Kourou Space Center

16.10.2013
Day 971
107,140 km since the beginning of the journey, Route: Aouara - Kourou (217 km).

From Wikipedia : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guiana_Space_Centre

The Guiana Space Centre or, more commonly, Centre spatial guyanais (CSG) is a French and European spaceport near Kourou in French Guiana. Operational since 1968, it is particularly suitable as a location for a spaceport as it fulfills the two major geographical requirements of such a site: it is quite close to the equator, so that the spinning earth can impart some extra velocity to the rockets for free when launched eastward, and it has uninhabited territory (in this case, open sea) to the east, so that lower stages of rockets and debris from launch failures cannot fall on human habitations.

The European Space Agency, the French space agency CNES, and the commercial Arianespace company conduct launches from Kourou. This is the spaceport used by the ESA to send supplies to the International Space Station using the Automated Transfer Vehicle.

French Guyana

13.10.2013 – 15.10.2013
106,923 km since the beginning of the journey
Route: Paramaribo - Albina - St.Laurent Du Moroni - Mana - Aouara (226 km).

In the morning we drive to the French side to find out about the crossing, as there are other travelers wishing the same, as well. Aleksey and Dawen have been traveling in their small Peugeot along South America for a year already.

On the spot, we learn that no special permission for this small barge is nowhere to be got, and it 's not really needed. Customs said that the necessary items are: your own passport and your car passport and the car insurance. And that's just about all. But the crossing will be on Monday and then there will be the second shift at work there, so it is recommended before the take-over to present the documents to them as well.. To make it safer.

On Monday, we'll show the papers to the new officials, and they also confirm that anyone can ride over the river, and of course on your own risk. It is a sensible attitude, no overregulation and everyone is responsible for their own actions.


We formalize the vehicles out of Suriname, which means that the customs officer takes temporary car admission papers away. And the border guards add another stamp into the passport.

No Ferry?

11.10.2013-13.10.2013
106,697 km from the beginning of the journey
Route: Paramaribo - Albina - Paramaribo (295 km)

"One Road In, One Road Out" can be said about all three Guyana countries but as to Suriname – it would be more accurate to say - "One Ferry In, One Ferry Out."

The border between the countries runs along the river, and instead of bridges there is a functioning boat traffic, and the cars should be able to cross the river by ferry. And generally it is so, but sometimes it happens that the barge is being repaired or needs maintenance, and not just for one or two days, but for a longer period of time. The current “longer period” was expected to last up to October 28. Such was the last info received from Paramaribo. And so long - no cars crossing the river and no spare ferry either.

Since no one could say anything about the alternatives, the only way to find out was to drive to Albina to investigate the issue on the spot. Albina is Suriname 's border town, French Guyana is on the other side and the border city there is St. Laurent.


Passenger Port of Albina.

Paramaribo Zoo

Day 964,
09.10.2013,
106 402 km since the beginning of the journey
Paramaribo, Suriname.

The Paramaribo Zoo was opened in 1972 and it is located almost in the center of the town. The visit costs 10 Suriname dollars (3 USD).


There were almost no visitors there.

Suriname

05.10.2013 – 06.10.2013
Route: Georgetown – Moleson Creek – Paramaribo (446 km).

Suriname (former Dutch Guyana) is a South American smallest independent state, the area is of 165,000 km², and the population is approximately 556,000.

The country has borders with Guyana, Brazil and French Guiana, but between Suriname and Brazil there are no roads to connect the two countries, the only option is - either to drive through Guyana or French Guiana. For all the three countries can be said, " One Road In, One Road Out ".

For clarity, a map as well.
   

View Larger Map

Kaieteur Falls

Day 959,
105 957 km since the beginning of the journey,
Guyana.

226 –meters high Kaieteur waterfall is located in the middle of Guyana by the Potaro river and is one of the most important tourist attractions of the country.

To visit the waterfall is possible by plane. From Georgetown the flight takes about an hour. Or the alternative is to hike through the rain forest for several days and in the meantime have a boat ride along the river because there is no road that leads to the waterfall.

The first view of the falls just before landing.

Guyana Zoo

Day 958,
105,950 km since the beginning of the journey,
Georgetown, Guyana.


Guyana Zoological Park is located in Georgetown, and was opened in 1952. The zoo is relatively small, situated almost in the center of the town and to have a good overview it would take about one-two hours Next, there are already pictures.

Lethem to Georgetown

26.09.2013 – 27.09.2013
The Route: Lethem – Kurupukari - Linden – Georgetown (531 km)
Guyana


For a change, instead of the rain forest there is genuine savanna on both sides of the road.