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. :)