Sunday Stroll

Converse Store at the Hermitage mall

Yesterday, I went to the mall with my hubby after a successful outing with our church members. We were going to go to Fernandes, to get a little snack, but opted to just get the snack at the mall. Before we arrived honestly I thought the mall might not be open, because so many other places were closed. Much to my pleasant surprise the mall was open. Yay!! First place? Food court. The food court isn't as extensive, but I did find a good snack. We both ordered a chicken sate (pronounced sah-tay) with a side of fries. I got some pinda sauce with mine. Pinda is dutch for peanuts. In a later post I hope to give you a recipe for this delicious pinda sauce.

After eating of course we just walked around like the rest of the mall goers. I looked into stores with wishful eyes and empty pockets. Oh how I wish I was rich sometimes. (Only sometimes because mo' money, mo' problems.) Anyhow though I knew I wasn't going to buy anything I still went into several stores, shoe stores to be specific. I love shoes. Until my husband was tired but by then we were practically at the end of the mall. All that was left was the huge Converse store that stood before us. Of course he was rejuvenated as we entered. I felt like I was in America again. There were shoes (of course), clothes, and a DJ. Across the Converse store is one of the two McDonald's in Suriname. I wanted a sundae, but since I had one Saturday night I figured a few less calories wouldn't hurt.

We left there around 8:45pm and it looked like the night was just getting started. The stores were closing, yet the parking lot was throbbing with cars. Then it was brought to my attention that everyone is going to the theatres which is adjacent to the mall. Going to the mall always tires me, but I stayed up for the 45 minute drive home. The Hermitage mall is a definite place to visit if you come to Suriname.

Now wanting a sundae...

Foto Friday

Papakye This green parrot is talented. At times he can sound like a child crying then go to the opposite, a woman laughing, it is really fun to watch these birds and listen to them. In Suriname they call these birds pa-pa-kye.

Foto Friday

La Gabrielle This is the ferry that took us from Albina, Suriname to St. Laurent, French Guiana. Even cars get a lift.

Suriname Visa

By the end of 2010 the National Democratic Party (NDP) of Suriname was beginning their reign. President Bouterse brought a new government to Suriname where a lot of things changed. In particular the rules for foreigners became strict. As an America passport holder I am allowed 90 days on a Tourist visa. Anyone coming to Suriname must come with a round-trip ticket. That wasn't an option for my husband and me.

We didn't and still don't know exactly when we are leaving. We came back in October 2010, and made it clear we would be here for at least a year. After working in the interior with the bush negroes and especially our Haitian brethren we have decided to prolong our stay a couple of months. Seeing that we came on a one way ticket at the airport they gave us a stay for 30 days. That is they stamped our passport with a stay for 30 days, because we applied for our Suriname visa from America (which is valid for 5 years multiple entries). Each entry can be for up to 90 days if you have proof that you will be leaving.

For us we don't have proof that we are leaving anytime soon. Solution? French Guiana! Every 30 days when our stay is up we head on over to Suriname's neighboring country French Guiana. We spend the night at La Tentiaire (pronounced la-tuhn-see-air). It is like a mini vacation from the hustle and bustle of Paramaribo. When you cross the river it is like you are in Europe, technically you are. We wish we didn't have to do this, but this is the only solution.

Last month we went to the States. We bought our ticket in February. When we went to the police station to show our itinerary they finally granted us a 90 day stay until we left for America. Now that we are back we have to keep running for the border until we can get that ticket home. The road is long, but the light at the end of the tunnel is worth it ;-)

Loving the border...