Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez frequently makes speeches about the well-being of the Venezuelan people, along with other topics. This time, my own mother wrote me to tell me of a speech she heard about in which Chavez discussed the growing obesity problem in the country. Turns out the US is not the only one having problems with an obese population. Here are the articles (one in English and the other in Spanish) about the issue.
Chavez identifica una nueva amenaza para Venezuela: la obesidad
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez urges citizens to lose weight
Hmmm... going hiking up the mountain again today sounds even better after reading all of this!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Gas is HOW much?
For reference purposes, $1=5,4oBsF (approx.)
I was out with a friend the other day and he informed me that we would be stopping to fill up the gas tank. While the attendant went to work, I saw that my friend had a 5BsF (approx. 0.92USD) bill on his lap. I looked at him, incredulous, and asked if he was planning on filling up the whole tank with that (it was only half-empty). He looked down at the bill and said "Yeah, I didn't have anything smaller to pay with!" My mouth still agape, I asked how much a tank was. He laughed and said gas was pretty much free. Another friend had mentioned once that when the government raised the price of gas by a minuscule amount, there were huge protests and they were forced to lower the price back down.
So the final cost of a 28.38 liter, or 7.5 gallon, fill-up was 2,75BsF, or appoximately 0.50USD. Geez, almost broke the bank! Must be why a metro ride costs 0,45BsF (0.08USD).
To give you an idea of what things cost here, an arepa (see previous posts) is around 12BsF, a newspaper 1-1,50BsF, a liter of milk around 5-6BsF, 10-15BsF for a loaf of bread... a tank of gas, around 5.50BsF, or about $1. Crazy!
The price of gas, while seemingly wonderful for those of us who pay an arm and a leg to fill up the tank in the US and Europe, is not very positive in my opinion. While the excess of cars on the road also has to do with a lack of roads, I strongly believe that if gas were more expensive, there wouldn't be as many cars on the road. Parking at the mall or anywhere in town is nearly impossible; you can spend a half hour just looking for a spot in the parking deck! Plus, the pollution is intense in the city from the exhaust (no E-Check here!). Most people don't think twice about taking several cars when a group of friends go out and think it's strange that I'm always trying to figure out a way to carpool (it's ingrained into me). I have to catch myself when I consider offering gas money. It's almost an insult. :-P
Just another random observation from the place where anything can happen!
I was out with a friend the other day and he informed me that we would be stopping to fill up the gas tank. While the attendant went to work, I saw that my friend had a 5BsF (approx. 0.92USD) bill on his lap. I looked at him, incredulous, and asked if he was planning on filling up the whole tank with that (it was only half-empty). He looked down at the bill and said "Yeah, I didn't have anything smaller to pay with!" My mouth still agape, I asked how much a tank was. He laughed and said gas was pretty much free. Another friend had mentioned once that when the government raised the price of gas by a minuscule amount, there were huge protests and they were forced to lower the price back down.
So the final cost of a 28.38 liter, or 7.5 gallon, fill-up was 2,75BsF, or appoximately 0.50USD. Geez, almost broke the bank! Must be why a metro ride costs 0,45BsF (0.08USD).
To give you an idea of what things cost here, an arepa (see previous posts) is around 12BsF, a newspaper 1-1,50BsF, a liter of milk around 5-6BsF, 10-15BsF for a loaf of bread... a tank of gas, around 5.50BsF, or about $1. Crazy!The price of gas, while seemingly wonderful for those of us who pay an arm and a leg to fill up the tank in the US and Europe, is not very positive in my opinion. While the excess of cars on the road also has to do with a lack of roads, I strongly believe that if gas were more expensive, there wouldn't be as many cars on the road. Parking at the mall or anywhere in town is nearly impossible; you can spend a half hour just looking for a spot in the parking deck! Plus, the pollution is intense in the city from the exhaust (no E-Check here!). Most people don't think twice about taking several cars when a group of friends go out and think it's strange that I'm always trying to figure out a way to carpool (it's ingrained into me). I have to catch myself when I consider offering gas money. It's almost an insult. :-P
Just another random observation from the place where anything can happen!
Saturday, November 14, 2009
U.S. Embassy Warning
A couple days ago I got an email from the U.S. Embassy in Caracas....warning me about the protests and demonstrations in Venezuela! I realize that it's not a funny situation, but I laughed at the irony of receiving this email weeks after my first experiences with the protests. I read through the characteristics of these sometimes violent events and couldn't help but shake my head, because they were 100% accurate... but I had learned this by actually living through them!
Here is a copy of part of the message I received, with some comments of mine in parenthesis.
