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Venezuela is said to have the most beautiful beaches and, well, it does live up to it. Together with Martin, a German backpacker that I took pillion for a couple of weeks, we continued our way to Sucre state and the beaches of Medina and Chaguaramas. We camped at the latter, and it couldn’ t have been prettier. Fluffy grass under coconut trees to pitch the tent, with white sand and turquoise water all to ourselves. In the morning, a handful of locals came to tidy up the already clean beach and brought us some fresh coconuts.
Moving on along the coast, it became obvious that large regions of Venezuela are quite poor and roads haven’ t been maintained for a long time. At times, we would pass long queues at gas stations. I didn’ t find it hard to find gasoline, though, which is sold at specific pumps at 50 cents per litre, and Venezuelans can opt for the same. If they want to get gasoline by rations and nearly for free, they have to queue for hours, not knowing whether there will be some left when it’ s their turn.
Coming closer to Mount Avila which separates Caracas from the coast, I followed the road by the sea, passing through thick jungle that seems to be taking back the road. The road is beautiful, winding, and remote, and leads back to civilisation when passing La Guaria. From there, the road eventually ascends through a tunnel and into its giant capital.
In Caracas, I already had a contact, a Frenchman who worked for the EU. He invited me to his apartment, like most, which are usually on the top floor of large buildings for security reasons.
It was nice to get a taste of the benefits of being a diplomat. In my friends case, it came with the downside of never fully settling in as the political situation seemed dynamic, and there were stories at that time of certain embassies being closed and diplomates expelled.
It was thanks to David and two other new corners that I got in touch with the new German ambassador in Venezuela, who swiftly invited me to his residence for a coffee. He was interested in hearing about my journey, and we spoke of the situation in Venezuela which the ambassador seemed hopeful about it further improving.
A motorcyclist himself, he is touring the country with his 1250
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