French Guiana: France in South America??
Written: Mar 20 '01
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Amazing Country, Beautiful beaches, Beautiful Towns, Wonderful people
Cons: The weather can be annoying, The prices of everything
The Bottom Line: South America is a beautiful place and in this country you can experience France and a South American Country.
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| mix-master's Full Review: French Guiana |
French Guiana located deep into South America is a undiscovered vacationland. This nice little French owned country had everything you can think of. From beaches to rainforests this tropical country features all kinds of people. Talk with the locals in French, French Guianese, and Arawak. Also one big thing in French Guiana is rupestrian art. I am not familiar at all with that kind of art but it is very exotic and you won't find it in any ordinary place.
French Guiana is not a hard to imagine place. Just picture hot beaches with plenty of people and crystal clear water. Then picture looking out to sea and seeing nothing but blue. Then you turn around and see the huge satellite launch pads and buildings. Surprisingly French Guiana has sent over 44 satellites into orbit. They also have a huge museum where you can learn a lot about satellites. The museum is called the European Space Centre and you will not be able to miss it.
The History
French Guiana was originally inhabited by indians as well as almost every other American Continent. The next century the Dutch, English and French claimed their land here making colonies all over the country. Next, after a couple of years, the Dutch and English lost interest in the country and France was left to profit in it's rich timber wood and sugar.
During the 1800's France had too many prisoners in jail. This was the time of the French Revolution and therefore there were hundreds of thousands of political prisoners. These prisoners had to go somewhere and France decided to exile them to French Guiana. Over 70,000 prisoners were shipped here until they died from old age or a disease unknown to them.
Surprisingly only 5% of French Guiana's population thinks that they should become independent. This is largely due to that fact that France has boosted this country's economy in all ways. First by showing Guiana their resources and then by introducing new technology to the country.
The Geography
As I said before there is a lot of tropical rainforests. To be exact 90% of the land is covered by rainforests so you can see why this place is one we should save. So going on a tour which would be good there if they have them. I am not to sure that they do because I did not go on a tour through the forests but rather I went on my own but not deep into it.
The beaches are so beautiful. They are well developed around them too just like every other beach in the USA. When I say that I mean there are hotels, shops, and people around or on them. Well the beaches are covered with the white sand that feels so good on your feet. The ocean is crystal clear just like up in the Caribbean Sea. That is probably because it is the Caribbean Sea. If you go and stay on the beach during the day you won't have too big of a problem with other people, tourists or locals. Watch out though, there are locals that feed off of vacationers.
French Guiana is bordered by Brazil in the East and South. So if you want to quickly check out another South American country just slip over the border to check it out. You won't see anything that different except you will be noticing that everyone will be speaking Portuguese and not French. They are tricky considering each country speaks about 10 different languages inside of their country. So if you even know one of those languages it might not help you.
The Money
In French Guiana you will be spending francs and not pesos or reals. This makes a totally different exchange rate and you will be better off get francs at home. They also take major credit cards in the case of an emergency. Although I would not rely on that method of payment. You are lucky if you run out of francs. That is because French Guiana has been buttered up with technology by France and they have ATMs. Just let me remind you, there is a big surcharge to get money from them if you have a bank based in the USA.
When you go to French Guiana, you will not be on an economy budget. That is because you have to pay for everything, including your showers. The meals run a little expensive and are $20-$30 US dollars. So if you go out and add up that costs it will be almost impossible to spend less then $100 US dollars. So as you can see this country if very expensive thanks to France.
The Weather
Well since French Guiana is 90% rainforests you can guess that they get a lot of rain. The 3 months that are the worst to go are June, July and May. Especially don't go during May unless you want it to ran everyday. These three months are the rainy ones and you will most likely not have fun. In addition to the constant rains you will be bombarded with unbelievable humidity. This humidity is constant and never goes away. You feel like you are breathing in water.
Cautions
Just like when you go to any other country you should get your shots. It is dangerous to go somewhere where there are unknown diseases to you. Well where you body doesn't have a defense against. The few in French Guiana that you should shots for are:
1. Cholera
2. Dengue Fever
3. Hepatitis
4. Malaria
5. Typhoid
6. Yellow Fever
Recommended:
Yes
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mix-master
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Location: Connecticut
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