10 Reasons to visit Suriname
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| Anani strand (Anani Beach) in Brokopondo |
On the coast of South America between French Guyana and Guyana, you will find a hidden jewel in the amazon rainforest. This country is named Suriname, or as I call it home! In the native tongue, Sranang tongo Suriname is called "Sranang". If you are thinking about visiting a piece of paradise here are 10 reasons why you should visit the tropical South American/ Caribbean country called Suriname.
1. multi-cultured society
It doesn't matter where you are from, what language you speak, or what your religion is.
When in Suriname you will certainly feel right at home. This former French, English and yes even Dutch colony is culturally diverse. The independent Republic of Suriname is home to Chinese, Javanese, Indian, Indigenous tribes, Brazilians, Maroons, and many more residents with different cultural backgrounds. You will also see a lot of Latin Americans in Suriname. Take me for example, I am what we would call a " dogla". That means I am a mix, I have Chinese, Scottish, Jewish, Creole, Javanese, Indian, Dutch, and Venezuelan ancestors. That is just me keeping the list short. Surinamese people are really tolerant of each other's religion. We are the only county in the world with a Synagogue right next to a Mosque.
2. The food
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| Chinese food In Suriname |
Whenever you ask someone what is the best thing Suriname has to offer, they will most likely answer food. And no those Chinese restaurants that you see in the Netherlands are not what we Surinamese people would call local Surinamese food. Most of them don't even speak Sranan tongo. The local language every citizen knows means that most have never been to my country. Visiting Suriname you will never get bored because you have a lot of options when it comes to food. From plates of pasta to Javanese cuisines. Javanese food is mostly similar to Indonesian cuisine but then with a Surinamese twist.
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| Javanese food in Suriname |
Your tongue is in for a delightful treat. But be sure that you can handle some spice (Sambel). We also have Chinese cuisines, Indian, Brazilian, Mexican and the list goes on. Surinamese people love food! That is also why we party in a different style than the people from Europe. Have you ever been to a Surinamese birthday party? Biscuits and thee is not really our thing. There is always a lot of food. Sometimes you will find what we call The Surinamese buffet at these birthday parties. That is a mix of Creole, Chinese, Javanese, Indian food, and more. I will write more about Surinamese food in the coming articles. Because it's a lot to get into. The point is no matter where you are from when in Suriname you can't get bored. Because of our diverse background, our cuisine has a story to tell from every part of the world.
3. The people will understand you.
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| My friends who all speak more than 3 languages |
Even though the national language is Dutch because of the country's diverse culture and history you will soon find out that almost every Surinamese person is bilingual. To date, I have not met one Surinamese person that doesn't speak more than one language. In fact, most Surinamese people speak a minimum of three languages.
Some of the languages spoken in Suriname are:
- Dutch
- English
- Spanish
- Portuguese
- Sranan tongo
- Javanese ( Dialect created by Javanese Immigrants who settled in Suriname)
- Sarnami ( A Surinamese version of Hindi spoken by descendants of Indian immigrants)
- French ( There seems to be a lot of local interaction between Suriname and French Guyana)
- Mandarin
- Hawka
- Cantonese
And this list could go on for quite a while. Subscribe to my blog if you want an update on in-depth articles about Suriname.
4. Nature
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| Bronsberg Nature reserve in Brokopondo |
We are called the heart of the Amazon for a reason, the country is mostly green. I have to admit it is heartbreaking to see gold miners and Chinese woodchoppers tear up the forest. Because of our natural resources, a lot of local and foreign companies have torn up our environment. On the way to your vacation destination, you might notice a lot of gold mines just along the road.
The deeper you go into the interior the more of the rainforest you will see. And it is breath-taking, if you are looking to relax and enjoy nature this is the place to be. We have diverse fauna and flora. Be sure to go swimming in our rivers and enjoy our waterfalls. Suriname is also rich in natural resources. We have gold, diamonds, bauxite, wood, oil, minerals, and lots of healthy fruits. But I wish that our Natural resources wouldn't be the reason for people to tear up places with such beautiful views. The animals in the Surinamese forest deserve a safe place. After all, this is the country where biologists from all over the world come to find extinct animals and plants. We have a lot of plants in our interior that can be used as natural medicines for different ailments. I guess I would have done it differently. But don't let that stop you from hiking in our backyards. If you can try to see it while it lasts.
5. The currency
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| A few drinks and an SRD 100,- bill. |
For you, as a tourist, the currency will certainly work in your favor. 1 Euro equals S.R.D (Surinamese Dollars) 8.21, which means with little pocket money you can go a long way.
Update: The government updated its policies to try to control a spiraling currency. The newly introduced unified currency rate as of November 2020 is $1 equals SRD 14,- and €1 equals |SRD16,62. To keep track of the recent currency you can visit the website of the Surinamese Central bank or any other local banks.
2022 Update: Due to massive inflation the currency of $1,- now equals SRD22,-
6. The hospitality of the Surinamese people
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| The sun setting in Suriname |
Suriname is home to a lot of beautiful women and men, since the country is so diverse the people here come in all sizes and shapes. But most importantly they are friendly and helpful. So you will feel at ease having a friendly chat. They will welcome you and even show you around. When it comes to hospitality, Surinamese people do not fold their cards.
7. Being away from home doesn't mean that you can't practice your religion
I am a Hindu and when I visit certain countries finding a mandir (temple) can be a struggle. But when in Suriname, don't even worry about it. We have mosques, temples, churches, synagogues, and a lot of other religious temples for you to visit. If you want to know which one is nearby be sure to just ask.
8. Nightlife
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| A night of unexpected clubbing and pool. |
The nightlife in Suriname especially during December is something worth experiencing. The New York Times called us South America's hidden treasure. Owru Yari ( The end of the year) is heavily celebrated in the city of Paramaribo. Because Surinamese people love to party and they know how to get down. You will see them dancing and drinking while watching the pagara festival. There is no shortage of nightclubs, especially near Waterkant (riverside).
Since we are so diverse as people we have a lot of national holidays. Surinamese people enjoy sharing each other's holidays. When it is Idul fitre, everyone visits their Muslim friend for food. Phagwa, you will see onafhankelijkheid plein full of different people celebrating the powder festival.
So feel free to join the party and blend in.
10. The music and Beer
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| A view of the Commewijne river. |
In Suriname, you will hear all kinds of music. From Reggae vibes to Rock and roll and even Kaseko.
even our clubs play Latin and House music. So it doesn't matter what your preference is, in Suriname, you will surely find something for yourself. When clubbing and even on the streets you will see most people drinking Parbo beer, a locally made beer that you have to taste to make your visit to Suriname complete.
Have you been to Suriname before
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