Stability, Guyana, craziness, whatever!
We can generally see occasions to socialize as fortunate opportunities to engage with fascinating people, and see occasions to do other activities as opportunities to engage with our fascinating environment.
I guess it makes sense not to know off-hand what to do next. Takes some improv, thinking, creativity!
I've now decided provisionally to go to Guyana next. I'd planned on going to Venezuela, then deliberated between Guyana versus Venezuela. With the political situation in Venezuela remaining poor, it doesn't seem practical or desirable to go there.
Guyana would offer a segue through the remainder of the Caribbean, including Suriname and French Guiana. Also, if Venezuela becomes safer later on, then I can visit it while already in the area to go to Colombia and other nearby countries. It would also give me some more freedom in "flagpoling" to and from Brazil (is that what they call? I forgot the term. Spending time in other countries so that I can use more time legally in the country.) Further, that would group together the Spanish-language countries later, and the French and other language countries now.
As another advantage, in case anything crazy like another COVID strike occurs soon, I'd much rather be in a relatively safe place like Guyana than stuck in Venezuela!
Venezuela seems to be in extremely poor shape. Killing and committing other crimes at high rates. Venezuela seems like a country where the criminals have taken over. Looks like one of their kingpins got busted. (Saab)
The ferry from Trinidad to Venezuela may not even be running. In that case I think it would make more sense just to go to Guyana anyways. If the ferry is running, I'd consider that a moderate inducement to go to Venezuela, but probably not enough to justify the risks.
Supposedly there are routes connecting Venezuela to Guyana. You can walk, or you can boat if you ask at the right gas station. Not sure I'm ready for those choices now!
Seems like Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana resemble Caribbean islands in some respects. Even with their larger size, these three countries have smaller populations than some islands. They have Caribbean weather, populations, culture, etc.
Looks like some countries are opening their borders again. Requiring vaccinations and other stupid Coronavirus things, but whatever. Better than nothing. :)
I think there's no more serious reason for me to stay in Guadeloupe after the ferries reopen. I've seen what I want, I've done the chores that I think I needed a stable address for. I've recovered psychologically, physiologically, and financially from previous travels. Now I want to ride again!
I used to worry somewhat about figuring out how to convert currency mentally in all of the different countries to visit. It turns out to be fairly manageable. Often the exchange rates are close enough to an easy multiple, like 1:1, 2:1, 10:1, or 50:1, that you can quickly enough devise a mental shorthand. Also, your brain adjusts to the prices after a few days or so.
Carnivorous Coronavirus.
Distraction. Destruction.
Some more frustrations, I guess that's generally the case, just adapt, etc. :)
While among the more frustrations travel-wise, this has been among the more anti-frustration periods in some other aspects of my life.
Satisfying. I think that satisfying is the opposite of frustrating.
Exciting that it looks like things are finally moving. I've felt super stuck throughout this exaggerated pandemic. It's the most stable I've felt in decades. Time to destabilize! :)
Woah, some crazy explosion in the kitchen as I was editing this. From the butane stove? I think something like that's happened before. Scary. I don't see any signs of serious destruction. Wouldn't surprise me if the butane tank isn't set up properly, seems like practically nothing is here. :)
Whatever! :)
