Wha ya learn, chinee gyal?

On Friday I experienced information overload during in-country orientation, but I did learn a lot about my placement in the Interior (I’ll save the details for another blog post). I also got the chance to meet those I’d be in contact with while in Region 9. Lucky for me the organization I am working for (South Central People Development Organization aka SCPDA) was in GT during the week and I had the pleasure of meeting Miss Faye Fredericks, who I will be working directly with. She is a sweetheart who has graciously offered to teach me to cook (a great feat!) and is super excited to have me in Shulinab. I’m not sure how she’ll feel once she realizes I suck at cooking…let’s worry about that in March when I actually go into the region.

Other things I (and the other volunteers) learned:

Cabs

• Use them at night instead of walking. There are some parts you shouldn’t walk through at night; there are also parts you shouldn’t walk through at all (e.g. South of Hadfield).
• You feel incredibly stupid cabbing the distance of a 5 minute walk – but better safe than sorry I guess (right, ma?)
• Everywhere you go you’ll be offered a taxi ride. Just say no.
• Call a cab vs flagging one down for security reasons. We use Cyril’s.
• A cab ride is about $1.50 CDN (G$300) within the city – flat rate.

Minibuses

• They are abundant at Stabroek Market which is like a main terminal.
• They are cramped little things.
• You can ask to be dropped off anywhere en route. (what bus stops?)
• The cost is $0.30 CDN (G$60) within the city. Don’t pay more.

Tidbits

• St. George’s Anglican Cathedral is one of the tallest wooden churches in the world



• People are super helpful in the markets. In Stabroek, we wanted limes and didn’t know that there were so many different types of limes (duh). The vendor helped us out by indicating which ones were best for rum punch ;)
• People love to suck their teeth (flashback of a school principal telling a kid off: “Don’t suck your teeth – brush them!”)
• Georgetown is small, so it’s very walkable though you might not want to do it that blistering heat.

There are a lot more observations, but I don’t wanna bore you. Maybe you should come visit and observe/experience first-hand instead :)