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ย ย ย ย ย @Sreypov and I have been planning for months to go to ColaKreek, and finally had the free-time to attempt it. Our google machine๐ป told us there were two buses leaving from Paramaribo; 5:00am and 8:00am, and one returning from ColaKreek at 5:00pm. We sat out early in the morning determined to catch the 8am bus.
ย ย ย ย ย We arrived about 7am in downtown Paramaribo in the general area where many buses depart to destinations outside the city. Unfortunately for us the bus to Colakreek was nowhere to be found ๐, and time was running out. A local taxi driver recommended we take a bus to White Beach instead. It was right in front of us and leaving in a minute.
ย ย ย ย ย Needing an adventure ๐๐ฝโโ๏ธ, we sat off not knowing exactly where to or how far. We had traveled maybe 45 minutes when the bus driver shouted ๐ฃ๏ธ to us we'd arrived, otherwise we would've stayed on the bus assuming White Beach was the final stop. Luckily the journey wasn't long, but we certainly didn't arrive at an "ocean" beach.
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ย ย ย ย ย We wandered around for a few seconds before also realizing the beach was within the private property of Caribo Beach Resort.This beach was a "river" beach, a pleasant surprise ๐ฎ, because we prefer freshwater. We approached the kiosk to make sure it was the right location as we didn't see any "White Beach" signs. The staff assured us we'd arrived at the right place, and then collected the swimming fees of 10 SRD (๐ฒ1.25) per child and 20 SRD (๐ฒ2.50) per adult.
ย ย ย ย ย We took a quick tour before settling under the only free shady spot ๐ด available. There were shade huts available for 20 SRD (๐ฒ2.50) per day, affordable by most people's standards. I can assure you the Khmerican Family Abroad weren't the only cheapskates โธ๏ธ at White beach; 8 Surinamers piled their stuff under a tree on the ground like us.
ย ย ย ย ย When Sreypov noticed there was a football field sized cage surrounding the swimming area, she immediately asked, "Are we in the Amazonโ" I had to reassure her of our safety even though I don't personally know where there are and aren't crocs ๐ in Suriname. Being close to the sea, we noticed a pretty extreme low tide from 12:00pm to 3:00pm, completely exposing the swimming cage.
ย ย ย ย ย The day went on til' sun fatigue ๐ฅต arose and we attempted to find some vegan fare ๐. Unfortunately all that could be produced were 4 plates of fries ๐ and some processed drinks ๐ง. I was a bit surprised how such a wonderful place's kitchen and bar were so ill-equipped. Either way, it gave Sakana and Srey Yuu much needed trampoline fuel โฝ.
ย ย ย ย ย Sunburnt ๐ฅต and dehydrated ๐ฅค, the girls got to see a Surinamer twerking ๐ on top of a table just as evening was setting in. Not too excited to explain twerking to two traditionally raised Cambodian girls, I faked sleepiness and closed my eyes on the bus-ride back to Paramaribo.
ย ย ย ย ย There's a time and a place to explain twerking and the slowly degrading state of international humanity ๐๐ to two innocent and beautiful children, but it wasn't that day. There is nothing a 45-minute bus-ride can't make a sleepy 5-year old forget anyways, luckily.
