The Pemón in the Gran Sabana

Venezuela made the "front page" of the New York Times website today, and I found the article to be of particular interest because I was just in this region a few weeks ago. I will be writing an entry about my 9-day trip to Gran Sabana, but as I have probably 600 photos and a lot to say, it is a work in progress.

La Gran Sabana, or the Great Savannah, is a region inhabited mostly by the Pemón indigenous tribes. They live in circular mud brick homes with a type of thatch roof. Having been inside a few of them at the campground we stayed at (run by Pemón families), I can attest to how well they keep out the heat. Even the sun beating down on them (the same sun that made it necessary for us to regularly apply at least 50SPF sunscreen) doesn't make the temperature rise.

Pemón Houses at our Campsite

While we were riding back to Caracas, I saw many small smoke clouds. I was immensely curious as to what they were from. I just assumed that they were burning garbage, as it seems like it would be difficult to have regular garbage collection in some of the more remote areas (*random sidenote* Last weekend I passed by the huge landfill where all of Caracas' garbage goes, just outside of Santa Teresa and Maracay.). At one point we passed by a fire raging along the side of the road in the shrubs. A bit later, I saw signs forbidding fires in the area:"Let's respect the biodiversity." I was confused by all of this because in Caracas, the wildfires seemed to be accidental. I didn't know that in certain regions, the fires were intentionally set.

This article tells the story of the Pemón and how setting these fires is a part of their way of life. Make sure to check out the photo gallery, too. The Gran Sabana is definitely one of the most beautiful and unique places I've ever been. Soon I hope to share the photos and stories here!

Interesting...

The sign in the window says "Not for Sale." Were you thinking of putting in a bid?? ;)

I saw this on the way out of a parking lot and loved it.

Happy Birthday, Venezuela!

Today, April 19th, 2010, was the bicentennial of the writing and approval of the first declaration of independence of Venezuela. However, it wasn't until July 5, 1811 that they were truly independent from Spain. The signing on April 19th was significant in part because it helped political revolutionaries like Simón Bolívar, who is very much revered even today, rise to fame and help Venezuela achieve true freedom from Spain. In fact, the country was even recently renamed "The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela" in his honor and the airport now carries his name as well. You can read more about the 19th of April here (it's in English).

Last night at 12:00AM, I awoke to loud booms and bangs and, in my sleepy stupor, was kind of worried. I mean, it's not every day that one awakes to such a racket. Then, on a hunch, I looked at my cell phone and saw "19 abril 2010" and "12:01AM." Then it hit me that it was just a celebration. I ran to look out the window and was able to capture it on my camera.

Then this afternoon, I went to a ceremony that was both commemorating the opening of a new public square/gathering area in the Chacao municipality and honoring the 200th anniversary of the signing of the first declaration of independence. A local orchestra rehearsed a few songs while we waited for the event to begin and a group of local musicians played Venezuelan folk music. The event was delayed as we waited for the guests of honor (the local mayors, political leaders, etc) to arrive. They eventually got there... with a parade!

The mayor of Chacao (on left) and the mayor of Caracas

The mayor of Caracas speaking

Unfortunately, soon after we were forced to run for cover when the heavens opened up on us. After the rains ceased, we returned to socialize a bit. That was when I got to meet a few councilmen, a radio show host and even the mayor of Chacao, Emilio Graterón! He treated me like an old friend and made me feel very welcome in his municipality. In fact, everyone I met was very open and friendly, even though I had never met them before and was obviously not Venezuelan. It was a great feeling.

Me and the mayor of Chacao!

So all in all, it was an exciting day here in Caracas, drama-free and positive. Cheers, Venezuela!