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BMW GS when he gets the chance. Such a fantastic way to explore the country in its entirety and to bridge the all-too large gap between the political and the actual world.
After spending more time in Caracas than expected, I moved on to Colonia Tovar, the prettiest German settlement I have seen in South America so far. Nestled in the hills and at higher altitude, the climate is reminiscent to a permanent spring in the Alps.
Venezuela has a diversity in her landscape that is nothing short of impressive and unique. From the hills, I was rolling down towards Falcón state and Morrocoy national park, with plenty of islands to explore that make you feel like you’ re in the Caribbean.
I eventually moved on to Mérida which marks the northern tip of the Andes. It was like the air, the light, the atmosphere, changed and I once again felt like in a different country. Spending time in remote villages can be a source of inspiration. There’ s some fertility in the Andes that makes for an abundance in fruits, vegetables, and the same goes for ideas.
Looking back on my experience in Venezuela, and more so than always, it’ s been the people that made all the difference. People who opened their homes and shared their lives, they conveyed a sense of honesty and showed the beauty of humanity.
Venezuela has seen an economic decline for about 25 years which hit rock bottom in the years around 2017 and 2018. People would wait for hours at supermarkets, hoping to get their hands on limited food stock, being ready to pay almost any price for it. Many times, they would return home empty handed, having nothing to eat. This situation of hardship added to radicalisation of some gangs, stories of violent assaults, making the country not safe to live or travel at all.
Since those years, the economic situation has improved somewhat, mostly thanks to dollarisation of the economy and perhaps some measures for food security. The political and economic situation remain tense though.
What does the situation feel like in Venezuela in 2025? Compared to other South American countries, life in Venezuela is expensive and there is lots of poverty especially outside of cities. And still, Venezuelan culture
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