Friday, February 23, 2007
22 February, 2007
We got a taxi to the ferry terminal and we got on the ferry to Isla Margarita. I got sick- again- but luckily it was only 2 hours to endure. We managed to find the local bus to take us to Porlamar, the biggest town of the island, for the first couple of nights. The island wasn’t very impressive but it looked quite clean and tropical. There were lots of palm trees but it is not lush at all, it is almost arid with cacti and dense vegetation. We took a while trying to find a hotel and contemplated for quite some time until we finally decided that we need a bit of luxury and we were willing to pay a bit more so we checked into a 5 star (or was it 4 star? – the hotel themselves didn’t seem to know there star rating. Some signs say 5 star, while others say 4). We spent the afternoon relaxing at the gorgeous pool, walked along the beach that was full of seaweed and then had a drink on our balcony watching the parrots flying by. The parrots were blue and green with bright yellow chests, really amazing to watch out in the open skies. We went for a lovely dinner to a French restaurant. It was so pretty and the service was very good, besides the food being excellent. It was on the beach, beautiful warm weather and relatively inexpensive. The town itself is shabby and dirty and the buildings and cars are from the 1950’s. There is no English spoken and it is difficult to plan anything or find out information. This is really frustrating us. Even our 5 star (or 4 star) hotel can't help us with anything.
We got a taxi to the ferry terminal and we got on the ferry to Isla Margarita. I got sick- again- but luckily it was only 2 hours to endure. We managed to find the local bus to take us to Porlamar, the biggest town of the island, for the first couple of nights. The island wasn’t very impressive but it looked quite clean and tropical. There were lots of palm trees but it is not lush at all, it is almost arid with cacti and dense vegetation. We took a while trying to find a hotel and contemplated for quite some time until we finally decided that we need a bit of luxury and we were willing to pay a bit more so we checked into a 5 star (or was it 4 star? – the hotel themselves didn’t seem to know there star rating. Some signs say 5 star, while others say 4). We spent the afternoon relaxing at the gorgeous pool, walked along the beach that was full of seaweed and then had a drink on our balcony watching the parrots flying by. The parrots were blue and green with bright yellow chests, really amazing to watch out in the open skies. We went for a lovely dinner to a French restaurant. It was so pretty and the service was very good, besides the food being excellent. It was on the beach, beautiful warm weather and relatively inexpensive. The town itself is shabby and dirty and the buildings and cars are from the 1950’s. There is no English spoken and it is difficult to plan anything or find out information. This is really frustrating us. Even our 5 star (or 4 star) hotel can't help us with anything.
21 February, 2007
We decided to go to an island and we were not sure which one. Nobody speaks English and therefore it is so difficult getting information. Our lonely planet was not of much help and so we took the advice of the lady at reception at our hotel. We got to the pier and left on a boat to El Faro Island, it is part of the Mochimo National Park. It was a small island with a few shacks and shelter from the scorching sun. It was very relaxing and we lay contemplating life, the future, work, our travels and reminiscing over some amazing experiences. Lying on the beach, it was boiling hot, the Caribbean water being the perfect temperature- what more could we want?! When we got back the city was a totally different place. Everyone was back at work and it was so different seeing everything when it is open. The town of Puerta La Cruz is quite ugly and dirty and I think that it is predominantly a good place from which to visit various islands. In the evening we met a Columbian named Andreas and he offered to take us to the ferry terminal to buy some tickets for Isla Margarita. He could speak some English and so he helped us a lot with our planning. Before we knew it we were off to Isla Margarita tomorrow full of mosquito bites and not much sleep ahead.
We decided to go to an island and we were not sure which one. Nobody speaks English and therefore it is so difficult getting information. Our lonely planet was not of much help and so we took the advice of the lady at reception at our hotel. We got to the pier and left on a boat to El Faro Island, it is part of the Mochimo National Park. It was a small island with a few shacks and shelter from the scorching sun. It was very relaxing and we lay contemplating life, the future, work, our travels and reminiscing over some amazing experiences. Lying on the beach, it was boiling hot, the Caribbean water being the perfect temperature- what more could we want?! When we got back the city was a totally different place. Everyone was back at work and it was so different seeing everything when it is open. The town of Puerta La Cruz is quite ugly and dirty and I think that it is predominantly a good place from which to visit various islands. In the evening we met a Columbian named Andreas and he offered to take us to the ferry terminal to buy some tickets for Isla Margarita. He could speak some English and so he helped us a lot with our planning. Before we knew it we were off to Isla Margarita tomorrow full of mosquito bites and not much sleep ahead.
20 February, 2007
We arrived at the bus terminal in Puerta La Cruz at 5h30am and it was rainy and dark. We didn’t really have a plan but we had the Lonely Planet on the camera, a little difficult to see (not the perfect solution, but since we couldn’t get a copy of the LP for ourselves, we borrowed 1 and photographed it). We waited at the station for a while, until it got a bit lighter and we tried to plan the next few hours. The town was not very big and we could easily walk to the hotels. So we started off and found a hotel on the Malecon- beachfront. It was complet (full) and so I waited with the luggage whilst Rich headed out to find another hotel. I watched the garbage being collected and the morning activities of the people in the town i.e. people going to buy the newspaper, bread and milk. It wasn’t very interesting but it passed the time. Rich came back and found a decent hotel but we couldn’t check in until 13h00. We changed in the lobby and headed out for breakfast. The next task was to find someone to exchange some dollars for Bolivares. Travel Tip: One has to have loads of dollars cash (there is a big discount for having travelers cheques) when they come to Venezuela – it is essential to change dollars for the local currency with the black market rate otherwise you lose a lot of money (like more than 60%)!!!! By the time we were finished the whole town knew we wanted to exchange and everyone knew how much too- crazy! This is Venezuela. We got back to the hotel and were lucky enough to have wireless from the lobby- we hadn’t been on line for such a long time. Most of the town was closed because it was the final day of Carnival. We spent the afternoon walking along the not-so-clean beach and on our way back we walked through many street stalls that had just been set up for the nights festivities (Carnival). The music in the street had begun and there was a lovely vibe. We had a cerveza or two and there was a procession/parade of floats and people all dressed up but it was not very spectacular. It was interesting to see and experience. Rich got all our thorns out from the previous days hike (thanks Hardy) – operation thorn- and then we got to bed exhausted!
