| |
Guide to Georgetown, Guyana
|
Click to go to Flight Prices for Georgetown
|
GeorgetownDespite its nickname, the Guyanan capital of Georgetown is not all its promoters have held it to be. The "Garden City of the Caribbean," as it has been associated by a number (albeit small) of people, is a concoction of a majority slice of rundown and weathered residences and small businesses and something just a bit larger than a sliver of botanical treats, well-furnished hotels, and a coastline that screams "vacationer's dream." Ok, so the capital does have its high points. Though its districts of hardship are not easy to ignore - or avoid - good impressions have been made on many a visitor, therefore, optimists we will remain. The Guyanan coastline is most certainly the pride and joy of the nation - at least for its leaders - one that brings thousands upon thousands to the South American continent. The busiest and largest of Guyana's cities, Georgetown attracts many for its accessibility and the availability of familiar sites and services here. Some say it is the prevalence of vegetation which makes Georgetown such an appealing alternative to other regional destinations, both tropical and otherwise, but we tend to look to the abundance of, well, everything for the answers. The capital is hardly lacking in commercial space, but a balance does exist between business and pleasure, which, for the latter, you can stroll through softer streets of colonial delights. If international influences are to be found here, they're mostly in the markets, the foods, and the activities. Because Europeans are rarely found to trip here, you're likely to see tourist-oriented venues populated by Americans and fellow South Americans. This sometimes can be seen as off-putting for Euro-wielding trekkers, but it seems that all visitor demographics have been rising in recent years. We all have to make nice sometime, right?
When to go:
If you're a fan of Central European summers, Georgetown has a year-round climate that'll be music to your ears. Atlantic breezes bring the city's temperatures down to a bearable 75-85F, which are indeed wonderful by day, but things don't cool off as much as one might thing once the sky goes dark. Rainfall is frequent but short-lived, which in fact makes the capital quite bearable on those days when it's looking rather parched.
Getting there and around:
Because Georgetown's foreign clientele is overwhelmingly from the North American and South American regions, there are very few public means one can take to fly from Europe to Guyana non-stop. Fortunately, Georgetown Airport is only a few hours away from the Brazilian capital (nearly half its border is with the largest of South America's nations), making for convenient stopover access. When you do arrive in Georgetown, you're more or less equipped with the same tools any semi-developed to developed capital apportions to its public and its visitors in the way of transportation. Busing is of course the most popular mode here; second is the taxi, something very valuable for those lengthy jaunts.
Attractions:
Offering a bit of everything, Georgetown is good for beach bums, food critics, sightseers, and poets. A noticeable hustle and bustle is present throughout the day - which can detract from one's experience in a number of ways - but most are apt to find city life to be more enticing once the streetlights flicker on.
|
|
|
