Cruzing along the coast

Heading off first thing in the morning - hoping to get the taste of Caracas out of our mouths - we hit a hurdle straight away. We'd planned to ride the fantastic new underground Metro out to the interstate bus terminal, but arriving at the station it became pretty clear things weren't running smoothly. From the top of the staircase we could see that the entire train platform was completely packed with people, and we were lumbering around with huge packs just asking to have stuff pinched. We opted for Plan B: taxi. It was only Bs20,000 ($10) between us so was a welcome alternative. It was a Sunday, so at the bus terminal there was only one company going to Puerto La Cruz. We got some tickets, some breakfast, and hopped on the bus.

Football team training at sunset

Approximately half way through the trip it became painfully clear that the expected sub-zero temperatures of a Venezuelan bus were not being adhered to. As midday approached, the cabin became hotter until an unbearable level was reached, and the other "First Class" customers knocked on the driver's door to complain. He pulled over, opened her up and then proceeded to use various implements to bash whatever it was in there that looked like it needed a good bashing. About 30 minutes later he simply gave up and condemned us all to another few hours of sweatbox action. Naturally this was a luxury bus so there were no windows to open, and very soon it became a strip show in there as everyone removed layer after layer of clothing that would have been essential to stave off frostbite under normal circumstances. Looking around at the German boys it became suddenly clear that the three of us could not give a shit - we were just happy to be free of Caracas.

Just another sunset pic

We spent a couple of days doing nothing much. I sent a 2kg package back to Oz which was a bit of an experience. After explaining what I wanted to send, the lady sent me off on a shopping excursion to find wrapping paper and tape for her to prepare the package with. As she added the 25-or-so stamps, wrapping paper and almost a whole roll of tape, she continually weighed it and I could almost see her willing it to go into the next price bracket. Luckily (for her) it didn't, so I only had to pay Bs58,000 ($30).

After becoming bored of the semi-crappy beach, heaps of street markets, hippies, and the relentless yet undeniable shawarma shops, I stumbled across a couple of casinos and thought we could waste a few hours there one night. I had to go to all the trouble of wearing shoes to get in, but on entry I found that they were paying possibly the dumbest version of poker in the world. Everyone (including the dealer) got 5 cards, and then you would basically just pay a set amount to stay in the hand to play against the dealer. It was fucked, and it totally deflated me after I was so looking forward to playing some cards and hopefully making some money to subsidise my travels. Oh well, we stumbled across a pool hall instead, which was only $1/hr so we spent a few hours there as huge rats ran past us, and some old bastard kept spitting right on the floor in the middle of the place.

Kids on electric car rides

Our "First Class" bus loses all airon ability

Pretty grotty beach, signs say do not swim

Sunset with cuddling couple.. somewhere

The main strip, by the beach, many hippies

Themed "Motel Camelot"

Yes, another sunset