"Venezuela" Venezuela by scarm

Venezuela is in a wonderful setting, it has world class resources, and it has so much potential, but something seems to be missing. Long exploited for mineral resources (oil and gas), it seems to have become socially and fiscally chaotic, as the riches have been taken from the ground, but not much has been put back into the country.

The rich Venezuelans take their money and move to Miami, and the poor Venezuelans spend theiir energy stealing from each other. There is a lot of pride among the citiizens, but a feeling of dispair, caused by the looming social problems and the dismal political situation. Still, the history is engaging, the people are likeable, and the natural beauty is outstanding. God bless this place.

CCTshopping mall

Caracas is the capiital, the center of government, and the most influential city in all of Venezuela. There is a lot of money in Caracas, and much of it is spent in the high end shopping malls, like the Centro Comerciál Tamanaco.

This is a very modern structure, located in the affluent east end of Caracas. It houses hundreds of stores of every description, as well as restaurants, grocery stores, and banks.

The biggest problem in Venezuela is the lack of manufacturing and industry. Nearly all of their consumer goods have to be imported, which increases the costs, and sends much currency out of the country.

Nevertheless, the people watching at the mall is excellent.

US Embassy

Another view of Caracas from atop a hill. This picture is taken from just above the well fortified US Embassy, which kind of looms over the eastern portion of Caracas. Caracas is a city constructed within the hills, so there is an ever changing visual of the city. It is also easy to get lost, as there are few distinguishable landmarks. The US Embassy, however is quite visable, however and it serves as a reminder of the ever present country in the Northern Hemisphere.