Sunday, June 05, 2005

Georgetown and Grove

I cannot spend much time writing because I'm at an internet cafe. I am currently in the town of Grove, which is just south of Georgetown along the Damerera river. When people told me it was like the Caribbean here, they weren't kidding. It looks so much like St. Lucia that it is giving me flashbacks. And, sadly, it's turned me into something of a knw-it-all amongs the other volunteers, as I'm constantly chiming in on facts about the Caribbean lifestyle. There are a few differences, though, for sure - like the cows and horses wandering all over the place, the absence of mountains, and the frequent Muslim and Hindu things. Pictures are forthcoming, although it might be a while. All us PCTs cannot use the Peace Corps computers until we are sworn-in.

Right now I'm staying in the house of a man who works for one of the local sugarcane distributors. He and his wife are very nice. The house has a tin roof, and is open inside so that the walls do not reach the ceiling. It was a little hot last night, so I'm looking forward to getting a fan. That will help immensely. But I sleep under a mosquito net, which is an interesting experience unto itself.

Training in Georgetown had us staying for two nights at a hotel, air-conditioning and all. It wasnt as nice as the one we stayed at in St. Lucia, near Vieux Fort, all those years ago, but nice nonetheless. The water wasnt potable, but I brushed my teeth in it anyway to try and start to adjust to the local water.

Training starts this coming week in earnest. I look forward to many hot and sweaty days taking notes. I'll be sure to fill you all in later.

-Bri

8 comments:

Claudia said...

Hi Brian,

I've read your entire blog during the past week. Wow, what an experience. I've just put in my application and am still waiting for all the people writing references to do their letters. So I followed all your details on the logistical issues with interest. Good luck with training. I'll check back in for your updates!

Claudia

Anonymous said...

I can't wait to see pictures! I also wanted to drop by and let you know I got my first speeding ticket (and only about a month and a half after getting my license!)! Ha ha ha!! Anyway, looking forward to your future postings! Take care and be safe!

Anonymous said...

Dear Bri-
So glad to hear what has happened since the airport on Tuesday, the 31st. I look forward to reading about your experiences and your reflections on your experiences there. I am excited to see photos, too.

Let me know when you want the first CARE package---and what I need to add for your health or comfort.

Mom

JD McDonnell said...

Hey Brian!

Congratulations on finally making it there. We were placing bets on whether you would ever make it out of the states. I won't tell you if I won or not :-)

Enjoy,
Jerry

Anonymous said...

So glad to hear that you are in Grove and enjoying your time there! I hope that you enjoy all the parts of training, and use all your knowledge from before to become an even more knowledgeable Caribbean citizen...

Anonymous said...

Brian,

Well there you are in Guyana. It was just the 19th that I saw you last. What a strange night. West is doing well and Liz and I are adjusting to the lack of sleep. We both wish you the best. I look forward to living vicariously while reading your posts.

Ryan Liz and West

Anonymous said...

Hey Brian,

Glad to hear from you and to know that things are going well. BTW, we of the English-speaking Caribbean do claim Guyana as part of the Caribbean even though it's technically in South America! (legacy from colonial days when connection to colonial ruler and its other Caribbean territories counted more than geography; similar situation for Surinam (Dutch) and French Guyana). As for becoming a know it all, assuming you feel bad about it sometimes given your use of the word 'sadly,' just bite your tongue every once in a while when you get the urge. Some things the others will just have to discover for themselves! ;-) Anyway, hope things will continue to go well. Looking forward to hearing more from you.

Melonie

Unknown said...

Muchos gracias everyone! :)