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
19 February, 2007
We had amazing fried yuka for breakfast with grated cheese, some freshly squeezed juice and nutella for the guys. There is an amazing bird that Hardy pointed out to us. It is called a Calibra, and it is really tiny but can fly backwards. It flaps its wings at an incredible speed and can hover in the air and move around in all directions. There are a few dogs that lurk around the property and they obviously come for food whilst Hardy and Odalis are there. When they return to Austria, these poor dogs starve because everybody in the area is too poor to feed them and are not interested in them- really SAD.
Hardy then asked if we would like to go for a little walk, perhaps 2 hours or so. We were very keen and the rest of the gang was too. A local friend whom we named Fred joined us for the hike- a lovely young chap. This little walk turned out to be a dangerous hike and lasted a good 6 1/2 hours. The jungle was slightly dense at the beginning and nothing too serious even though there was no path or anything that resembled a path. We reached a rock that still has Indian inscriptions from many years ago- very interesting. It was then time for a lunch break and we started down the river. The first waterfall was fairly easy and so we walked along hopping over the boulders and trying to avoid the pools of water since we had our boots on. Hardy on the other hand was hiking in clogs (yes, good old Austrian clogs) and he was walking through the water. The second waterfall arrived and it was not very small. Perhaps 15-20 meters high and none of us were very keen to climb down. Hardy and Fred went down and Fred came around the mountain to fetch us. At that stage the girls and Rich all started to hike up to avoid the waterfall which was probably the wrong decision in hindsight. This was not very pleasant to say the least. It was a very steep incline and there was no grip, it was all thick bush and thorny trees. Fred finally joined us and tied a rope to Rich. Thank goodness because he went flying flat on his stomach and he was on his way to another world. He was hanging onto the rope and as Fred pulled he went sliding up grazing all parts of his body and collecting a few thorns along the way. This was not funny at all and Hardy arrived with his machete and started to make a path for us step by step. This took a long time, but everyone was safe and we all followed suite. At this stage I also had a few grazes and thorns and then we had to descend quite a lot. It was really steep and we got to a point where Hardy suddenly went passed a nest of termites (I think). They started to crawl all over and into his hair and he was going crazy (yes Hardy he go crazy). He had to run down to get to the waterfall and into the water to kill these animals. I was too scared to move and waited in my tracks. Fred helped me and I went very quickly down the last bit of mountain. Rich managed fine too but the two sisters both got the termites (or whatever) in their hair and were also going crazy. This whole hike was becoming crazy! We were now over the difficult part and we had to walk along the river hopping over the rocks all the way back. This lasted about 2 hrs and it was tiring. I think it is quite clear that it was a long day but believe it or not we really enjoyed it. In fact, I am not sure if Rich really enjoyed it. But it was a good hike in the jungle with some crazy Austrian named Hardy. We thought we would arrive home earlier and have time to relax before leaving for Puerta La Cruz. We had to rush and it was a bit hectic but Hardy dropped us at the bus terminal and we got to good-old Maracay (hopefully this ntime would be our last time there) in time for some dinner and even a McFlurry from McDonalds. We got on the overnight bus to Puerta La Cruz and it was the smartest bus we have ever been on. The only problem was that it was freezing and that is the way it is on all luxury buses in Venezuela- crazy people (hey Hardy)? Also, they started the overnight trip with this aweful movie on the TV’s on the bus blaring as loud as possible. Not quite what we wanted since we were exhausted and ready to sleep.
We were sad to leave the most beautiful house and tranquil environment but we have to continue with our journey. Thank you both for having us!
I think we are taking a break from the mountains and heading for the sea for a few days- or more?!
We had amazing fried yuka for breakfast with grated cheese, some freshly squeezed juice and nutella for the guys. There is an amazing bird that Hardy pointed out to us. It is called a Calibra, and it is really tiny but can fly backwards. It flaps its wings at an incredible speed and can hover in the air and move around in all directions. There are a few dogs that lurk around the property and they obviously come for food whilst Hardy and Odalis are there. When they return to Austria, these poor dogs starve because everybody in the area is too poor to feed them and are not interested in them- really SAD.
