Caracas
Today’s travel photo is of Venezuela’s busy capital.
Rumour has it (or even statistics), this is one of the most crime-ridden cities anywhere. It’s even dubbed the world’s murder capital.
Back in the 1990s, I walked all around a city with friendly people everywhere, with nothing remotely threatening or unpleasant happening to me. Would Caracas feel different today?
We’ve never been to Caracas but I always feel sorry for places that have stats like this as their main publicity. A few people spoiling it for the rest of the lovely, friendly people you obviously came across in 1991!¬
Julia
So true. The challenge, I suppose, is finding a balance between being curious and staying safe.
Love the view, Sophie. I can’t resist a city view, looking down like this! To answer your question, no, I haven’t been to Caracas yet. Glad to hear that all went well for you when you visited there a few years back. I must admit that the news that I usually read about that city, does not encourage me to visit at the moment, although I would like to do so one day.
Very importanly, before I finish here, i must thank you for reminding me that I had a similar style of photo of Santiago. It’s live on my blog now, and is dedicated to you!
Thank you so much, Andrew. I will of course traipse over and have a look at Santiago, a city I have yet to visit, but hope to soon.
I’ve never been to Venezuela but I think it must be such a great place! Like all the South-American countries…
South America certainly is interesting…
I’ve not been to Venezuela, Sophie, but I feel for Caracas as the same has been said of Jamaica. It’s difficult when that’s the first thing you hear about a destination because it makes it sound like everyone who’s there is out to get you. And that’s so far from the truth.
Glad you made it without incident.
That’s true. I’ve heard the same about parts of Jamaica, near Kingston in particular. It really is sad when a (relatively) few people manage to frighten tourists away from a country.
Our Colombian driver in Bogota told us we’d be crazy to visit Venezuela because of the dangers – that he wouldn’t even go there. But so many people who have been there told me they had a great time with no trouble. We didn’t have time to visit if we wanted to but I think it would be interesting to check it out and see for ourselves!
Yes, I think it would be interesting to have a look today. Usually, common sense is what it takes.
Venezuela gets such a bad rap – even I’ve heard of the Caracas “murder capital” statistic and I’ve never been there! I’d probably visit if given the chance, though.
There’s so much I’d like to see and do in Venezuela, like Angel Falls, and sailing up the Orinoco River.
Nice photo! I’ve “lived” there for three month, and experienced both, the wonderful, friendly and helpful people but also witnessed crimes, break-ins and threats. It’s quite understandable though, given the political situation. The slum is growing by the day …
Yes, it’s very sad.
Thanks for sharing your photo on the Caracas skyline. Perhaps one day we may visit coastal parts of the country on a Cruise holiday.
Like traveling most anywhere in the world, one must you common sense and travel safely at all times.
Thanks again!
Very true!
Maybe you just got lucky finding a spot where people are actually friendly? I don’t know I hope it’s not that threatening anymore!
Add me to the list of never beens! Your picture is beautiful. I don’t know if I’d rule Venezuela out as there is much to see and do.
Sadly, despite spending 9 months in South America I didn’t go to Venezuela. People I trusted told me it was just too dangerous so I’m waiting…hoping things will improve.
I have never been to Caracas but I would love to be there because of the picture. It would be more gorgeous at night I suppose. I wanted to dine on a restaurant situated on one their skyscraper’s over there. Do you have a suggestion? Thanks for sharing the photo.
I’m afraid it’s been a very long time since I was there. I have heard good things about the 360º Roof Bar, though. It’s in the Altamira district and is apparently a combination pizza/sushi/drinks kind of place.
would love to go there…but I’m a freak about going ANYWHERE i haven’t gone to yet.
Me too. The fact that I haven’t seen a place is a great attraction in itself.
Thanks for posting this photo of my hometown. As a native from Caracas, I will always consider it the best place in the world. BUT if you’re not a local, don’t attempt a visit on your own. It is, in fact (and it kills me to say this) a VERY dangerous place, especially for tourists. If a foreigner wishes to go, I’d say ONLY if you know people locally. I hope one day it becomes that wonderful paradise I grew up in.
Thanks for your candid comment, Valentina. Very useful to get an insider’s view. I remember Caracas of 20 years ago as a pleasant city to visit and I’m definitely with you on hoping for a better future for Caracas and the whole of Venezuela.
Everywhere I went in South America, people would warn me not to travel in Venezuela. Even the Venezuelans! I have crossed it off my list for now. Regretfully, because I hear it’s a stunning country!
Things are bound to change… surely, even in Venezuela. Not that long ago, everyone was warned not to travel in Colombia, and now that’s on everyone’s South American travel list, it seems.