The other side

There is a part of Guyana that the average VSO doesn’t know much about. A part that is not safe to enter, not by yourself, not even in a group. Often referred to as the ghetto. I’ve seen it a couple of times from behind a taxi or minibus window. The houses are smaller, worn out. The pavement stops, rubbish everywhere. Not comparable to the neighbourhoods where VSOs are living.
One of my local friends took me to the area where he grew up, the place where I never thought to set foot, the ghetto. Getting out of the car people glanced at me, didn’t expect to see a white girl in their neighbourhood. A surprised face, followed by a smile. His friends showed me their liming spot and passed me a cup of rum and coke. Smiles, laughter. I felt at home. My friend’s brother, rasta’s to the calves - seemed to be a well respected person, approached me. He inquired if I was feeling all right. If I felt comfortable. I nodded with a smile. If I liked spending time with them and if I felt safe. I told him I had an amazing time and he thanked me. I didn’t understand why. He respected and thanked me for treating his brother, himself and the others like anybody else because most white people would be afraid of them and would never come to their neighbourhood. I smiled but I felt kind of sad at the same time. It is a shame that somebody has to thank me for treating them normal. Thank you Wayne for showing me this part of Guyana.
Ronald showed me another part of Guyana that I had not witnessed before. Football – Guyana style. A game in a stadium just like many other games I’ve been to, so I thought. Ronald laughed at me when I looked at the ticket to find my seat number. Apparently one can sit where ever one likes, that means that supporters of both teams are mixed indeed. Unheard of in any other country I’ve ever been to.
We found two seats although we were quite late. All ready for the finals. The game was fun and exciting, only right before the end the final goal was made 3-2. The game however wasn’t what I enjoyed most. It was the crowd. They live the game with heart and soul. Every inch of their being is in the game. It shows in both verbal and physical expressions. Heated discussions between supporters of both teams but in a playful manner. Jumping up and down the seats, dancing, waving arms. Everything that can move moves. Just amazing. I had a wonderful time.