Hardy then asked if we would like to go for a little walk, perhaps 2 hours or so. We were very keen and the rest of the gang was too. A local friend whom we named Fred joined us for the hike- a lovely young chap. This little walk turned out to be a dangerous hike and lasted a good 6 1/2 hours. The jungle was slightly dense at the beginning and nothing too serious even though there was no path or anything that resembled a path. We reached a rock that still has Indian inscriptions from many years ago- very interesting. It was then time for a lunch break and we started down the river. The first waterfall was fairly easy and so we walked along hopping over the boulders and trying to avoid the pools of water since we had our boots on. Hardy on the other hand was hiking in clogs (yes, good old Austrian clogs) and he was walking through the water. The second waterfall arrived and it was not very small. Perhaps 15-20 meters high and none of us were very keen to climb down. Hardy and Fred went down and Fred came around the mountain to fetch us. At that stage the girls and Rich all started to hike up to avoid the waterfall which was probably the wrong decision in hindsight. This was not very pleasant to say the least. It was a very steep incline and there was no grip, it was all thick bush and thorny trees. Fred finally joined us and tied a rope to Rich. Thank goodness because he went flying flat on his stomach and he was on his way to another world. He was hanging onto the rope and as Fred pulled he went sliding up grazing all parts of his body and collecting a few thorns along the way. This was not funny at all and Hardy arrived with his machete and started to make a path for us step by step. This took a long time, but everyone was safe and we all followed suite. At this stage I also had a few grazes and thorns and then we had to descend quite a lot. It was really steep and we got to a point where Hardy suddenly went passed a nest of termites (I think). They started to crawl all over and into his hair and he was going crazy (yes Hardy he go crazy). He had to run down to get to the waterfall and into the water to kill these animals. I was too scared to move and waited in my tracks. Fred helped me and I went very quickly down the last bit of mountain. Rich managed fine too but the two sisters both got the termites (or whatever) in their hair and were also going crazy. This whole hike was becoming crazy! We were now over the difficult part and we had to walk along the river hopping over the rocks all the way back. This lasted about 2 hrs and it was tiring. I think it is quite clear that it was a long day but believe it or not we really enjoyed it. In fact, I am not sure if Rich really enjoyed it. But it was a good hike in the jungle with some crazy Austrian named Hardy. We thought we would arrive home earlier and have time to relax before leaving for Puerta La Cruz. We had to rush and it was a bit hectic but Hardy dropped us at the bus terminal and we got to good-old Maracay (hopefully this ntime would be our last time there) in time for some dinner and even a McFlurry from McDonalds. We got on the overnight bus to Puerta La Cruz and it was the smartest bus we have ever been on. The only problem was that it was freezing and that is the way it is on all luxury buses in Venezuela- crazy people (hey Hardy)? Also, they started the overnight trip with this aweful movie on the TV’s on the bus blaring as loud as possible. Not quite what we wanted since we were exhausted and ready to sleep.
We were sad to leave the most beautiful house and tranquil environment but we have to continue with our journey. Thank you both for having us!
I think we are taking a break from the mountains and heading for the sea for a few days- or more?!
18 February, 07
Today was extremely relaxing. We didn’t really go anywhere and we lazed around the house pretty much the whole day. Odalis made us fresh corn cakes for breakfast and Rich had his favorite- nutella. We looked through some pictures and we planned Hardys’ next trip to Seoul and Cambodia. We also had a few swims in the pool (lagoon) with the frogs and took in the sounds of nature. We had totillas for lunch and Rich and I took a short walk to the river. Odalis’ sisters and mother arrived in the afternoon and it was so frustrating because we cannot speak Spanish. We listened to music, they had brought a Spanish latest hit and I caught up with some admin. We had a grill for dinner and it was excellent. Hardy lets the food cook for 3 hours and it tastes delicious. He pulled out fresh yuka (like potatoes) from the ground grown fresh in the garden and we had that to accompany the meat with salad.
The frogs are very loud at night and one can hear the monkeys too. We spoke a bit of nonsense as usual and we got to bed quite early. I guess it is all the fresh air that makes one tired.
Today was extremely relaxing. We didn’t really go anywhere and we lazed around the house pretty much the whole day. Odalis made us fresh corn cakes for breakfast and Rich had his favorite- nutella. We looked through some pictures and we planned Hardys’ next trip to Seoul and Cambodia. We also had a few swims in the pool (lagoon) with the frogs and took in the sounds of nature. We had totillas for lunch and Rich and I took a short walk to the river. Odalis’ sisters and mother arrived in the afternoon and it was so frustrating because we cannot speak Spanish. We listened to music, they had brought a Spanish latest hit and I caught up with some admin. We had a grill for dinner and it was excellent. Hardy lets the food cook for 3 hours and it tastes delicious. He pulled out fresh yuka (like potatoes) from the ground grown fresh in the garden and we had that to accompany the meat with salad.
The frogs are very loud at night and one can hear the monkeys too. We spoke a bit of nonsense as usual and we got to bed quite early. I guess it is all the fresh air that makes one tired.
17 February, 07
We woke up early with all the noise from the passing buses and the people arriving in droves for the Carnival weekend. We met our friends for breakfast and then said our goodbyes. We caught a comfortable taxi ride to good old Maracay again and from there we stood in line for the bus to San Juan de Los Morros. We phoned our friend Hardy from the station to tell him we were leaving so that he knew what time to fetch us. Hardy and Odalis invited us for the weekend to their home and we accepted their offer because we were told that it would be really difficult to find accommodation anywhere in Venezuela over Carnival and also we wanted to experience the local Venezuelan experience. We arrived on the bus at the point where Hardy had written on a piece of paper for us to show the bus driver and he was there waiting as promised. We got in his car/van and it was gorgeous. He has traveled through South America with his car and he has had it for 15 years. He loves his car and it is really great. We drove on a dirt road and we reached his house in the middle of nowhere. It is a real artists house and really funky. I loved it and we relaxed on the patio eating fruit and drinking tea. We had a delicious dinner and we lay in the hammock next to the fireplace (outside) chatting. We are here in the middle of the mountains and in thick jungle with nobody around. It is really incredible and they are lovely, warm, crazy people.
