casaguy
Senior Member
Didn't spend too much time taking photos but thought I'd share a few.
The thought of Venezuela sounded rather glamourous for some reason. But, well, not so much. I would never go back and wouldn't recommend it to anyone. I've been all over and prefer going to developing countries, but Venezuela left me wanting to get out as quickly as possible.
I only stayed in Caracas and Margarita Island... In private homes, not hotels. And I travelled with locals and Canadian friends who are from Venezuela.
Caracas looks beautiful from afar as you'll see below. But up close it's a different story. A city lacking in warmth, charm, grace and heart. The smell of garbage and gas fumes were overwhelming. (In Havana it never bothered me as there was so many other wonderful things to forget about the problem.)
I won't bore you with my other negative observations except for a few notes under the pictures below.
The best way to see the city is from up high in the mountains. This very long gondola ride was one of the most memorable excursions.
^You can see their two tallest towers under construction that locals are calling the "twin towers". I found it interesting that at every construction site I came upon I could never tell if it was new construction or if it was an old building being torn down. I guess it's the materials that they use that new buildings look old instantly.
I didn't spend too much time walking around the city (because it is too dangerous and I was forbidden by the locals to try something so crazy) but here's a few drive by shots of various buildings of no apparent significance.
^The Caracas Subway. Very efficient and a popular way to get around. They're currently expanding two or three lines.
^Practically every woman has breast implants. It is encouraged and expected in this country. Even the mannequins have huge breasts.
^Going no where fast in rush hour. The fumes were unbearable.
No one signals. EVER. And you NEVER stop at a red light after sunset. Everyone is afraid of being car jacked. (My friend's brother was the victim of an attempted car jacking while we were visiting.)
Drinking and driving is condoned and expected. And not only is it ok to drink and drive... it is totally acceptable to drink WHILE driving.
^Every Sunday morning they shut down their most scenic Expressway for joggers, walkers, cyclists and skate boarders to take over. Despite the one lonely jogger in the picture is was actually packed. A great idea.
Margarita Island.
Weather was perfect. The beaches were nice but nothing special. If you're looking for a beach vacation there's no real reason to choose this place over any other beach in the Carribean.
I realize my review is very negative, but I've actually fallen in love with every other country I've visited. But Venezuela... I couldn't WAIT to leave.
The thought of Venezuela sounded rather glamourous for some reason. But, well, not so much. I would never go back and wouldn't recommend it to anyone. I've been all over and prefer going to developing countries, but Venezuela left me wanting to get out as quickly as possible.
I only stayed in Caracas and Margarita Island... In private homes, not hotels. And I travelled with locals and Canadian friends who are from Venezuela.
Caracas looks beautiful from afar as you'll see below. But up close it's a different story. A city lacking in warmth, charm, grace and heart. The smell of garbage and gas fumes were overwhelming. (In Havana it never bothered me as there was so many other wonderful things to forget about the problem.)
I won't bore you with my other negative observations except for a few notes under the pictures below.
The best way to see the city is from up high in the mountains. This very long gondola ride was one of the most memorable excursions.
^You can see their two tallest towers under construction that locals are calling the "twin towers". I found it interesting that at every construction site I came upon I could never tell if it was new construction or if it was an old building being torn down. I guess it's the materials that they use that new buildings look old instantly.
I didn't spend too much time walking around the city (because it is too dangerous and I was forbidden by the locals to try something so crazy) but here's a few drive by shots of various buildings of no apparent significance.
^The Caracas Subway. Very efficient and a popular way to get around. They're currently expanding two or three lines.
^Practically every woman has breast implants. It is encouraged and expected in this country. Even the mannequins have huge breasts.
^Going no where fast in rush hour. The fumes were unbearable.
No one signals. EVER. And you NEVER stop at a red light after sunset. Everyone is afraid of being car jacked. (My friend's brother was the victim of an attempted car jacking while we were visiting.)
Drinking and driving is condoned and expected. And not only is it ok to drink and drive... it is totally acceptable to drink WHILE driving.
^Every Sunday morning they shut down their most scenic Expressway for joggers, walkers, cyclists and skate boarders to take over. Despite the one lonely jogger in the picture is was actually packed. A great idea.
Margarita Island.
Weather was perfect. The beaches were nice but nothing special. If you're looking for a beach vacation there's no real reason to choose this place over any other beach in the Carribean.
I realize my review is very negative, but I've actually fallen in love with every other country I've visited. But Venezuela... I couldn't WAIT to leave.
