Scenic Guyana

Tales of Resemblances : VIII

 

 

 

 

 

 

A word, any word brings considerable knowledge and experience to a person. The number of syllables, high and low, sound and rhythm, the passions it stirs and the images conjured bring a wide range of interests. Its root source is more mysterious. Pronounced ' guy ' ' ana ' not ' gui, ' it refers to the fact that it sources itself from the human idea and not guinea fowls. English, incidentally, is the official language of the country.

 

Its located in the northern part of South America, its shores facing the Atlantic Ocean. East of its shores are the musical islands of the Caribbean.

 

Pronounced ' Guy ' ' ana ' not ' gui,' the word makes reference to a human idea not a guinea fowl. The country itself however is a lush tropical forest of mountains and rivers, parrots sitting on trees, fishes in the streams and for cat hunters, there's the jaguar. They sell a popular beer in the bars called ' Banks.' Curious name for beer. Reminds a person of Butch Cassidy in Bolivia.

 

Further East, the name ' Guy ' ' ana ' introduces an added interest ... something more personal and family oriented. Of course the word guy simply means a fella but ' ana ' in the Tamil language means older brother. The word might be quite fitting actually. I lived for 18 years in the family with an older brother whom I never came to understand even after I retired from work. He is still a guy I know.

 

But I met a dish recently, quite stirring in the way she brings herself to speak and get along. I figure she's about 18 years my junior. Originally from India, she's here in this country on a work pass. Works at the café where I go for my meals. She has one of those classical Tamil names that I have difficulty pronouncing. So just recently I asked her if its okay for me to call her ' Guyana.' She asked me what it meant. I replied that it was a country in South America. She said okay.

 

Well right. That's what I wanted to say about words today. I wonder what ' Banks ' beer tastes like?