We woke up early with all the noise from the passing buses and the people arriving in droves for the Carnival weekend. We met our friends for breakfast and then said our goodbyes. We caught a comfortable taxi ride to good old Maracay again and from there we stood in line for the bus to San Juan de Los Morros. We phoned our friend Hardy from the station to tell him we were leaving so that he knew what time to fetch us. Hardy and Odalis invited us for the weekend to their home and we accepted their offer because we were told that it would be really difficult to find accommodation anywhere in Venezuela over Carnival and also we wanted to experience the local Venezuelan experience. We arrived on the bus at the point where Hardy had written on a piece of paper for us to show the bus driver and he was there waiting as promised. We got in his car/van and it was gorgeous. He has traveled through South America with his car and he has had it for 15 years. He loves his car and it is really great. We drove on a dirt road and we reached his house in the middle of nowhere. It is a real artists house and really funky. I loved it and we relaxed on the patio eating fruit and drinking tea. We had a delicious dinner and we lay in the hammock next to the fireplace (outside) chatting. We are here in the middle of the mountains and in thick jungle with nobody around. It is really incredible and they are lovely, warm, crazy people.
16 February, 07
We were ready for our hike nice and early and we grabbed a yogurt at the stall before we left. We met the others (8 of them) and we all got on the bus to take us to the start of the hike. The bus broke down and so we had to take another bus! We finally started the hike and it was a fairly easy walk but it was very enjoyable and interesting. We stopped a lot along the way, as they say we smelt the flowers; and we even saw a little snake. We walked to a sugar plantation and watched how it was made and it was wonderful. We then had a swim by the waterfall and the water was really cold and fresh. Rich twisted his ankle and we didn’t know how serious it was but he managed to walk down the rest of the way. We all had a drink at the end of the hike, iced Rich’s ankle and everyone got on so well. We showered and met up with the two English fellows (Will and Zack), the German girls (Heika and Julia) and the French couple (Isabelle and Julian). We sat in the posada and had some light dinner in the kitchen. We then all went to the bars and joined all the people from the Carnival and celebrated until the early hours of the morning with our friends. It was a wonderful day all round.
We were ready for our hike nice and early and we grabbed a yogurt at the stall before we left. We met the others (8 of them) and we all got on the bus to take us to the start of the hike. The bus broke down and so we had to take another bus! We finally started the hike and it was a fairly easy walk but it was very enjoyable and interesting. We stopped a lot along the way, as they say we smelt the flowers; and we even saw a little snake. We walked to a sugar plantation and watched how it was made and it was wonderful. We then had a swim by the waterfall and the water was really cold and fresh. Rich twisted his ankle and we didn’t know how serious it was but he managed to walk down the rest of the way. We all had a drink at the end of the hike, iced Rich’s ankle and everyone got on so well. We showered and met up with the two English fellows (Will and Zack), the German girls (Heika and Julia) and the French couple (Isabelle and Julian). We sat in the posada and had some light dinner in the kitchen. We then all went to the bars and joined all the people from the Carnival and celebrated until the early hours of the morning with our friends. It was a wonderful day all round.
15 February, 07
Nothing like a cold shower to wake up to in the morning and start the day. We went straight to the Posada and we told Claudia (the German lady) that we wanted the room for Friday and we would go on the hike. We then went to the famous beach on this side of the mountain called “La Playa Grande”. It was even better than Cata beach and we joined Hardy and Odalis. We really chilled out in the sun amongst the palm trees and we had fresh fish and chips for lunch in a shack by the beach. The beach is surrounded by mountains and they are covered in thick vegetation, mainly cacti. We had a delicious hamburger for dinner from the street stall on the malecon with our friends. It was really juicy and they put everything on the roll. We were impressed by the quality and taste. Hardy and Odalis will be leaving tomorrow and so we will stay one more day. We were now starting to settle and really understand the Venezuelan way. It always takes a while ‘getting into’ a country and learning the tricks and ways.
Nothing like a cold shower to wake up to in the morning and start the day. We went straight to the Posada and we told Claudia (the German lady) that we wanted the room for Friday and we would go on the hike. We then went to the famous beach on this side of the mountain called “La Playa Grande”. It was even better than Cata beach and we joined Hardy and Odalis. We really chilled out in the sun amongst the palm trees and we had fresh fish and chips for lunch in a shack by the beach. The beach is surrounded by mountains and they are covered in thick vegetation, mainly cacti. We had a delicious hamburger for dinner from the street stall on the malecon with our friends. It was really juicy and they put everything on the roll. We were impressed by the quality and taste. Hardy and Odalis will be leaving tomorrow and so we will stay one more day. We were now starting to settle and really understand the Venezuelan way. It always takes a while ‘getting into’ a country and learning the tricks and ways.