This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens traveling to and residing in Venezuela that political marches and demonstrations are frequent in Caracas and in Venezuela. Travelers should be aware that violence, including exchanges of gunfire and tear gas, has occurred at political demonstrations in the past (I saw them launching tear gas bombs from the 6th floor of my faculty building) Demonstrations tend to occur at or near university campuses (most of the protests I've seen have been at the entrances to the UCV campus), business centers, and gathering places such as public squares and plazas (and the other one was at Plaza Venezuela). Marches generally occur on busy thoroughfares, significantly impacting traffic (no one could get to my one afternoon class because they closed off Plaza Venezuela because of the protests, and when they block the UCV entrances with burning tires and garbage, no one can get on campus by car/bus).
We wish to remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence (like this one in Plaza Venezuela, where 8-10 people were injured- when my professor realized what was going on, she said class was canceled and gave me a ride home, just in case). American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations. Since the timing and routes of marches and demonstrations are always subject to change, American citizens should monitor local media sources and the Embassy’s website, through the American Citizens’ “Demonstrations” link, for new developments.
In the center of the picture you can see the low-flying police helicopter over Plaza Venezuela, October 21.
The smoke you can see is from the tear gas bombs that were launched in an attempt to pacify the protest.
Needless to say, I always am careful around here, because as I've come to realize- en Venezuela, todo es posible. However, I do want to comment that no matter where you are in the world (like Youngstown and Cleveland, both cities that made the top 10 most dangerous US city list one year), you need to exercise caution. I don't necessarily feel all that unsafe here because I am constantly watching my back and don't put myself into questionable situations. No worries mom, I am taking good care of myself, and the Rotarians and my other friends are too. :)
Here is a copy of part of the message I received, with some comments of mine in parenthesis.
This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens traveling to and residing in Venezuela that political marches and demonstrations are frequent in Caracas and in Venezuela. Travelers should be aware that violence, including exchanges of gunfire and tear gas, has occurred at political demonstrations in the past (I saw them launching tear gas bombs from the 6th floor of my faculty building) Demonstrations tend to occur at or near university campuses (most of the protests I've seen have been at the entrances to the UCV campus), business centers, and gathering places such as public squares and plazas (and the other one was at Plaza Venezuela). Marches generally occur on busy thoroughfares, significantly impacting traffic (no one could get to my one afternoon class because they closed off Plaza Venezuela because of the protests, and when they block the UCV entrances with burning tires and garbage, no one can get on campus by car/bus).
We wish to remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence (like this one in Plaza Venezuela, where 8-10 people were injured- when my professor realized what was going on, she said class was canceled and gave me a ride home, just in case). American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations. Since the timing and routes of marches and demonstrations are always subject to change, American citizens should monitor local media sources and the Embassy’s website, through the American Citizens’ “Demonstrations” link, for new developments.
In the center of the picture you can see the low-flying police helicopter over Plaza Venezuela, October 21.
The smoke you can see is from the tear gas bombs that were launched in an attempt to pacify the protest.
Needless to say, I always am careful around here, because as I've come to realize- en Venezuela, todo es posible. However, I do want to comment that no matter where you are in the world (like Youngstown and Cleveland, both cities that made the top 10 most dangerous US city list one year), you need to exercise caution. I don't necessarily feel all that unsafe here because I am constantly watching my back and don't put myself into questionable situations. No worries mom, I am taking good care of myself, and the Rotarians and my other friends are too. :)
Monday, November 9, 2009
Venezula??
Just a quick post to apologize for spelling Venezuela wrong in my blog title. I can't believe I've had it up for so long and no one has kindly mentioned it to me! Sorry about that. For your reference, it should be "VenezuEla", not "Venezula".
Friday, November 6, 2009
Protests, Strikes, No hay agua...just another week here in Caracas
First of all, sorry for not being very timely in my posts lately! I've had a lot of difficulties with various aspects of life down here (mainly school-related) and haven't had much time or energy to write. As I'm writing this I'm thinking about when I had to get up for a 7AM video conference and that tomorrow I'm getting up early to go visit a center for young people with cancer. I was worried about being able to "attend" the video conference and was thinking I wouldn't be able to if internet went down, my roommate's puppy chewed through the internet cable, power went off or my alarm didn't go off (the second two have happened already). As I keep reiterating, here in Venezuela, anything is possible.
But luckily, being able to write this post means a few things: Terry the cute little ball of fur has not chewed through any cords, the water is back on (even though it was off most of the day), the hot water tank is fixed (oh didn't I mention the switchplate melted and there was almost a fire?), and I'm getting caught up on schoolwork.
It hasn't been easy and I haven't always done things the right way, I'll be the first to admit that (and my friends and family will remind me of it whenever necessary!). But I feel like I'm finally getting somewhere. I've been able to get my opinion heard in class (it's not like at YSU, where you raised your hand- it's a free-for-all debate, which sometimes means that if I'm not on top of things, I don't get a word in edgewise) and have even been asked for my views on certain topics that have to do with the USA. I was surprised at the amount of readings we were assigned in English. On that note, one day in class we were discussing an article on decision-making units by Margaret Hermann from OSU, and I had understood it perfectly because it was in English and straight-forward. I could relate to the examples. Then I found out that some of the points she made didn't apply in the Venezuelan context. That class was one of the most interesting I've had so far, because my classmates helped me to understand some of the key differences between the USA and Venezuela in that subject and I realized that just because it made sense to me didn't mean it was going to make sense to others.
