularly in the months of February, July & August.  It was wonderful to visit and I am very happy to see all of the development and expansion that is going on.  The tourism staff at the airport were also very courteous.  Keep up the excellent work and see you all in three years time – God willing.

Thank You,
Karen Black,
University of Central Florida
Office of Human Resources, Records

Journey to the north eastern Atlantic coast of Guyana in the Barima Waini Region to Shell Beach! This 90 mile stretch of relatively uninhabited coastline is known mainly as a nesting ground for four species of endangered marine turtles which come to nest here annually.

The area itself however, is a unique ecosystem encompassing mangrove forests, inland swamp forests and Savannah and bordered by the Atlantic seaboard where mud-flats front the shore in some areas. Apart from the four species of endangered marine turtles (Giant Leather back, Hawksbill, Olive Ridley, and Green Turtles) the area is known to posses giant river turtles as well as tortoises, along with manatees, tapirs, deer, jaguars, howler monkeys and other large animals.

The bird diversity is one of the richest in Guyana and includes many species of parrots and macaws, numerous wading birds including many scarlet ibis and Caribbean flamingos, herons, egrets among a host of others. The ecosystem of Shell Beach has remained relatively intact over the years due to the absence of large settlements along the beach and surrounding areas. This has been due mainly to the inaccessibility of the areas as well as the inhospitable nature of the mangrove swamps. Over the years though a few communities have built up along the beaches and are mainly Amerindians from other villages within the wider area.

The Kanuku Mountains

The Kanuku Mountains – recognized by Conservation International as being one of the few remaining pristine Amazon habitats is almost 3000ft high.  This picturesque mountain range forms a spectacular backdrop to the Rupununi Savannahs with its sculptured crowns peaking just below the clouds.

The Kanuku Mountains is a birdwatchers paradise, as over 60 percent of the species of birds in Guyana can be found in the Kanukus alone, including harpy eagle, white bell bird, oil bird, pompadour cotinga, golden crowned manakins, several species of macaws, as well as many parrot and toucan species. Guianan red cotinga, zigzag and fascinated tiger heron are also regularly seen spotted.

Mammals rank high in the Kanukus, with over 75 percent of Guyana’s species found in the area. Black spider, howler, squirrel, brown capuchin and bearded saki monkeys are common, as are giant river and neotropical otters. Nocturnal species such as paca, opossum, ocelots, and many species of rats and bats can be seen on night drifts.

With little or no human settlement on the eastern range, the area is still un-spoilt and is perfect for the nature and adventure traveler to experience the diversity.

The region is home to the Wapishana and the Macushi Amerindians who have watched over the mountains for many generations.

Guyana President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo is one of the receipient of the UNEP 2010 Champion of the Earth Award. The Award was conferred on Guyana’s President in the special category on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management on the 22nd April, 2010 at the 4th Annual Businness for the Environment Global Summit and UNEP Champions of the Earth gala awards in Seoul, South Korea. The Ministry of Tourism and Guyana Tourism Authority congratulate His Excellency Dr. Jagdeo on his outstanding achievement.  President Jagdeo is a very strong advocate for the environment and is the brain child of the Guyana Low Carbon Development Strategy and REDD initiatives.

The Guyana Tourism Authority started its first school talk exercise for 2010 with students of the Parika Salem Secondary. In keeping with its mandate, the Authority will be conducting a series of school talk exercise to raise tourism awareness among students. Tourism plays an important role in the development of Guyana and has many potential. Recently a number of small cruise vessels has visited Guyana and the country is expecting more this year. With major events taking place in Guyana such as World Twenty/20, Jamzone, motor racing, Guyexpo, main big lime, Guyana is expecting many more tourist.

Guyana is a relatively safe destination for traveling and the country is receiving more tourist who are longing to see majestic Kaieteur, Mt. Roraima, the Rupununi, Orinduik, Iwokrama, Shell Beach, No. 63 Beach, Orella, the Essequibo River and its Islands just to name a few.

Last December, 21-year old Katie Spotz set off for an adventure of a lifetime — a solo row across the Atlantic Ocean! She is now on her journey to Georgetown, Guyana. After 2,500 miles and 70-100 days alone at sea, she will become the youngest person ever to row an ocean solo and the first American to row from Africa to South America. One Woman One Ocean One Dream. But this row is about more than ocean adventure, world records and personal challenges. It’s about something much more important: safe drinking water. That’s why Katie partnered with the Blue Planet Run Foundation to help raise funds for sustainable safe drinking water projects all over the world.  (Read the full article now on http://blueplanetrun.org/news/katie_spotz) or visit http://www.rowforwater.com for more on Katie Spotz adventure.

This December, 21-year old Katie Spotz set off on the adventure of a lifetime — a solo row across the Atlantic Ocean! She is now halfway between Africa and South America. After 2,500 miles and 70-100 days alone at sea, she will become the youngest person ever to row an ocean solo and the first American to row from Africa to South America.

But this row is about more than ocean adventure, world records and personal challenges. It’s about something much more important: safe drinking water. That’s why Katie partnered with the Blue Planet Run Foundation to help raise funds for sustainable safe drinking water projects all over the world. Unsafe drinking water is the leading cause of sickness, disease and death worldwide — but it’s a problem that, working together, we can solve.

“While this will be a solo row, I can’t do it alone,” explains Katie. “My goal is to raise enough funds to help, at the very least, 1,000 people gain access to safe drinking water. So no matter what your budget, your contribution can make a big difference. In fact, for just $30 you can provide one person access to safe drinking water for life! To join me in helping the billion people around the world who lack access to safe drinking water.

(Read the full article now on  http://blueplanetrun.org/news/katie_spotz)

or visit http://www.rowforwater.com for more on Katie Spotz adventure.