Venezuela - Caracas and on to Ciudad Bolivar.

---

Welcome to my first entry on my journeys in South America! I will do my best to update the blog as and when I can!
For me, my trip across South America started here in Caracas. Getting off the plane at Simon Bolivar Airport, the first thing which struck me was the immense heat: somewhat of a change from snowy old England. Neither the passport control nor the customs inspectors seemed to care at all about anyone so no problems getting through the airport security. But before I could get out the door I was pounced on by illegal black market money changers (you have to buy your local currency on the black market or else get a much worse rate at the official Government exchanges - everyone does it so my Lonely Planet informs me). On the way out several policemen offered to point me towards a black market dealer yet if I hadn’t already found one!
The bus from the airport to Caracas city looked like a relic from the 1950s. But despite erratic driving, it got us there in one piece. It was then a journey on the metro - although over crowded and baking, it was surprisingly efficient and quick, and for only 0.50 Bolivares for a ticket (about 7p), you really can’t complain. Didn’t get to see much of Caracas itself, but as I’ve heard it’s quite dangerous and not really worth visiting, I wanted to get through it as soon as possible. I reached the bus station I was looking for without getting too lost, but in my eagerness to get out of Caracas as soon as possible, I misunderstood the sales assistant and bought a ticket on the first night bus to Ciudad Bolivar instead of a later one, thinking the journey was 12 hours rather than 9, resulting in me arriving at 3 am and having to spend the rest of the night in the bus station in Ciudad Bolivar (open air) instead of having a few more hours in Caracas. But can’t complain about the quality of the bus journey (I had my own bed, which was most appreciated!) although I’m not sure why the air con was on full at night - it was freezing! You could see some of the other passengers had done the journey before - they had hats, gloves and blankets at the ready!
Managed to kill time in Ciudad Bolivar bus station without too many problems, then got a taxi at dawn to the place I’m staying, which is a lot more out in the sticks than I realised. Probably why it’s so cheap. Another strange thing is the zoo they have right next to the chalets - for rescued animals I believe. But the 2 monkeys in particular seemed very sad. There are wild iguanas here too, which I discovered when reading on the lawn and hearing a giant thud next to me and then seeing a large iguana which had just jumped (or fallen) out from the branch above.
The city itself of Ciudad Bolivar is a bit depressing really. Not what I had expected. It’s supposed to be the second most beautiful city in Venezuela (according to the Venezuelan who was sat next to me on the flight) but apart from the central square it is a bit crumby and run down. The city Museum honestly has to be the worst excuse for a museum I’ve ever seen - an open court yard with a few items of modern art on show, none of which have anything to do with the City. Not even a good refuge for the midday heat as I had hoped as it’s all open. On the other hand, the Orinoco, which winds through the city, is quite a sight to see.
Will hopefully get to see Angel Falls sometime over the next few days, then head to Mérida and the Andes (where it will be cold by comparison!)

Will try to upload more photos when I have a faster connection - just loading these 2 took 25 minutes!

---

Photos

Ciudad Bolivar
Statue of freedom fighter Simon Bolivar in Plaza Bolivar, Ciudad Bolivar (in Bolivar State). Anyone spot a theme here?

Comments

[David Hammond]

Interesting first blog!
Interesting first blog article. Keep them coming as we're keen to find out what you're up to out there!

[Daryl Jury]

Caracas
Glad to hear you've arrived safely! Sounds like there have been some interesting experiences already and some a little daunting for my liking!! What's the place like that you are staying? How hot is it there? You'll be glad to hear we're now in positve numbers- about 3 or 4 degree highs! I look forward to seeing your future updates. In the meantime have a good time and take care.

[Mike]

hola!
Like the comment about the local cops directing you to the black market dealers- that nicely sums up my perceptions of the way South America works!