IT IS SAFE IN VENEZUALA

Hi. I'm Venezuelan and I live in Venezuela (Puerto Ordaz, Ciudad Guayana). Anything you've heard about violence and deliquency in Venezuela, unfortunately, is not JUST MORE ANTI- YOU-KNOW- TROTSKYIST- GUEVARAIST- CHAVEIST PROPOGANDA, all of that is the truth. We are currently living with big loads of paranoid feelings and thoughts, always kind of affraid and over aware of our surroundings. We've learned many self protection strategies to avoid being theft or even killed.

HOWEVER... A VERY BIG "HOWEVER", here we are, living and developing our lives day by day, working, going shopping, travelling throughout the country, celebrating our aniversaries, studying, and must of us are alive and enjoy our lives. You know what I mean.

Of course, if your partner decides to step in and through Venezuela, he will mostly have a great time, as well as he will have to be ready in advance in order to cope Venezuela's stuff and succeed.

First, he's driving on a moto, so he will face lots of police and military check-points. He will have to chill out and keep and show his best face and patience when dealing with police or military guys... think first: this is routine, there is nothing wrong about me. And never pay a cent if asked for money.

Second, never sleep or spend overnight out of a private property. Not beside the road, on the streets or any public area.

Third, beware of other drivers to avoid accidents.

When visiting Caracas or other major cities, park the moto in a private place and hang out on foot. It's better if he has companion to visit the city or someone who to get advice from about where to go and how to get them in the safest way.

I don't like Caracas, I'd never live there again, but it's a worth to know it. It's interesting, definitely a once in a lifetime experience. A must see in Venezuela.

It's true he must be careful in Venezuela, HOWEVER, he will have a very good time here, he should not miss it.

Try to make friends in Venezuela (people is very easy here) and raise a contact network during the trip in the country. People will be pleased and eager to help him if he just give them a call.

Don't hesitate to ask me any additional question. You are welcome.

Thanks for the post, Hodunn. It's nice to have a balanced perspective to weigh against Q's cut-and-paste.

I'll be headed that way on my moto in several months and would be interested in any up to date information you might have on the border crossings to and from Colombia: open, closed, dangerous, business-as-usual, etc.

Thanks much.

Mark

(from Sucre, Bolivia, headed south towards summer)

Awareness, as in ANY foreign country, is the key to safety in VE. I've traveled (female-solo) to Venezuela on two separate occasions, and have found that most people are very willing to help when asked politely. Speaking fluent Spanish would be helpful, but my really bad Spanglish and an electronic translator have sufficed on each previous trip. Frankly, I've found the people to be exceedingly pleasant, and they get a kick out of my attempting to speak their language. It's a naturally gorgeous country, with many reasons to visit. It's sad they have not cultivated their tourism platform, since their adventure treks are some of the most impressive in the world. Just keep your valuables close to you, preferably in a moneybelt or somewhere out of direct reach. As in Rome or Madrid or any other large city, experienced pickpockets are plentiful, so use common sense when in public places. Don't let other people's paranoia keep you from visiting a place I think you'd enjoy -- Just make sure you use your head and stay alert. I'd love to hear about your moto travel when you've finished. How exciting!