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This is my first #wednesdaywalk, long overdue because we walk everywhere in Paramaribo, mostly due to economic reasons.
I wouldn't say walking is something we enjoy anymore, especially with heavy grocery bags, but for #wednesdaywalk we have a purpose.
Walk, Walk, Walk
The word "walk" is the first word that comes to mind when I think of our new lives in Suriname. Other than cooking and purchasing commodities, walking is the main thing we do on a daily basis, albeit not by choice.
Intersection
We always pass Somariastraat, where there is small and convenient Chinese shop, but very overpriced. If we need more than one item, we always continue the walk.
Slow Down
We always pass the drempel sign, one of the first Dutch words I learned from daily life in Suriname. Placed right next to speedbumps, a dictionary is not needed to learn this word.
Follow The Signs
We pass the SPI Instituut and Sporthal nearly everyday. @tattoodjay says to look around and up for inspiration, and when I look up all I see are signs. Sometimes we all need a sign.
The one below reads "SPI, the institute for competent, decisive and dynamic teachers." I hope my students think I am competent, decisive and dynamic.
The Signs Say Illuminati
This masonic lodge is a familiar sight on our daily walks, always a quiet and abandonded looking place. However, we have seen some masonic activity there on occasion, so we know who is running things.
Don't Gamble It
You can't walk more than 5 minutes in Paramaribo without being tempted to gamble in some form. I don't know which one is a bigger gamble, the drogist or the lotto. Either way you're playing with your life.
Where We Used To Gamble
Some of you that follow my blog know that Suriname is undergoing an economic collapse. The ATMs are intermittent at best, and only dispense local Suriname Dollars at an exchange rate of 8 SRD to 1 USD, although the street value and exchange rate is anywhere from 12 to 16 SRD to 1 USD.
This cambio used to exchange our US dollars for 8 to 1 back when that was the street value of a Suriname dollar. Now that the real value is way less, we exclusively exchange money illegally at unnamed Chinese corner shops for much better rates, although some risk is involved.
Finally Some Cash
A recently imposed new law now carries a minimum three-year prison sentence for exchanging money on the street or for its real street value. We haven't had access to our US dollars for months, but Western Union recently re-opened, and is now dispensing small amounts of US Dollars.
Unfortunately HIVE is not accepted tinder anywhere in Suriname, so luckily Western Union recently began dispensing US dollars again, so fiat to the rescue.
Ready, Roopram Roti
If you're from Suriname or the Netherlands, chances are you've eaten at a Roopram Roti at least once. This is the Suriname take on Indian food, and I have to say it is absolutely barely edible.
Before arriving in Suriname, we had high hopes for the Indian and Indonesian food. Unfortunately, those dreams were dashed after our first meal in Suriname.
Surinamese Indian and Indonesian cuisine are simpler and less flavorful versions of their overseas counterparts. Luckily we're both chefs, but we still roll the dice on Roopram once or twice a month.
Can't Stay Here
Since this post has gone sign crazy, here is another sign that we pass several times a week on our usual route. "N P" is for "niet parkeren," so don't block this homeowner's driveway.
Sorry Patty, Wednesday Walk
On the way back home from Roopram, we pass Patty's Taxi, where they only have drivers when you don't need to go anywhere and have nobody there when you need a lift.
Even though fairly expensive, taxi is the only way to travel longer distances due to COVID-19 knocking out the public bus routes.
The New Way Of Shopping
This is the new way of shopping in Suriname, through the iron bars just like in Jamaica. The problem is here in Suriname, the stores are designed to allow the customer inside.
Because we can't go inside, if we can't say it in Dutch or Mandarin, then can't get it.
So Many Signs
We pass the translation place and Duo Duo Supermarket often, because two duos is better than one, right? Either way, keep breathing ozon and smile.
Home Again, Home Again
As we finish our walk, we round the corner to enter Bechaniestraat, and the homestretch is near. Hope you enjoyed this #wednesdaywalk around our neighborhood in Paramaribo. There isn't much to see, but many signs, a strange paradox.
Thanks @tattoodjay for the #wednesdaywalk initiative.
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Wow! I guess I expected Suriname to be a little different. I was surprised at all the signs littering the roads. I am so sorry to see the country falling down like this. I hope you can keep your head above water, although as a teacher, you are probably much better off than most.
It was an interesting walk and as always, I find it fascinating to be part of daily life. Thanks for taking me along.
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You are more than welcome @dswigle. I guess I was distracted by the signs that day, so started snapping what my eyes were stuck on.
I wish my teaching took better care of me, but I teach Cambodian online to folks living in Cambodia on a Cambodian salary, so $5 an hr is quite expensive.
Here in Suriame it's easy to spend $50 in a day if you're not careful. We wish we could be back in Cambodian for this pandemic, but we're stuck here in a relatively expensive place living on Cambodian savings. I wish we were doing better than most here, but we're in the bottom 1%, just trying to survive day to day, but legally not allowed to work in the economy. Fine by me as there are no jobs now anyways. We just gotta keep surviving any way we can, Hive is a part of that. Lots of love!
Good luck! I can see this post will pay out nicely. That is awesome!
🎁 Hi @justinparke! You have received 0.1 HIVE tip from @dswigle!
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Hiya, @ItchyfeetDonica here, just swinging by to let you know that this post made it into our Honorable Mentions in Daily Travel Digest #868.
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Wow! Good news, and always a pleasure. Thanks @pinmapple and @ItchyFeetDonica.
Signs signs everywhere... Let's hope you can see the departure sign at the airport soon enough... No offense to Surinam but I know you all want to be other places. You know things are rough when Western Union is your main source of cash flow. Let's hope things improve quickly. When are the elections there?
The more and more we learn to survive here, the easier it gets, of course. I still would rather be in familiar territory like Cambodia, Albania or the USA. The elections are done and Bouterse has lost, but has not stepped down from power. Tense times are ahead.
Yeah seems like anything can happen. Stay safe brother.