Venezuela, the first country visited during Expedition Maya, proved to be truly exotic destination. Shortly after touching down in Caracas on July 6th, 2010 at around 6 pm local time, the adventurers could not have missed the portrait of Hugo Chavez and Simon Bolivar, two biggest authorities in the country (Simon Bolivar keeps his reputation throughout the whole Latin America, though). Bargaining with taxi drivers at the airport and consequent search for accommodation in Caracas, reportedly the most dangerous city in the region, turned out to be rather smooth, as well as changing money on black market the next day (in order to avoid official fixed and considerably unfavourable exchange rate - about 50% lower than the one on the black market - offered by banks, exchange offices and ATMs).
Crime and drugs is perceived as a serious problem
Parrots - frequently seen around in guesthouses and street shopsSince the sights of Caracas (if any) are to be explored on the way back in October, the expeditioners swiftly moved on to Maracay and further to Valencia, where they were lucky enough to come across David Osío, director of local museum, who took thorough care of them - including the city center sightseeing, museum and theatre excursion, hanging out in local pub and finishing the day late at night with a nice dinner. Meeting Sona, a university friend from Prague, the next morning was a pleasant end of Valencia visit.
Meeting Sona in Valencia
Local banana salesmanPeaceful coastal town of Coro welcomed the travelers with admirable colonial architecture. Nearby vast area of sand dunes, relaxed guest house atmosphere and delicious regional pastries (empanadas and arepas) made the whole stay a very enjoyable one.
The sand dunes near Coro
Don Madonarra enjoying his hammock in Coro guesthouseNews from industrial Maracaibo, hilly Merida, astonishing Los Llanos and others coming soon!
May the Maya be with you! :)
Salesman of cheese - an ingredient put literally everywhere
Surprised locals :)
2 comments:
hezky report, tesim se na dalsi :)
Hola!
Je to super, čítať všetko očami ďalších ľudí. Vystihli ste to všetko presne - bola to veľmi milá návšteva z Česka a dodala mi dosť energie.
Len doplnenie - Venezuela je nebezpečnejšia, ako sa zdá. Na začiatku tiež som bola skeptická, keďže som nič nevidela, ale už mám viac informácií..:) tak to je len také doplnenie.
Prajem veľa šťastia na ďalších cestách - uvidím celú Lat.Ameriku aspoň vašimi očami.
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