Guided by an Iguana Spirit at a Historical Coffee Plantation in Suriname

We recently went on a trip to a local area, some would say nature park, that used to be a cocoa/coffee plantation back in the slavery days. There were quite some interesting things to see there. They basically just cleaned up the original plantation paths so people can walk around in this big area. They even hardened the main path with more sand, so the whole thing is not a completely muddy experience. But enough about that.

Whenever we go on trips to spots that emanate a bit of historical value, @tanjakolader does a great job of explaining the cultural and historical significance of the place. So you can read more about that here:
Visiting Nature Park Peperpot 🎋 An Old Plantation in Commewijne Suriname

Usually I'm just along for the adventure which often leads to fun distractions and exploring things that aren't on the main road or path. This is exactly what happens when we we're walking the designated route, when I saw that there was a path to the left with a lizard staring at me. So I called my parents, sister and Tanja, telling them I was gonna check it out.

To access the alternative path you have to cross a part of the swamp on three not so broad wooden planks that wobble a bit. Obviously we then crossed it. My dad and me went ahead first, and then the rest, after they decided it was safe enough.

This is where the weirdness started as the iguana that was awaiting travelers started moving forward, staying on the path. Weird indeed, because these guys usually sprint into hiding at the slightest sound or movement from others. In this case we expected him to run to the right into the forest. But he didn't, he strolled along, as if to guide us somewhere.

So there we were then. Captain iguana in front closely followed by me, then my dad and then the rest. I was about 1 to 2 meters away from him, but he didn't seem to mind. My dad joked that it was probably the spirit of a plantation slave or worker leading us either to treasure or a trap. He even kept looking back at us, to check if we were still following.

After about 100 meters he stopped right beside an open piece of water. Looking back at us. We stopped as well of course and wait for quite a while to see if he would continue.

But he didn't continue. And that was that. The last thing I was gonna do is pass him to go further, not taking any chances that it might actually be an ill-wishing spirit. So I literally told him that if this is as far as he's going, then we will turn around and head back, which is what we did. I wonder if the lizard spirit understood me.

So after a fun and unique experience we headed back to the main path and continued the trip. Maybe one day I will return and explore that path beyond that point. Who knows what animal or other phenomenon might surprise us then.

[ Uniquely Clever Sign Out Message Goes Here ]