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Hi there,
The trek to Roraima Mountain was an unique experience. It was not easy but worth every mosquito bite, all the muscular
pains, the thousand blisters and the freezing cold at night. The place is evocative of a science fiction movie with rocks
of every shape, gorges, creeks, crystal valleys, pink beaches and beautiful vegetation. The mist and fog add to the mystic
atmosphere! Amazing! Soon after I came back from the trek, I managed to contact a friend in Caracas and set off to the heart
of the political turmoil in Venezuela. The situation there was worse than I expected and quite different from the south of
the country where the crises hasn't arrived yet (at least not so dramatically!).
The capital is in a standstill. Everything is closed: shopping malls, banks, schools, factories. There are
protests every day on the streets. Huge queues for petrol. Gas running out also. Food shortage. No beer or soft drinks.
No McDonalds! One of the greatest symbols of capitalism and USA with their doors closed. It is unbelievable how the country
and the people are still holding on. One wouldn't think possible for much longer though. The Venezuelans are expecting a civil
war any moment. Lets hope this does not happen and the country and its people will follow the path of democracy and have elections
instead of going backwards in history.
I was quite sorry to leave Caracas, a much prettier city than I thought. My friend and his family were lovely and tried
to help me out in everything they could. I pray they will be alright.
Despite all the advices not to go through Colombia by road because of the guerrillas, we couldn't resist. From Caracas,
Karen and I got a bus to Maracaibo, on the west border of Venezuela with Colombia (which was even worse than Caracas, we had
huge problems changing money and finding hotel).
Next day we set off to Cartagena, on the Caribbean sea in Colombia. Already on the border, a classic! WE had to charm
our way in to the country big time. According to a new law, everybody entering Colombia has to have a return ticket to prove
their exit from the country (sounded more like their way of getting pocket money to me!).
Anyway, after half-an-hour of sweet talking we managed to get our visa. Only after promises of sending photos and postcards
of us to the cheeky Colombian officials. We were lucky to get away with just that, though. They were demanding kisses! Imagine
our panicked faces!!! We couldn't help feeling sorry for a nun in her sixties on the same situation than us. She had to buy
a ticket back to Venezuela to be allowed in. Oh, men!!!
I am so enjoying Colombia!!! The liveliest, most colourful and fun place I have been so far. People are extremely easy-going
and helpful. The truck-like buses are to be seen to be believed, painted in a rainbow of colours with Colombian tunes blasting
from them. It is a pity that the country's turbulent history with guerrillas and drug lords scares travellers off.
Colombia is definitely worth exploring. I spent some good time in the colonial city of Cartagena (where I went mud bathing
into the crater of a volcano that instead of launching lava, spews mud! (Volcano dipping is the weirdest experience ever!).
I am now at Santa Marta, a jumping off point for Le Ciudad Perdida; the pre-Hispanic lost city of the Tayrona people. But
this is for another not so long email, I promise! I always get carried away!
Big kiss in your beautiful hearts,
Love and Peace to all, always,
Jackie
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