And we’re back to recapping my Guyana trip. In my last Guyana post, I shared my thoughts about the trip in a very general way. This time, I thought I’d show some specific sites that I visited on the trip.
I’ll warn you now, this post is incredibly long and photo heavy, but I didn’t want to leave anything out and it just didn’t feel right to split up the post. The reason? While in Guyana, I googled “things to do in Guyana”and drew several blanks. I relied on Tripadviser for recommendations. No bueno. I decided then and there to post about what I thought a tourist might enjoy seeing in Guyana. So here are ten places to see and visit in Guyana:
General Sites:
1. Pandama Retreat and Winery
I raved about this place in my last post and I’m still raving about it today. When I talk about my trip to Guyana with my friends, this is the place that stands out the most and this is where I recommend everyone goes. Don’t be fooled, its not your typical winery or retreat though. Its a natural living place where food is served in calabash bowls, the wine is made from Caribbean fruit and the accommodation? Tree houses!! We didn’t stay there but the next time I go, I most certainly will. Click the name above to visit their site.
2. Demarara Harbour Bridge
This is undoubtedly the most famous bridge in Guyana. Its just over 6000 ft long with views of the Demerara river. Just a tip – Theres a toll of about $400 Guyanese dollars (USD $2) to pass over the bridge and they only take Guyanese dollars at the bridge (or at least when we went). We paid the toll, drove over the bridge and drove right back just to take in the views.
3. Stabroek Market
This is a local market place in the heart of Georgetown, the capital, which sells everything from food to clothing on the streets. Poor Danny, he stood out like a sore thumb in this local market place, but we still had a good time browsing.
4. Guyana Botanical Gardens
Truthfully, we didn’t walk through the Gardens as we went on a Sunday and it was closed. We did however walk around it and it was lovely. Basically, its a park, with lovely flowers, trees and bushes. Definitely worth a visit.
Landmarks:
4. St. Georges Cathedral
This lovely church is being renovated and is not currently in use. It was originally built around 1781 and its still just a majestic building. I have a thing for old churches.
5. St. Andrew’s Kirk
This is another old church, built in 1811 and allegedly, it is the oldest religious building thats still in use. Such a beautiful church.
6. Parliament
I couldn’t get a good picture of the Parliament building from where I stood but it was huge and gorgeous and while not a site that many would visit, the lawyer in me couldn’t resist. I actually try to see Government buildings everywhere I go – because #nerd
7. Guyana Supreme Court
Ok so this one and the next one are like the one above – things I like to see. I’m a lawyer, so sue me for wanting to see the Courthouses.
8. Magistrate’s Court
Bars/Pubs:
9. Palm Court Bar
You can’t visit a country without bar hopping can you? Well, you can I’m sure, but I can’t. We visited tons of bars but this one was my favourite.
10. 704 Sports Bar and Lounge
This place was also pretty cool. It’s on the list because the food was delish!
Those are the places I visited while on my trip, but there are so many other cool things to see and do. In fact I never made it to quite possibly the main tourist attractrction, Kaieteur Falls. Apparently you have to charter a private flight to get to the falls and by the time Danny and I realised this, the flights were all booked. Next time. There are also museums and other architectural sites that I never made it to.
All is not lost, Ill be back.
I know this was super long and kudos to you if you made it to the end. Even if you didn’t read the post, I hope you enjoyed the photos.
