Picture this:

Picture this: You get a ride into the city, by a friend of a friend hook up that happened nicely. You go to your friend’s house, gaff since you haven’t seen each other in ages, and find yourself going out to a party, with that friend and a few others. After hugs of hello and checking out their new digs, you head to the party. Even though the party wasn’t too exciting, the next day totally makes up for it – you get a new cell phone, go shopping and eat Chinese for lunch with a group. You make plans to meet up for dinner, and what starts as a small gathering of friends, turns into three tables long full of people talking, sharing, laughing, eating and drinking beer! All your conversations are meaningful, and you’ve been so starved for your friends/buddies/comrades, you also just spend time drinking them in. After a few beers, you feel good. You haven’t relaxed like this in some time. Since more friends are added to the mix, you sort out who is sleeping with whom, your generous hostess opened her door to another; even though space and accommodations are hard to come by, you amusingly make it work. “G’night” is heard all around as you go to sleep happy and tired.

The next day is just as good. You sleep late, then you and your friend decide to stay in, make lunch and watch a movie. You get things together and make it happen. Good food and good movie. You are content. Next you go to a football game – your team against your friend’s team. The game is delayed due to rain, but you chillily accept to warm up via moonshine from a fellow spectator. The game is entertaining, you cheer your team on, people-watch and gaff with people as those concession stand items are being eaten all around. For dinner, you and several others must have had the same thought in mind, because you all show up at the same restaurant. (Money is not an issue this weekend.) You eat, you laugh and you plan for later, to go to the big event that’s in town. People galore, drinks, stage performances, kids and other ankle biters running around. You watch and hear some interesting things before you and a different friend decide to call it a night. You walk back together, talking and sharing along the way, very satisfying. You are scared witless by your fellow sleepover buddy, but still get into bed knowing you had a good day. You come home the next afternoon, batteries recharged, happy and content. You’ve got some great friends and you had a great time. A happy story.

Sounds nice, huh? Have you ever experienced something similar? Is it a story you can relate to on some levels? Having a good time with friends, going out and enjoying yourself, confiding in someone and getting feedback and support?

I can. I just had a wonderful weekend in TBC; it was just what I needed. Even though it was a PC Guyana version of what normally would be a civilian Kansas City experience, it carried the exact same undertones, and was perhaps more appreciated/meaningful because it was a mix of both worlds – both worlds you are a part of. It was one of the Amerindian Heritage Month events going on this week/weekend. September as a whole is Amerindian Heritage Month, and nation-wide, the different villages/Amerindian tribes celebrate through ceremonies, dancing, contests such as archery, pepper pot (a Guyanese dish) making, pottery, and music, sports and fashion shows. Amerindians were the first inhabitants of Guyana. Our Ed Tech Trainer, Kampta, said there are different theories as to where the Amerindian people came from. Due to time and the spread out nature of the villages, Amerindians became to make up 9 different tribes: Wai-Wai, Wapishana, Carib, Makushi, Akawaio, Patamona, Arecuna, Arawak and Warrau. (Taken roughly from an unreliable website, don’t quote me on those. There are 9, though.) My village is a Makushi village; they speak Makushi. Other languages o the Amerindians include Arawak, Carib and Wapishana. Rom missionary influence, most Amerindians are Christian.

Anyway, all different tribes of Amerindians from all around the country hold events and celebrations in September, usually one big one per area. Ours was and is held right outside of TBC, within walking distance. This weekend, different football teams from different nearby villages played, though at the big celebrations at the end of the month our region will play against Region 7 for the big match.

I got to lightly party with some from my village and I got to cheer them on at one of their games. We lost, but I was proud of them. Also, our social gatherings had an intermingling of PCVs and locals. It was a good mix of people and experiences. Another fine way for me to transition into being 100% at home here. Overall, my “picture this” was quite satisfying.