The Parents Visiting Guiana

As well as visiting Guadeloupe my parents also came to visit our home in Kourou. Guadeloupe was actually a bit of a bonus... originally they were planning on just coming to visit us (at least that is what they claim!). But all jokes aside, it was a wonderful experience having my parents come to visit me in another country. It all seemed a bit topsy-turvy actually. There I was welcoming my parents into the house I live in all the way across the world. Funny, seeing as they used to take me from country to country when I was growing up; ha-ha! the tables have turned! 

Here we are standing just outside the entrance to the zoo, which was really well kept actually. I'm not the biggest fans of zoo's as I don't like the idea of animals being cooped up in cages just so we can have a look at them once a year. I much prefer the idea of a safari. But, taking my parents on a Guyanese safari wasn't really an option. They would probably have caught some terrible obscure amazonian disease or get eaten by an anaconda or something similarly gruesome. I didn't fancy having to explain that to my siblings. So, we went to the zoo instead.

... which, as I mentioned was really very well kept. The grounds were clean, organized and very well planned. I also happen to really like water-lilies.

The first creature we encountered were these little guys. Capybara, or locally known as Cabiaï. Personally, I think they look like a mixture between a huge hamster and a beaver. Which is essentially actually what they are, a species of water&land rodents. They are very cute. I suggested we get one, but Anthony wasn't thrilled at the idea so I let it slide. (I'm still working on my alpacas.) They were not shy or squeamish in the least, just kind of happily trotting along, lounging in the sun. Just as well probably because these fellows have the luck to be excluded from being roasted and presented on a dinner plate. Oh yes, they locals eat them.

In the enclosure of my rodent friends was also a tree, where I spotted this Iguana. Later on, we counted about five Iguanas in the same tree. They are very common in this area and we have plenty in our backyard, small and large. Actually, last month I had one rather sizable one run right through our living room. I probably gave him the fright of his life, poor fellow. 

Next up, birds! 

We walked into an aviary where lots of different species were free to fly around and do birdy things.  They were a bit skittish at first but got very friendly by the end of our stay. They started off by licking the salt (and presumably sweat) of our hands and then all of a sudden flew right onto my dads shoulder.

It was quite amazing actually. These birds were just fantastic looking; sporting colours you'd have trouble even imagining. We concluded that my dads ears must be very dirty indeed, to hold such an enticement!

The yellow and blue Ara (Macaw in English) is the largest type of Parrot.

They are highly intelligent and very social birds. You can see the two red Aras grooming each other behind the crowd of tourists.

The Macaw has long tail feathers that span way below their body.

 

And the prestigious Toucan, a national symbol.

The Yellow-Ridged Toucan.

This funny looking fellow (an ant-eater of some sort, I presume) also reared his face.

I also managed to catch this pretty snazzy shot of a red-eyed dragonfly.

The zoo featured a small jungle pathway through which you are able to spot  different animals if you are vigilant. I think we made too much noise to spot anything bigger than an Iguana. But the flora was as much of a treat as any fauna would have been.

We also had a visit from this curious Squirrel Monkey.

Mum and dad having a look at some fresh-water turtles who also reared their faces.

After all the animal excitement we drove down to Cayenne and had dinner at my now favourite restaurant, Kon Tiki. So, so, so scrumptiously tasty!

If you are lucky (or patient) you get your own little private hut overlooking the sea. Fantastic view, service and food. 

Scrumptious! ... the food too :)

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A day trip inland: Cacao

So we decided to head up to Cacao to visit a more rural village. It's a small "town" lying on the Comté river to the south of Cayenne. Most of the town's population (which was at 950 people in 2007) are Hmong farmers, refugees from Laos who were resettled in French Guiana in the 1970s. See, French Guiana is very international; it's really quite the melting pot!

The market is small and charming with excellent prices for quality food.

The Insect Museum is quaint but absolutely worthwhile. Yes, my hand and a beetle.

The most exciting discovery however, was this man. Cacao's own little potterer. He collects his own earth/mud nearby and mixes and dries his own clay. He is very charismatic and seems a lovely addition to this funny village essentially in the middle of the Amazon.

Then... oh dear, yes, we went trekking in the rainforest. So we had heard of a little "waterfall" which is a small trek into the forest from a friend of mine (thanks Vanja!). So we decided why not? 

It wasn't long, but it wasn't an easy trek either. Especially in the rainy season. My mother, bless her, who is in her prime but sadly has balance and nerve issues because of disk-problems in her back, made a real effort to advance. Suspended logs and river-crossings, no worries! Golden sticker, right there. Was it worth it?

Yes.

It's not big but it is beautiful. A naturally formed basin and runs clear fresh water.

I didn't think I'd ever be sitting in a place like this, never mind getting to show it to my wonderful parents! What a gift.

Quite something special this place.

Dad, feeling like Tarzan I suppose :D

I think its safe to say they rather enjoyed their stay :)