Their favourite hangout

Interviews and photos by Melissa Charles and Sara Bharrat

Where in Guyana do you go to relax and why? We asked several persons in the street this question and this is what they had to say.

Debra Carter, Teacher

‘Most of the time I go to Celina’s by the Kitty seawall to relax. It’s quiet and you get a lot of fresh air and a nice view of the sea.
The staff there is courteous and the food is very good. I usually go with a group of friends and have quiet evenings. Another thing that I love about Celina’s is that the setting of the place provides privacy and it’s never busy and noisy.

Karen London, CD vendor

‘Well I used to go to the seawalls a lot but now I really don’t get the time to go there. In the afternoons when my friend and I finish selling we would walk across to the mall and sit down to relax, buy some chips and something to drink and just chat and get rid of the day’s stress.

On holidays I would go to one of the creeks on the Linden highway and relax enjoyably. Another way that I would use to get rid of tension is to take a walk over the Demerara Harbour Bridge. It is so relaxing to walk over and just feel the breeze and watch the rippling water.    
 

Stephen Rutherford, self-employed

‘Relaxing for me is something I have to do with my male friends. A nice game of pools with the guys is the way to relax for me. I like going to the Buddy’s entertainment centre, especially the pools hall. It’s a nice, cool atmosphere with good music. I enjoy having a few drinks with my friends there.

Jenel Tappin, student

‘Well I have a number of places that I go to relax. I like going to the White Castle fish shop to just chill out and let off steam. I go there because the atmosphere and service is good.

I also go to Buddy’s pool hall on Sheriff Street when I want a different atmosphere. Also I visit the bowling alley because it’s something different from the normal everyday activities and it’s a fresh, new environment with a new activity to stimulate and calm the mind. 

Pauline Deane, billing clerk

‘When I need to relax I go the salon. There is nothing like a good hairdo or a facial to make me feel completely relaxed, comfortable and so much better. Also chatting up with the girls at the salon is a good way of relaxing for me. I find that church is another relaxing venue for me. Going to church makes me forget the stress of everyday living. Fellowship with God gets rid of any tension and makes me feel wonderfully relaxed and free of stress.     
   

Christopher Mc Adam, public sector employee:

‘I like to kick back at the Colgrain Pool because it has a friendly and clean atmosphere. I have no special day or time when I go there. Whenever the mood strikes I go there to swim and just relax by the pool to have some quiet time.’

Debbie Mulchand, self employed:

‘The ideal place of comfort for me and my family to relax at is the Blue Water Resort in Canal #2. It offers a certain amount of privacy and I can take my entire family along to just spend time with them. The area is nice for cook-outs and I try to go there with my family at least once a month.’

Sherwin `Greens-man’ Harding, self-employed:

‘The nicest place in Mahdia to get all the comforts and let loose is the R&H Hotel which offers a convenient bar and poolside. I enjoy the cool breeze and it’s the number one place for me to hang out with my friends after a hard week’s work. I’m there every Sunday.’

Anil Singh, self employed:

‘My favourite place to relax in Guyana is at the Naamryck Black Water Koker located at Parika Back. I go there some Sundays with my friends. We just rock back in the shade of the trees and enjoy the breeze, maybe take a couple of drinks. It’s also a nice spot for fishing and even cookouts. You can just enjoy a nice Sunday afternoon there.’

Amar Ramgati, customer service clerk:

‘Buddy’s Night Club, that’s my relaxing spot. It’s how I begin my weekend. On Friday and Saturday nights I go there to have a few drinks, dance and unwind after a hard week. The place is cool; they play all the right types of music and have an extensive bar. Two friends and I frequent the club, it’s our upbeat way of relaxing.’