14 February, 2007
We decided to leave this little primitive town and so we got ready slowly and went for an early lunch to the eco-lodge before our long journey. We decided to go to Choroni which is the other side of Henri Pittier National Park and the more popular side. We had to go back to Maracay terminal and connect to Choroni from there. This time we caught a taxi to Maracay, which was a lot more comfortable up and down the windy roads. Then, we caught the local bus again and we were on a very windy, steep and narrow road- even more than the other one, through the Park again. It is quite funny because when anyone wants to stop they have to clap their hands and the bus stops for them. It is quite entertaining. We met Hardy (from Austria) and Odalis his girlfriend (from Venezuela) on the bus. We started to chat a little and when we arrived we followed them to the Hostal they would stay in. They had a room available for us and so we checked in and it was very basic- really basic! It was almost on the beach but once again looked very shabby and there was no view from the room. We walked around the little town of Puerta Columbia and had a cerveza (beer) with Hardy and Odalis. This town was really cute and typical Venezuelan in character. We then went looking for information and tours that were available. We would have to leave on Friday because it was the start of Carnival and everything was fully booked. So, we did not have much time. Anyway, we found a German lady who had a Posada (hotel) and she organized the excursions. She told us that she had a room available for Friday night and that was the day that there would be a hike in the park. It was food for thought. We had a lovely fresh fish dinner with our friends and then we sat on the Malecon (promenade) and drank a cerveza or two watching the locals and listening to the waves of the Caribbean.
And that was Valentines Day!
Happy Birthday Erin you gorgeous gal!
We decided to leave this little primitive town and so we got ready slowly and went for an early lunch to the eco-lodge before our long journey. We decided to go to Choroni which is the other side of Henri Pittier National Park and the more popular side. We had to go back to Maracay terminal and connect to Choroni from there. This time we caught a taxi to Maracay, which was a lot more comfortable up and down the windy roads. Then, we caught the local bus again and we were on a very windy, steep and narrow road- even more than the other one, through the Park again. It is quite funny because when anyone wants to stop they have to clap their hands and the bus stops for them. It is quite entertaining. We met Hardy (from Austria) and Odalis his girlfriend (from Venezuela) on the bus. We started to chat a little and when we arrived we followed them to the Hostal they would stay in. They had a room available for us and so we checked in and it was very basic- really basic! It was almost on the beach but once again looked very shabby and there was no view from the room. We walked around the little town of Puerta Columbia and had a cerveza (beer) with Hardy and Odalis. This town was really cute and typical Venezuelan in character. We then went looking for information and tours that were available. We would have to leave on Friday because it was the start of Carnival and everything was fully booked. So, we did not have much time. Anyway, we found a German lady who had a Posada (hotel) and she organized the excursions. She told us that she had a room available for Friday night and that was the day that there would be a hike in the park. It was food for thought. We had a lovely fresh fish dinner with our friends and then we sat on the Malecon (promenade) and drank a cerveza or two watching the locals and listening to the waves of the Caribbean.
And that was Valentines Day!
Happy Birthday Erin you gorgeous gal!
13 February, 07
We woke up really tired and checked out immediately. We moved across the road and we got an amazing room, double the size, half the price and overlooking the sea. We had big windows and one could hear the waves crashing from the room. We spent the day at Cata beach- this is a very famous beach and one of the most photographed places in Venezuela. It was very pretty and we relaxed in the sun and had a delicious chicken lunch. We met Justin (from England) and his Columbian girlfriend Andrea on the bus back to the hotel and they joined us for some Sangria at our hotel. We listened to music and had a lovely evening. We then went for Italian and called it a night. We were loving our room and the town was very chilled but we refused to pay so much for the tours and support the ‘crooks’ and we had to decide whether we wanted to leave tomorrow. The hotel was such a perfect location and it had amazing views but like all the other buildings it was so run-down and poor-looking. What a pity!
We woke up really tired and checked out immediately. We moved across the road and we got an amazing room, double the size, half the price and overlooking the sea. We had big windows and one could hear the waves crashing from the room. We spent the day at Cata beach- this is a very famous beach and one of the most photographed places in Venezuela. It was very pretty and we relaxed in the sun and had a delicious chicken lunch. We met Justin (from England) and his Columbian girlfriend Andrea on the bus back to the hotel and they joined us for some Sangria at our hotel. We listened to music and had a lovely evening. We then went for Italian and called it a night. We were loving our room and the town was very chilled but we refused to pay so much for the tours and support the ‘crooks’ and we had to decide whether we wanted to leave tomorrow. The hotel was such a perfect location and it had amazing views but like all the other buildings it was so run-down and poor-looking. What a pity!
12 February, 2007
We had a quick flight but we lost a night’s sleep. We arrived very early in the morning in Caracas and we panicked a little at customs because he told us we need a visa. Then he checked and said it was fine- thank goodness! We waited at a coffee bar until tourist information opened and we ate the banana bread Suzy gave us (thanks Suzy) for breakfast. We found out a little bit of info, enough to get us by and I didn’t want to go into Caracas for the night because I didn’t want to be in a big, dirty, dangerous city and so I convinced Rich that we should get to the beaches. We used the credit card to draw money out of the machine like we do in every country but this time it was a big mistake. That was our first error of the day and we did not know that a black market existed yet and that they pay about a 50% premium over the official rate. We didn’t have the Lonely Planet and we couldn’t find it and so Rich was very upset and worried (we were going blind into a new country and continent and neither of us can speak Spanish). We caught the shuttle bus from the airport to Caracas and from there we caught two subways to the main bus terminal (La Banderas). This is the kind of place one doesn’t want to hang out in for too long. We got on a gorgeous bus to Maracay – a busy town we would visit frequently. It was a local bus and the Spanish music was playing loud and there was a real vibe. We then caught another local bus to Ocumare de la Costa (a beach town we did not know much about but one we had picked out from the map as opposed to the other beach towns). The bus passed through the Henri Pittier National Park and it was a very twisted road. The music was blaring- we really felt like we were in South America and we arrived in Ocumare and got off at El Playon (the village by the beach). We didn’t know where to go, or stay and nobody spoke English. Of course, Rich was very concerned because we didn’t know anything and so I went to try and find somewhere to stay. I managed to find a descent-looking lodge and they phoned the owner who was actually from the UK. He was out of town but explained that we were in the heart of all the day tours and a good location for any side trips. Rich and I had some lunch at the lodge- it was a lovely place and the restaurant was excellent but the room was poor. We relaxed and had a snooze and when we woke up we found out that there was only a cold shower (nice surprise), and we then went walking in the bustling town- not- in the evening. It wasn’t very big and we found a restaurant that served chicken. It was ok but Rich wasn’t sure what he was ordering and it was a bit dodgy. We looked for other hotels so that we could move the next day, but there was nothing descent except for one place across the road (and overlooking the ocean). We went to sleep and it was a disaster. We tried with the balcony doors open and the mosquitos were everywhere so we closed the doors and turned the air-con on. Big mistake- it sounded like a 747 bowing taking off and we couldn’t sleep with the noise and so we opened the doors again. We tried to fall asleep and we were unsuccessful. So we closed the doors again, put the air-con on and finally fell asleep. We woke up frozen.
