First Night in Guyana

It was midnight in Guyana when I arrived. I was met by my programme manager, Mike Kendall. You’re small? I said, well I am by standard maybe but I am average by Filipino Standard for women, I said jokingly and laugh. Ops, sorry no offense meant he said. I laughed and said no worry I understand you. It seems that he is taken aback by my being “small”. Off we go to the vehicle after that. Apparently, one of my colleagues arrived earlier (taller than me as well) and is now peacefully sleeping in his house. So I guess we are heading to his house as well for a night sleep. Though am tired, I am also anxious to see what is in store for me in this country however I can’t see anything. Of course because its midnight. Silly, I said to myself, what do you expect to see in the midnight, nothing right? So I made myself comfortable in the car seat and wait till we get to his house.

We were met by his lovely wife with tea and biscuit ready in the dining hall. After a short talk, I went to my luggage for night clothes. Huh! I couldn’t open my suitcase. The combination is not working. Mike tried it, no success. His wife tried it as well, no success too. In the end, I ask Mike for a hammer or a pin and tried to make it work but to no avail as well. I made a joke and said to Mike and his wife, I have been lucky on my travel to find people who are friendly and so accommodating from Hongkong all the way down here now I guess is my turn for a little share of in despair and we all laugh heartily. With no luck of using hammer and pin, I ask Mike for a hand saw and we successfully cut the lock and open my suit case. Surprise, my clothes and things inside the suitcase mess up. It’s like a storm came and ransack the place. I got alarmed at first, checked all the things I remembered I put inside and found out everything is intact. Mike asked me if anything missing and I said no everything’s fine. Whoever opened it and tried to loot something, have been unlucky as there is nothing valuable enough to benefit them. Poor soul I said and smile with both of them, they can tell I find it alarming yet amusing. After thanking them again for all their help and for accommodating me in their lovely home, I went to room and get ready for bed.