Ok...the reason I have this picture posted first is because this was one of my first experiences in a world second to the united states...maybe even third. This was deal I made in the Caracas airport...with a customs official. I gave him 9 $100 bills, and he handed me about $6,500 (Venezuelan) in 50's. This illegal deal on the black market was done in the bathroom. The reason I needed to turn towards the black market is because the official rate is about 4 boliveres to $1. But on the black market it is between 7-8.5 boliveres to $1.
Normally I would feel great to be walking around with that much cash, but here, I just felt vulnerable. Once I landed in Caracas, it was too late to catch a flight to the island so I had to spend the night in the airport. Heat, humidity, jet lag, fear of being mugged, and jet lag were just a few things that kept me from being able to sleep that night. I was constantly trying to remember where I put my cash, camera, and passport because I divided everything up into different pockets and pouches. Did I mentioned the guy that had enough nerve to ask me for 100 Boliveres because he showed me the way to another terminal. I gave him 12 ($1.70)
After typing the entry above I am too tired at this point to mention the cab ride from hell when I took this photo..lol
Living room...same color as the old apt... :P
View from my balcony
Pool in the common area.
Cool bar area next to the pool.
Beach in front of my apartment. Low tide.
Typical side street on the island
Margarita Island Yacht Club.
View from Male's parents crib
We got stuck in the elevator because there was a maximum weight of 8 people (by the way, there was me and one other guy in the elevator that you cant see in the picture...there is no way in hell 8 people could fit in that...I cant even think of a word for it. Coffin maybe) or 600 kilograms. We dropped a good foot past ground level
Security on the other side eventually came to the rescue. It was really hot in there.
On our way to the lighthouse
Light House
This is the view from the language institution
Lights sometimes go out because there isnt enough power, so we were just hanging out in the dark. Oh, haha, last night we were driving along and right next to our car....BOOM! I saw what looked like a firework that went off, kind of like a mortar. It ended up being a transformer at the top of the telephone pole (the boxes at the top that look like small trashcans.) I am told it happens often...the locals that were walking around the area didnt seam to flinch.
Faculty!
Yes, that is beer.
I bought a towel here. One of many roadside stands.
Road to the beach.
Wow...this guy. Ok, he is the bartender. We are in an area with a lot of English speaking travelers....I would have thought that he would at least....at least know popular drink names in English. So, I ordered myself a Mai Thai. After trying to explain what it was I eventually gave up. I then ordered a Margarita... of all drinks... now, after having to also explain to him what a Margarita is, I could see by the expression on his face that he finally understood what I wanted!!BUUUUUTTTTT this is what I got. 1 shot, cut up lime, and some salt.
I had a good laugh and thanked him.
One of many people on the beach selling various things.
Empanatas? I think thats how you say it. Its like a hot pocket. So good! Only costs about $0.71 and I was full after 1. The one I had was filled with cason. A locally caught fish that is most popular on the island.
Alright alright alright...my action shot was staged...
Male's family
This is the view opposite side of the beach.
Another roadside stand.
When the lights go out, shops close up.....
unless......
You are buying beer. They even make a special door for the beer cases.
10PM at what would be the equivalent to RiteAid. There was a line to get in, no parking spaces and mad security everywhere. The guy in front of me was buying milk and bread and the lady behind me was buying 1 hair scrunchy. Out of control.
Good stuff, Parker! I can't wait to read how everything works out. I've always wanted to work in paradise.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the up dates, Love You DAD
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