First guests

Up until we moved to Suriname we were members of the Dutch Motor Club Pink Spirit, just as Hennie and Josje still are. These girls already had a longtime wish to visit Suriname. Hearing from our plans they decided to spend their holidays in Boxel Boes Belanda. We were thrilled: our first guests!
There was one condition from their part though. "We'll only visit you, if you have something to do for us during our stay at your botanical garden. We want to make ourselves usefull." As there are only one thousand things to do in BBB, it took quite some time to come up with something suitable. Building bridges!
And that's what they did. In 2 weeks time four minimal-design bridges were built from scratch. They were great and very enthusiastic. They just kept on going even during the hottest part of the days.

 The lodge was well received and as the all around windows are made from mosquito screens only, the cacophony of bird songs woke them every morning for a fresh start.

Josje and Hennie

Good for them, they also had some true holiday trips planned. Like bird watching in Bigi Pan, a boat trip from Kwamalasumutu and a visit to the Indians in Palumeu. Read all about it in their blog 'Hennie en Josje in Suriname' (Dutch).

Living in the lodge

Later on the wooden lodge will be available for guests, but for now it is our home in Suriname.

With the water pump installed for sanitation and a queen sized bed, it is a comfortable stay. In daytime cool wind blows across the wide balcony as I watch the guys building the master house. At night it offers me a place to read, watch tv and update this blog in the midst of the sounds of crickets and frogs.