“Where are you from?”, “I’ve never heard of that country, is it in Africa?”
I can’t express enough the number of times I’ve heard people say or asked me that question. Let’s be honest – People telling you they don’t know your country exists is like not knowing who Beyoncé is.
So, let me pen down a story, – no not about Beyoncé, but about my country; 6 reasons why Suriname should be on your travel bucket list.
Suriname (South- America) is considered one of the greenest countries in the world. 94% is forested. There is no shortage of beauty, nature, culture and waterfalls. There are 11 national nature reserves with the Central Suriname Nature Reserve as one of the largest protected rain forest areas in the world. Besides being part of the Guianas, we are also considered part of the Caribbean.
When it comes to the enchanting nature (forest) wide rivers, wild rapids, gorgeous mountains and black creeks will make you feel like you’re in a whole new fairyland.
3.The cultural blend will give you an absolute amazing experience as a traveler. Hindu traditions, Javanese dishes, Chinese dances, African roots and Amerindian rituals will leave you speechless when visiting the different parts of the country.
4.Don’t be alarmed, but the official language is Dutch, and you might also catch a few phrases in Surinamese (Fawaka? = how are you?), a form of creole language. English is one of the 15 languages that is commonly spoken.
5.Catch sight of a unique fact which you won’t find anywhere else in this universe; a mosque and synagogue standing next to each other. Can you already feel the peace and brotherhood?
6.Oh!! But wait, …… the food!! Probably one of the most important aspects when visiting. The diverse cultural heritage contains many distinctive dishes. A taste of some (or all) of the traditional cuisine will leave you wanting more. Pom (Surinamese oven dish), or saoto (traditional soup with chicken and vegetables) are a MUST!
Have you ever been to Suriname?
If not, what are you waiting for? Opportunity awaits no one and I’m guessing by now you must be curious what this tropical country beholds.
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