Suriname > The large wooden Paulus and Petrus Cathedral

The final day has arrived. For the last time, we pack our luggage and stack it downstairs. By bus, we head to the center of Paramaribo. This time, we stay on until the end of the line, which turns out to be at the market. We go in search of Mariënburg rum at 90%, peanut sambal sauce, and a CD by the Ghetto Crew, the band from last night.

Suriname - The interior of the St. Peter and Paul Cathedral

We pass the large wooden cathedral, which happens to be open. Although it’s almost eleven o’clock, we are allowed a quick look inside. Only inside is it clear how badly the cathedral is deteriorating. Via a narrow wooden staircase, I reach the balcony by the organ. From there, a steep staircase leads to the tower. Hopefully, it can hold my weight. At the top of the tower, there is a small door offering a beautiful view of the other tower and the city. I quickly descend to be outside again at exactly eleven o’clock, as the church closes. We decide to have one last drink before returning to the hotel. There, we say goodbye to Jasmine and the anxious guard dog and get back on the bus. On the way to the airport, we take a detour to a butterfly garden in Onverwacht, roughly halfway to the airport. At the garden, we are given a tour and try to photograph the butterflies using the macro setting. This proves tricky, as the butterflies are very active. Unfortunately, we have to leave fairly quickly to catch our flight. We continue toward Zanderij, and shortly afterward, Roy drops us off at the airport entrance. Security is strict. Before entering the departure hall, our luggage is searched, and we are frisked. The small bottle of hand sanitizer is flammable and is not allowed on board, though fortunately, it was nearly empty. In the departure hall, we spend our remaining money mainly on beer, and Guy empties the tip jar on frikandel sandwiches for everyone. The plane to Amsterdam is only about one-third full, meaning plenty of seats are available to lie down and sleep. After dinner, we each find a row and try to get some rest.