I've been asking everyone questions about everything here. Luckily, I have some really awesome friends who don't mind. "What does this mean?" "Is a girl looked down upon for taking the pill/contraceptives?" "Can I walk here by myself?" "What's a 'totuma'?" (I will explain this one later, it has to do with something funny President Chavez said today with regards to saving water) "Wait, is that really a taxi?!" (They put stickers that said "taxi" on the windshield of these awful, old, cars and I'm supposed to get in? NO WAY!) "Are classes going to be cancelled again because of the protests?" "IS THIS NORMAL?!" etc
The answers to my questions have been both surprising and at times unbelievable. I hope to post more frequently now that I have things under control because my life here has been anything but boring. I want the people reading this blog to get a better understanding of Venezuelan life, that it's not all like what is shown on the news in the US! I have had some breathtaking moments already here, and am sure that they aren't over yet!
For now, I leave you with some recent pictures. Next time I'll update more on some specific activities I've been involved in. :)
Me, my friend Goldsmitd and my apartment mate, Idalmis in El Hatillo, a little town on the outskirts of Caracas. We were in a chocolate store-yum!
Terry the puppy!! He's a teacup poodle mix and weighs less than 2 pounds, and probably won't weigh more than 4 fully grown. He's a pistol....
Andrea, the president of Rotaract Avila (in formation) and I the day we visited a center for kids with special needs in Catia de la Mar (updates on this soon).
Free outdoor concert sponsored by the government, we saw Calle 13, a Puerto Rican group. Awesome energy! Orlando, Susan, me and another new friend, Jesus (I met him while at the workshop at the Peace Monument).
Arepa success!! I finally started using the "tostiarepas" (like a waffle maker for arepas) and my arepas are turning out wonderfully. Thanks for the lessons, Idalmis!
But luckily, being able to write this post means a few things: Terry the cute little ball of fur has not chewed through any cords, the water is back on (even though it was off most of the day), the hot water tank is fixed (oh didn't I mention the switchplate melted and there was almost a fire?), and I'm getting caught up on schoolwork.
It hasn't been easy and I haven't always done things the right way, I'll be the first to admit that (and my friends and family will remind me of it whenever necessary!). But I feel like I'm finally getting somewhere. I've been able to get my opinion heard in class (it's not like at YSU, where you raised your hand- it's a free-for-all debate, which sometimes means that if I'm not on top of things, I don't get a word in edgewise) and have even been asked for my views on certain topics that have to do with the USA. I was surprised at the amount of readings we were assigned in English. On that note, one day in class we were discussing an article on decision-making units by Margaret Hermann from OSU, and I had understood it perfectly because it was in English and straight-forward. I could relate to the examples. Then I found out that some of the points she made didn't apply in the Venezuelan context. That class was one of the most interesting I've had so far, because my classmates helped me to understand some of the key differences between the USA and Venezuela in that subject and I realized that just because it made sense to me didn't mean it was going to make sense to others.
I've been asking everyone questions about everything here. Luckily, I have some really awesome friends who don't mind. "What does this mean?" "Is a girl looked down upon for taking the pill/contraceptives?" "Can I walk here by myself?" "What's a 'totuma'?" (I will explain this one later, it has to do with something funny President Chavez said today with regards to saving water) "Wait, is that really a taxi?!" (They put stickers that said "taxi" on the windshield of these awful, old, cars and I'm supposed to get in? NO WAY!) "Are classes going to be cancelled again because of the protests?" "IS THIS NORMAL?!" etc
The answers to my questions have been both surprising and at times unbelievable. I hope to post more frequently now that I have things under control because my life here has been anything but boring. I want the people reading this blog to get a better understanding of Venezuelan life, that it's not all like what is shown on the news in the US! I have had some breathtaking moments already here, and am sure that they aren't over yet!
For now, I leave you with some recent pictures. Next time I'll update more on some specific activities I've been involved in. :)
Me, my friend Goldsmitd and my apartment mate, Idalmis in El Hatillo, a little town on the outskirts of Caracas. We were in a chocolate store-yum!
Terry the puppy!! He's a teacup poodle mix and weighs less than 2 pounds, and probably won't weigh more than 4 fully grown. He's a pistol....
Andrea, the president of Rotaract Avila (in formation) and I the day we visited a center for kids with special needs in Catia de la Mar (updates on this soon).
Free outdoor concert sponsored by the government, we saw Calle 13, a Puerto Rican group. Awesome energy! Orlando, Susan, me and another new friend, Jesus (I met him while at the workshop at the Peace Monument).
Arepa success!! I finally started using the "tostiarepas" (like a waffle maker for arepas) and my arepas are turning out wonderfully. Thanks for the lessons, Idalmis!
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