Foto: Drietabbetje in the Surinamese jungle (bron: Ronald van der Veer)
Suriname - Shortly after 9:30, we land at the Drietabbetje airstrip. The luggage is quickly unloaded, and less than ten minutes later, the plane takes off again with new passengers for a flight to Paramaribo. At the airstrip, we meet John and his crew. John welcomes us to Drietabbetje and introduces the crew for the coming days. We board a waiting korjaal. The boat is not large enough for the entire group, so we are ferried across the river in two groups. Here we arrive in the village of Drietabbetje, a Maroon village where time seems to have stood still. My first impression felt like walking through a movie. At the end of the afternoon, John guides us through Drietabbetje. The village has about 1,500 inhabitants, most houses are built on stilts to protect against high water. During the high-water period earlier this year, the village center remained safe, although there was water where we now sleep. Fortunately, it is the dry season. During our walk, we attract a lot of attention, especially from the local youth who are eager to be photographed and to look at the digital camera afterward. On the way back, we are alerted to a wild boar near the village. We walk back a little and see the animal on a forest path. It dives into the woods. Jan’s attempt to lure it fails.
Fort New Amsterdam
Suriname - After breakfast, we cycle a short distance to Fort Nieuw Amsterdam. Fort Nieuw Amsterdam once served to protect the plantation from attackers. A prison was also located inside the fort. We get a tour through the cells and offices. We’re shown an old ...
Jodensavanne on the Suriname River
Suriname - We sail southwards towards Jodensavanne. A few kilometers before the plantation, we dock and go ashore. It is quite warm. Wearing a cap, sunscreen, and carrying enough water, we walk the final kilometers towards the plantation. During the walk, Wibo provides ...
The Peperpot coffee plantation
Suriname - Just before the Peperpot plantation, we take a small path and cycle toward the plantation. The coffee and cocoa plantation is in poor condition. The director’s house is on the verge of collapse. However, restoration work is underway — though it often ...
The Waterkant in Paramaribo
Suriname - We arrive safely in Paramaribo. We still have an hour to use the bicycles, so we decide to take another ride around Paramaribo. It takes a bit of getting used to the traffic. The city is congested, people drive on the left, and the traffic situation is ...