From the minibus window, the countryside is similar: there are coconut trees, banana plantations, rice cultivation, drainage canals everywhere and minimal population, with homes and a few services strung along the road.
The road signs and occasional advertising hoardings are in Dutch, and the fuel stations are operated by Shell, instead of the familiar Guyoil-a reminder of the country's colonial past, and the continued support of the Dutch government, since independence from the Netherlands, granted in 1975.
As we approached the capital there were indicators of relatively greater prosperity in Suriname:- homes either an upper storey on stilts or a bungalow looked well maintained; larger stores and local convenience shops were selling a greater range of goods and services.
Within the capital, the places of worship reflect not just the religious, but also the ethnic and political mix and allegiances of the country.
 |
| An austere Dutch protestant church |
No comments:
Post a Comment