This eco-lodge was the tourist trap in the town and the only place that one can find English speaking people. They organize excursions for you but their prices are astronomical and they are really taking advantage of the ignorant tourists. Unfortunately one cannot organize anything themselves in this town so one has to go through the eco-lodge.
I think that this town was one of the most primitive places we have visited yet! This was definitely a reality check and wake-up call after being spoilt in Canada. Literally going from one extreme to the next.
We had a quick flight but we lost a night’s sleep. We arrived very early in the morning in Caracas and we panicked a little at customs because he told us we need a visa. Then he checked and said it was fine- thank goodness! We waited at a coffee bar until tourist information opened and we ate the banana bread Suzy gave us (thanks Suzy) for breakfast. We found out a little bit of info, enough to get us by and I didn’t want to go into Caracas for the night because I didn’t want to be in a big, dirty, dangerous city and so I convinced Rich that we should get to the beaches. We used the credit card to draw money out of the machine like we do in every country but this time it was a big mistake. That was our first error of the day and we did not know that a black market existed yet and that they pay about a 50% premium over the official rate. We didn’t have the Lonely Planet and we couldn’t find it and so Rich was very upset and worried (we were going blind into a new country and continent and neither of us can speak Spanish). We caught the shuttle bus from the airport to Caracas and from there we caught two subways to the main bus terminal (La Banderas). This is the kind of place one doesn’t want to hang out in for too long. We got on a gorgeous bus to Maracay – a busy town we would visit frequently. It was a local bus and the Spanish music was playing loud and there was a real vibe. We then caught another local bus to Ocumare de la Costa (a beach town we did not know much about but one we had picked out from the map as opposed to the other beach towns). The bus passed through the Henri Pittier National Park and it was a very twisted road. The music was blaring- we really felt like we were in South America and we arrived in Ocumare and got off at El Playon (the village by the beach). We didn’t know where to go, or stay and nobody spoke English. Of course, Rich was very concerned because we didn’t know anything and so I went to try and find somewhere to stay. I managed to find a descent-looking lodge and they phoned the owner who was actually from the UK. He was out of town but explained that we were in the heart of all the day tours and a good location for any side trips. Rich and I had some lunch at the lodge- it was a lovely place and the restaurant was excellent but the room was poor. We relaxed and had a snooze and when we woke up we found out that there was only a cold shower (nice surprise), and we then went walking in the bustling town- not- in the evening. It wasn’t very big and we found a restaurant that served chicken. It was ok but Rich wasn’t sure what he was ordering and it was a bit dodgy. We looked for other hotels so that we could move the next day, but there was nothing descent except for one place across the road (and overlooking the ocean). We went to sleep and it was a disaster. We tried with the balcony doors open and the mosquitos were everywhere so we closed the doors and turned the air-con on. Big mistake- it sounded like a 747 bowing taking off and we couldn’t sleep with the noise and so we opened the doors again. We tried to fall asleep and we were unsuccessful. So we closed the doors again, put the air-con on and finally fell asleep. We woke up frozen.
This eco-lodge was the tourist trap in the town and the only place that one can find English speaking people. They organize excursions for you but their prices are astronomical and they are really taking advantage of the ignorant tourists. Unfortunately one cannot organize anything themselves in this town so one has to go through the eco-lodge.
I think that this town was one of the most primitive places we have visited yet! This was definitely a reality check and wake-up call after being spoilt in Canada. Literally going from one extreme to the next.
11 February, 2007
We went with Benjamin to his hockey practice and then Suzy took us to the airport so that we could sort out our air tickets- what a schlep but she insisted that we sort it all out. This took quicker than we thought and we were now booked for the night flight to Caracas. Rich B played with the boys again and kept them busy whilst Rich M did some work and Suzy and I went off to have a pedicure. We went to watch Josh play his hockey match- wow- these kids can move on the ice. We had to say our second goodbyes to the Maisel clan. We had such great fun with them and they really spoilt us (I think that Suzy thought we hadn’t eaten for 7 months – thanks for everything Suzy – your snacks will come in handy).
Robyn and Coby then picked us up and we went for dinner with them. It was wonderful to see them again and it all worked out well, it was worth the delay in the end! The night was so cold- I think colder than ever and we were really freezing, especially Rich B since he had left all his jumpers and warm accessories with Suzy at the house and I still had my big jacket and Robyn’s gloves although it still was not enough. Robyn and Coby then dropped us off at the airport and we were finally on our way directly to Venezuela.
