In September I went to a fellow volunteer's site for a tourist camp opening. The tourist camp had recently finished construction and was throwing their grand opening. We took a boat across the river and after a 25 minute walk through the jungle we arrived at the camp. The owners of the camp hired a local drum band and we dance our hearts out.
The camp was beautiful and we had a blast. Tourism is increasing on the river especially amongst the Dutch who are looking for an adventure. The camp provided us a great meal of chicken, noodles and local vegetables! Peace Corps volunteers will never turn down a free meal!
John dancing
Humidity in the air
Julie, Brooke and a little girl from Camp Glow!
Dale dancing
Me dancing with a little guy
the band
Evan
a few of the volunteers on the river
If you are ever looking for an adventure there are plenty of awesome tourist camps all over Suriname. Most of them offer jungle tours and other fun adventures! Or you can always visit a Peace Corps VOLUNTEER!!!
We had students come out of their class and paint one country each
6th grade student working on the map
Mid way point
On their way to the river, they stopped to check out the progress
Almost done
After painting a country the students had to find the country they painted on another map
Brooke putting the final touches on the map
Admiring their handy work
School of Gaantatai
Our map!
In August we finished our World Map project at the school in Gaantatai. The map turned out great and was possible thanks to Staatsolie, a Surinamese company that donated funds for the project. The map gave the students at the school a fun way to be involved in learning. It was amazing to see the students enjoy the process and begin to teach each other about the world.
My favorite moments were when you could hear one child explaining to another where certain countries were. It was a fun and interactive project that will continue to enhance the lives of the students long after we're finished in the village.
