Ruins of Fort Zeelandia
Decked out in all safety gear , visitors depart in comfortable boats from a wooden stelling located on the eastern side of the Essequibo river at around 09:00h . The journey starts with experience boat captains and professional tour guides who share bits of information about the trip and the scenery .
The first stop on this day was at Fort Island located at the mouth of the Essequibo River . Previously known as Flag Island or the Dutch translation Vlaggen Eiland was the last capital when Guyana was colonized by the Dutch . It was renamed Fort Island in 1775 . Today , the island serves as home to a small population of Guyanese . Remnants of Dutch history remains in the form of the Court of Policy now converted to a museum and the ruins of Fort Zeelandia built to protect the interests of the Dutch in 1744 . Despite its many ruins over the years , the eerie feeling associated with its history is still felt on various parts of the island . Villagers often sell the old wine bottles referred to as ‘ Dutch bottles ’ found along the shores of the riverside .
After touring the Dutch remains , we departed for the town of Bartica where visitors were afforded the opportunity of purchasing snacks and even clothing or craft from market vendors and shop keepers .
Later , the team was transported to the Baracara falls for a dip in the stream of ‘ black water ’ running from the cool of the rainforest into the nearby river .
Having to complete a short hike to the falls made the feel of fresh water against one ’ s skin more welcoming than expected . Upon concluding our refreshing dip in the water , the boat again collected the group and transported us to
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