We were sad to leave Canada because we had a wonderful time with all our friends and skiing but we were happy to be leaving the cold.
We went with Benjamin to his hockey practice and then Suzy took us to the airport so that we could sort out our air tickets- what a schlep but she insisted that we sort it all out. This took quicker than we thought and we were now booked for the night flight to Caracas. Rich B played with the boys again and kept them busy whilst Rich M did some work and Suzy and I went off to have a pedicure. We went to watch Josh play his hockey match- wow- these kids can move on the ice. We had to say our second goodbyes to the Maisel clan. We had such great fun with them and they really spoilt us (I think that Suzy thought we hadn’t eaten for 7 months – thanks for everything Suzy – your snacks will come in handy).
Robyn and Coby then picked us up and we went for dinner with them. It was wonderful to see them again and it all worked out well, it was worth the delay in the end! The night was so cold- I think colder than ever and we were really freezing, especially Rich B since he had left all his jumpers and warm accessories with Suzy at the house and I still had my big jacket and Robyn’s gloves although it still was not enough. Robyn and Coby then dropped us off at the airport and we were finally on our way directly to Venezuela.
We were sad to leave Canada because we had a wonderful time with all our friends and skiing but we were happy to be leaving the cold.
10 February, 2007
Rich M and family all took us to the airport and it was really cold outside so as Rich M said: “goodbyes are really quick hear”. We were certainly not dressed up either since we were on our way to sun, sand, sea and surf in Aruba. Well, we didn’t quite make it to Aruba as they wouldn’t let me on the flight because I did not have the correct visa. Rich B thought that I would be fine with my Shengener visa (since Aruba is part of the Netherlands Antilles which is Dutch owned) but unfortunately it didn’t work that way. Needless to say, we phoned Rich M and Suzy and told them that we are still here and cannot get away. Suzy came back to the airport to fetch us and we were back for another night. We asked the ticketing agent if we could go to Cuba- he said no, Costa Rica- he also said no, but he did say we could go to Miami. Rich was thinking about another cruise but I am not interested to entertain that thought. We came back to the house for a superb bagel lunch and I went for a nap whilst the two Richards took Josh to hockey practice. Then it was swimming lessons and I woke up after all the activity after a long nap. We got take out Thai for dinner and we took the boys for an ice-cream to Baskin Robbins. Rich B spent some time on the internet trying to re-route us and make up for Aruba which we will not visit. Low and behold we are sticking to our original plans (merely by-passing Aruba) and we are on our way to Caracas, Venezuela.
Rich M and family all took us to the airport and it was really cold outside so as Rich M said: “goodbyes are really quick hear”. We were certainly not dressed up either since we were on our way to sun, sand, sea and surf in Aruba. Well, we didn’t quite make it to Aruba as they wouldn’t let me on the flight because I did not have the correct visa. Rich B thought that I would be fine with my Shengener visa (since Aruba is part of the Netherlands Antilles which is Dutch owned) but unfortunately it didn’t work that way. Needless to say, we phoned Rich M and Suzy and told them that we are still here and cannot get away. Suzy came back to the airport to fetch us and we were back for another night. We asked the ticketing agent if we could go to Cuba- he said no, Costa Rica- he also said no, but he did say we could go to Miami. Rich was thinking about another cruise but I am not interested to entertain that thought. We came back to the house for a superb bagel lunch and I went for a nap whilst the two Richards took Josh to hockey practice. Then it was swimming lessons and I woke up after all the activity after a long nap. We got take out Thai for dinner and we took the boys for an ice-cream to Baskin Robbins. Rich B spent some time on the internet trying to re-route us and make up for Aruba which we will not visit. Low and behold we are sticking to our original plans (merely by-passing Aruba) and we are on our way to Caracas, Venezuela.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
9 February, 2007
Today was a very relaxing day for me. I went off to the beautician in the morning for a few hours whilst Rich did some admin and joined Suzy with her errands. They then fetched me and we went home for a while before heading back out to the walk in clinic. We had to get a prescription for more medication and the rules here are quite strict. One has to see a doctor and a South African prescription is not recognized. We got it all sorted out and Rich spent the rest of the afternoon playing with Josh and Benjamin (hockey, I think). We went for a lovely Shabbat meal to Suzy’s brother and the meal was absolutely delicious. The kids were running around all over the show, but hey, we’re getting used to that now! We arrived home and packed, very ready to leave Cold Canada, although we would miss the hospitality of Suzy, Rich M and family. Thanks guys for everything.
Today was a very relaxing day for me. I went off to the beautician in the morning for a few hours whilst Rich did some admin and joined Suzy with her errands. They then fetched me and we went home for a while before heading back out to the walk in clinic. We had to get a prescription for more medication and the rules here are quite strict. One has to see a doctor and a South African prescription is not recognized. We got it all sorted out and Rich spent the rest of the afternoon playing with Josh and Benjamin (hockey, I think). We went for a lovely Shabbat meal to Suzy’s brother and the meal was absolutely delicious. The kids were running around all over the show, but hey, we’re getting used to that now! We arrived home and packed, very ready to leave Cold Canada, although we would miss the hospitality of Suzy, Rich M and family. Thanks guys for everything.
