We are here !!

 We made it ! And in fact, we made it in grand style with no problems at all other than a not unwelcome flight delay (with all the repacking of art supplies we left FGCU a bit later than expected). Mary Voytek and I drove our very comfortable minivans across the swamp to Miami stuffed full with students and bags (did we mention that we have an extra 8 or 9 suitcases full of art supplies for our school project ?!?!), and we checked it all in and got ourselves through security with no issues. The plane took off around 5:30, and I believe that we can all happily recommend Surinam Airways to anyone - when is the last time YOU had a hot meal on an airplane, not to mention two bags checked free ? When we landed in Georgetown it was quite late  - nearly 11pm - but our drivers were at the airport and had been waiting patiently for us. It's about a 45 minute drive to the Grand Coastal Hotel where we are staying, past cows and horses and neighborhoods and Hindu temples and past a huge Saturday night extravaganza where nine Chutney music bands from Trinidad were performing - we nearly lost Chris at that one, but managed to keep him in the van. Finally we arrived at our very comfortable hotel, the Grand Coastal where all the staff have been incredibly accommodating, and after a celebratory drink we collapsed into our beds and slept like logs. This morning we had a fabulous breakfast with everything ranging from french toast and omelettes to Indian paratha bread with stewed pumpkin. Lovely. This afternoon we're going on a driving tour of Georgetown, then back to the hotel to get ready for our very early morning departure tomorrow for the Iwokrama Rainforest Centre. The director, Raquel Thomas, is here in town and she's going to stop by later this afternoon to say hello and tell us a bit about our upcoming adventure. We'll post again from the road !

waiting on the plane

airport yoga

our digs for now

pretty fancy !

yup, a pool

wonderful staff - Ms. Devanee Kryshundayai