Happy New Year
on Fiona Craven (Guyana), 07/Jan/2012 23:36, 34 days ago
It would be easy to return from an amazing holiday in beautifulSt. Luciawith friends and feel sad. But it’s impossible to feel anything but joy to return toGuyana. Coming out of the airport I wave at people I know waiting to greet their family. As I walk through my yard my landlady leans out of her 3rdfloor window to enquire about my holiday and comment on my darker tan. As dusk sets in I call on a friend and gaff with her and her neighbour as they sweep out their yards. Then Granny calls by, drunk on 2 bottles of beer, and insists I call over to her's for a cream liqueur. On my way back I pop to my local restaurant and exchange hugs and catch up with the staff there. Where have I been they ask? And I’m so dark, I’m turning Brazilian they tell me. I walk back passed the guys on the corner playing dominoes, past the guys outside the mini-mart who always give me a hard time. And as I walk the block home I hum along to the liltingCaribbeanmelodies drifting from the wooden houses on either side.Back in my garden I glance towards the bench where one of our garden toads hangs out every night. As I put my key in the door I look up at the eaves, our night watchman pidgeon is having a snooze. The white lizzard isn't out yet, but I know that come 10 o'clock he'll arrive on the door.12 months ago I could only dream of where 2011 would take me. Now at the start of 2012 I have no idea where I will be 12 months from now. All I know is that right now I’m home.