Guyana Nurse Training Program: Back to Nature

Anyone who knows me well understands my love of nature. While I grew up in suburbia and now live in a city, without my "green escape" at least once a week, my mind has no way to release. There's a reason Nature therapy is an accepted form of therapy- all the natural colors and sounds affords our brains and our hearts a way to release stress and chaos that surrounds us in the digital age. After 3 weeks in Guyana, without much natural escape, I finally got my much needed dose of nature. Randy, Priscilla and I went to a nature resort called Arrowpoint, a small resort specializing in outdoor activities in a picturesque setting. Situated on the land from one of the Amerindian reservations, this small resort (4 cabins for rent and a small lodge) offers overnight and day trips into the rain forest. We had an hour boat ride down the demarara river and into a tributary river where we awed at the flora and fauna; we saw great big birds of bright blues and yellows, multiple different palm trees and even 25-30 foot tall bamboo left over from the chinese who settled there many years ago and have since left the area (which is still called "china town" by the locals). We stopped at one of the Amerindian villages for a quick tour and a chance to get some local crafts before heading to the resort. We were greeted with some passion fruit juice and watermelon with a chance to sit in the shade and look over the creek. We had a hike into the jungle where our guide, Edward, showed us some of the plants and their medicinal uses. Then we jumped in some kayaks and paddled down "alligator alley" (no alligators though!) back to the resort. After an amazing lunch, we swam in the black water (tinted the color of Guiness due to the decaying plant matter of the rain forest which has a high mineral content) and lounged on the hammocks drinking a few beers and enjoying the company of our local friends Javid, Aruna and her husband Herman. As I sat back on the boat ride back, I couldn't help but think how lucky I am to experience this side of Guyana. Many locals unfortunately never get to see this amazing side of their country due to the expense. But it's the real Guyana- away from the crowded smelly streets of Georgetown. It's nature therapy at it's best. I just hope they keep it preserved for generations to come.