People, places…
A LIFETIME somewhere is not always what it takes to make that place special. More often than not, it can be just one moment; a moment that provokes you to thought and makes you realize that at that point in time, it is the only one you have for sure. In Orealla, one of the furthest points in the Ancient County, as Berbice is sometimes called, one is sure to be impacted by at least one such moment.

While there are many such moments, the early mornings in Orealla have proven to be the best for many who have braved the journey from Skeldon on the Corentyne River, which can last as long as four hours.

Morning in Orealla, that special moment, and the sights can only be described as God’s way of encouraging focus; focus on the fact that life is short and appreciation of the simpler pleasures in life.  In that moment, one is provoked to consider what it is that really matters, that really takes precedence in life.

At around 06h00, the sun slowly puts in its appearance and, for the most part, the folks in Orealla are up before the sun.

As soon as it is light enough, the community, whose boast is that life there mimics that of a family, is up and about with cleaning being the first item on the day’s agenda.

Once that particular chore is out of the way, and in some cases simultaneously, breakfast is next in line. In Orealla, cereals and other quick-fixes for the most important meal of the day is  out of the question. The residents in that community settle for a much healthier and arguably more tasty option — fresh fish.

According to the residents, fishing nets are set the night before, and in the morning when they are raised, breakfast is available.

Regardless of how it is coupled, whether it’s with ‘float’ or ‘bake’ or piping-hot roti, breakfast in Orealla is a treat.

In some cases, instead of for breakfast, the fish is used for dinner.

After mealtime ends, there’s a madding rush: Children getting ready for school, teens taking animals out to graze, the older folks taking out their boats, some setting down by the river to do laundry, some just enjoying the morning air and the carefree others taking a dip in the Corentyne River.

In Orealla, taking a bath in the river is routine, even for the smallest tot.

By the time the rush is over, so too is the morning, but as a casual bystander, you’re left in awe at how the simplest of existence makes life on Orealla stand out.

It is never the hectic blasé way of life that is more common to urban and some rural communities; the atmosphere there has a marked difference and is the source of the good echo that follows those who venture to make the foray to Orealla.

The ethos of simplicity, cooperation and family is one many other communities can emulate.