Well, we're definitely not in Ohio anymore! I think the heat, flying cockroaches, lizards, and trashcan fruit-fly infestation of 2016 definitely made that clear lol. ;) The internet hasn't been working the past several days, so I'm trying to catch up on posts. I last posted the night before we went to the fish wharf. It was so cool! There were fresh fish everywhere, varying from alive in a bucket to headless or gutless. Zenzie and Jason from the lab tried to get us to buy a whole fish, and asked us if we knew how to clean/gut it. HA. Amanda and I just looked at each other and that told them all they needed to know. They think it's hilarious that we've never cleaned/gutted a fish or killed and plucked a chicken. Who knew we'd need those skills on this trip? Also, I learned that 'shrimp' and 'prawn' mean the same thing - British English is quite common here in Guyana.
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| Colorful boats at the wharf |
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| Fresh shrimp |
There were so many people buying and selling fish, shark, crab, and shrimp. It was such a cool experience! We also learned that Guyana has the largest freshwater fish in the world (Arapaima) - it can grow to be 9 ft long!! Apparently it's a gentle giant, but I don't want to test that statement...
After we got back from the wharf, we went to the lab for a little bit, then it was laundry time! Little did we know that it was a 4+ hour process...I am so grateful they put in a washing machine for us, but man do I miss my little washer and dryer from my apartment! To start, we had to move the washer in front of the sink and attach a hose from the faucet to the washer. Once the washer was filled with water, we added the detergent and let it do it's thing. Then, we had to drain the wash water via a short hose into a bucket. Eight buckets later, it was empty. We then had to add fresh water to rinse our clothes, and again drain it (8 more buckets full). There is a small spin compartment that helps dry the clothes, but only a few clothing items could go in at a time. Once they went through the spin cycle, we hung the clothes on our Macgyvered clothesline in the kitchen. At one point, the hose came off the back of the washer and water spilled out everywhere. At least we got a clean floor AND clean clothes out of this process?? It was quite an undertaking, but the clean clothes were worth it. :)
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| The lovely washing machine |
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| Clothes everywhere :) |
Sunday we also had some work to do in the lab, but it didn't take long. We were free to relax the rest of the afternoon, which was heavenly. Reading, reading, and more reading. :) Then, Nalissa and Jason picked us up to show us the seawall. It was so cool to see the Atlantic ocean! Admittedly, the water was kind of gross looking - all brown and murky; but still, it was the ocean! The seawall was almost like a boardwalk, with games and rides for kids and food stands set up all over. Apparently, the thing to do at night is to park by the seawall and blast music, hang out with friends, and drink. We left before that got too busy, as our Guyanese friends did not recommend that we stick around for that. :) On the way home, we got to grab a burger, fries, and a milkshake. It was a nice treat, and the burgers even had grilled pineapple on them!
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| Pretty sunset on the beach |
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| View of the 'beach' from the jetty |
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| Fresh coconut is DELICIOUS! |
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| One view of Georgetown - I love all of the colorful houses! |
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| View with the Atlantic ocean |
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| Giant Sloth (Pictured: Zenzie, me, Amanda) |
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| They had a little tea tray with mugs all set up for Amanda and I to have at the lab. They are too good to us! :) |
I just have to mention how amazing the entire lab staff has been thus far. Everyone is SO welcoming, and they do everything they can to make sure Amanda and I are comfortable and enjoying our time in Guyana. They are so proud of their country, and are definitely making sure we get to see and experience the best Guyana has to offer. I have officially become addicted to roti and curry. I could eat all the curry dishes all the time!! It has truly been a wonderful trip thus far, and I'm even more excited to see what else we get to see and experience while here.
This weekend, we're flying to see Kaieteur Falls (either the world's widest or tallest single drop waterfall, I've been told differing facts lol) and the Georgetown Zoo & Botanical Gardens. Amanda and I said that while trekking through the jungle, we would abide by the, "smack first, explain later," rule when it came to bugs. :) Plus, Nalissa and Jason are taking us to a restaurant to get "Guyanese Chinese food", whatever that means. I'm sure it will be delicious!
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| The amazing lab team! Back: Dr. Hartley, Jason, Sven Front: Zenzie, Amanda, Shevon, me, Nalissa |
Much Love,
Joslyn
P.S. Psalm 121:7-8 - The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.
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