8 February, 2007
We all woke up early and Rich M dropped us off at the Greyhound Bus Depot for our bus to Niagara Falls. It took one and a half hours to get there and we slept the entire way. We arrived to a ghost town, nobody was around, there were no cars on the road and all the restaurants were closed. It was already 10h45 and we had the town to ourselves. We walked along the promenade in the freezing cold and we could just see a mass of white snow, some water flowing in between and a mist hovering above. The Horseshoe falls (Canadian Falls) were spectacular and very interesting to see in their not-so- flowing state. The US Falls (Veil Falls), were almost frozen completely but still had a small patch of water flowing down. The water mass had not only frozen but was thick with chunks/blocks of snow. We were so frozen ourselves after walking along and taking pictures we had to pop into a shop/restaurant to warm up our limbs which we couldn’t feel anymore. Whilst we were warming up we were munching on the padkos/packed snacks that Suzy had so kindly prepared for us (Thanks Suzy). We then continued walking taking some more photos and fooling around in the flurries and we browsed around some tourist shops. We got on the bus back to Toronto and we arrived earlier than we thought so we decided to go to the Hockey Hall of Fame. We are not such big hockey fans but it was quite fun and we played the virtual reality games. We then were on our way to Coby and Robyn (our friends we met in Hawaii) for dinner. That was a real expedition because Richard got the directions a little confused and we got off at the East subway instead of the West one. To cut a long story short, we arrived like frozen icicles with dead flowers after a 30 minute freezing cold walk and a bit of a tiff. We had another really tasty vegetarian meal that they had prepared for us all from scratch (since they knew we really missed home-cooked meals). We played a bit of drums and watched their wedding video and it was a great evening- what an amazing couple!
I guess everyone thinks that we had too much meat in Calgary, ALBERTA.
We all woke up early and Rich M dropped us off at the Greyhound Bus Depot for our bus to Niagara Falls. It took one and a half hours to get there and we slept the entire way. We arrived to a ghost town, nobody was around, there were no cars on the road and all the restaurants were closed. It was already 10h45 and we had the town to ourselves. We walked along the promenade in the freezing cold and we could just see a mass of white snow, some water flowing in between and a mist hovering above. The Horseshoe falls (Canadian Falls) were spectacular and very interesting to see in their not-so- flowing state. The US Falls (Veil Falls), were almost frozen completely but still had a small patch of water flowing down. The water mass had not only frozen but was thick with chunks/blocks of snow. We were so frozen ourselves after walking along and taking pictures we had to pop into a shop/restaurant to warm up our limbs which we couldn’t feel anymore. Whilst we were warming up we were munching on the padkos/packed snacks that Suzy had so kindly prepared for us (Thanks Suzy). We then continued walking taking some more photos and fooling around in the flurries and we browsed around some tourist shops. We got on the bus back to Toronto and we arrived earlier than we thought so we decided to go to the Hockey Hall of Fame. We are not such big hockey fans but it was quite fun and we played the virtual reality games. We then were on our way to Coby and Robyn (our friends we met in Hawaii) for dinner. That was a real expedition because Richard got the directions a little confused and we got off at the East subway instead of the West one. To cut a long story short, we arrived like frozen icicles with dead flowers after a 30 minute freezing cold walk and a bit of a tiff. We had another really tasty vegetarian meal that they had prepared for us all from scratch (since they knew we really missed home-cooked meals). We played a bit of drums and watched their wedding video and it was a great evening- what an amazing couple!
I guess everyone thinks that we had too much meat in Calgary, ALBERTA.
7 February, 2007
We woke up so late – still tired from the airport saga and flight delays. We eventually made it out of the house after playing with Benjamin and Amy, they are really cute kids. We got downtown and decided to brave the cold with our heads above the ground. We cannot really explain how cold it was but it was freezing (about -25 degrees Celsius) - unimaginable- but we persisted and we kept popping into coffee bars and shops to thaw. We didn’t really see much since it was so unbearable, but we tried and so eventually we made our way to Rich M’s office to pick him up for the basketball game. From his office it is a walk through the tunnel and we got to the Air Canada Centre. The Raptors were going to play the Orlando Magic and Suzy met us at the game. It was good fun and a real treat for us since we have never watched a game live. The Canadians are very reserved and not as crazy about basketball compared to the hockey, and so there was not as much excitement and shouting around us compared with the hockey game. We got back to their home and sat in the kitchen nibbling on goodies and chatting until late. Poor Rich M has to wake up tomorrow extra early to take us to the bus station and he is working so hard at the moment (it is year end time for him and Rich B vaguely remembers this period).
We woke up so late – still tired from the airport saga and flight delays. We eventually made it out of the house after playing with Benjamin and Amy, they are really cute kids. We got downtown and decided to brave the cold with our heads above the ground. We cannot really explain how cold it was but it was freezing (about -25 degrees Celsius) - unimaginable- but we persisted and we kept popping into coffee bars and shops to thaw. We didn’t really see much since it was so unbearable, but we tried and so eventually we made our way to Rich M’s office to pick him up for the basketball game. From his office it is a walk through the tunnel and we got to the Air Canada Centre. The Raptors were going to play the Orlando Magic and Suzy met us at the game. It was good fun and a real treat for us since we have never watched a game live. The Canadians are very reserved and not as crazy about basketball compared to the hockey, and so there was not as much excitement and shouting around us compared with the hockey game. We got back to their home and sat in the kitchen nibbling on goodies and chatting until late. Poor Rich M has to wake up tomorrow extra early to take us to the bus station and he is working so hard at the moment (it is year end time for him and Rich B vaguely remembers this period).
