Political Rollercoaster

Politics in Venezuela is a whirlwind between Chavez and the opposition. 

Chavez is one very intriguing leader who speaks his mind even when it comes to Uncle Sam. There is so much animosity between the Government of Chavez and that of the United States. He blames them for giving him cancer. In the eyes of Chavez, US is an imperialist country which seeks to exploit other nations. US has been exploiting Venezuela in form of stealing their oil, according to Chavez and his supporters. In fact when I was talking to somebody recently, he told me that they received their independence when Chavez became the President.

This year is pivotal in the direction of this country. Chavistas are ready to win and put their commandant the President of this country while the opposition can’t wait for Chavez to lose or even die. The air is stifle and people are waiting.

Double Exchange Rates

Venezuela is the first country that I have been to which has two exchange rates for the dollar: the legal and black market also called legal parallel market. When I arrived it took me some time to understand what is happening here. But it seems that it is still difficult to understand why this is so.

For people who are coming to Venezuela, make sure you come with dollars in your hand. When you come with dollars, you will exchange them in the black market price. When I say black market price, it is not something that you should fear. Even the people who work in the bank they would advise you to change your money in the black market. The black market is simply people, Venezuelans, who want to buy your dollar at double the price because there is no free access to dollar since the government has restricted it.

Unlike other countries where one can buy dollar in a Bureau de Change, in Venezuela there is nothing like that. The only institution which gives dollar is government regulated and it is called Cadivi (Comisión de Administración de Divisas). One needs to apply to get dollars at the legal exchange rate of 1 dollar for about 4.6 Bolivares Fuertes. In a year someone will only be given a maximum of US$2,500 according to recent figures. And in case one wants to buy something through internet, the government will allow US$500 in a year. This means the Government cannot give you more than that. There are exceptions in case one is studying abroad in United States for example. In this case, one might be lucky to receive more than that from the Government. But the process is lengthy and many people don’t like to go through it.

Then if you don’t want to go through it you will need to buy dollars in the black market. The exchange rate is double the price and according to recent figures, 1 dollar is exchanged at 9.2 Bolivares Fuertes. Now the problem of getting dollars arises. You might have Bolivares Fuertes but still you might not be able to get the amount of dollars you need. You need to ask friends, and if you have foreign friends you might try to inquire from them if they have some dollars with them. The process can be a difficult one.

So for many Venezuelans it is not easy to travel since getting dollars will cost them twice and even so, it is not easy to get dollars. There issues of fake dollars too, especially from Colombia. One needs to be careful.

When you come to Venezuela, you would be swum at the airport with people wanting to buy your dollars. Everyone wants to buy your dollars.

Don’t ever come with your dollar in a bank account. When you withdraw, the banks will convert them at the legal exchange rate of 4.6. So it is better to sell them in the black market for the price of 9.2. 

Renting a Place in Venezuela

Looking for a place to stay in Venezuela is not easy especially if you are a student from abroad wanting to live alone and have a crazy/interesting/rewarding/remarkable experience.

When I came here for the first time, I had to do some getting used to the fact that I wouldn't be able to live on my own but with a family with old women or kids. 

Speaking from my experience in Barquisimeto, I had to search through the newspaper for people renting. You can do it through the El Impulso, El Informador or La Prensa. But you can also access the local newspapers depending on the region you are in the nearest kioscos. Go through it and find the ones you want and make phone calls. If you don’t speak Spanish, a Venezuelan friend might help you.

Places in the East will be difficult to find and the price will tend to be around 1000Bs and above. This is because many people would love to live in the East as it is slightly more secure than the West. 

Some rooms come with internet, and hot water but many will come with cable TV. But it depends on your luck. If you are renting from an old lady the chances are that she won't have internet compared to renting from a middle aged who has an access to a computer. 

Gordito and Negrito, Pure Cariño!

Calling someone fat or black can be regarded as racist in many countries. In fact you might end up in some horrible places if not situations. For many countries, being politically correct, is paramount, in fact breaking the norms is punishable even by laws.

But in Venezuela it is completely different. Being called "Negro" or "Gordo" is not harmful. In fact I am called Negrito on a daily basis and that is pretty okay. A friend of mine is called Gordito and that is pretty okay too. And if you happen to possess a pretty light skin you will get a chance to be called "Catira/e".

In Venezuela these expressions are used out of pure love and cariño. It is fun, normal and never taken in a discriminatory way.

Venezuela, owing to how mixed the society is, some of the kids will be lighter than others. Those who are lighter might be called "Catires" and those who are darker "Negritos". In fact even the formation of the word itself, Negrito, is interesting to analyze. The main word is Negro which means black. But in Spanish we add the diminutive "ta" or "to" in order to convey a state which is cute and pleasing. 

But even the word "Gordo" itself will be interpreted in a very positive way to both the giver and recipient. 

So don't be shocked if you hear or called in this way when in Venezuela. It is pure love and full of cariño. 

Marico and the like

Venezuela is such an amazing country in both fronts. It is interesting to experience its everyday life and see its people interacting, worrying and having fun. I personally have had very interesting experience here.

When I came to Venezuela I was a bit alarmed when I heard the term "marico" being used freely. The first time when I heard it, I was at a bus stand. Two men were referring to each other using this term. I was jolted and turned to look at them. Initially I thought maybe one of them was making offensive remarks at the other. I then tried to look at the other passengers to see their reaction. Their reaction was of total oblivious, as if nothing was happening. This bothered me throughout the journey and the first thing I did when I arrived at my destination was to inquire about this situation.

For those who are not familiar with the term, "marico" in Spanish it means "gay". But here in Venezuela the term is used freely among friends. It is not just among the youngsters, but it also among the old people. I have seen old people of around 60 years old using this term. For them it is nothing but just a word that you use with friends.

One would say, "Epale marico" like "how are you man"

But there is still the actual meaning it carries. Though they might use it to refer to friends or call the attention of friends, it all depends upon the context it is used. If it is not used in a friendly way the it will be used to refer to gay people.

So don't be shocked when you hear it. I have also tried to use it a couple of times. But it needs proper pronunciation cause if you don't do so it might end up sounding the opposite. So listen and learn.

A friend of mine from Argentina told me that this term is also used there among friends. I am not sure how many countries use it so in case anyone who has experience with this term, please leave a comment below. Let's talk!

Family Relationships

Venezuelans are very family oriented. Everything for them is about family first. Celebrations are centered among family getting together and enjoying the occasion. For example Christmas and New Year's celebrations are more of family reunions than christian ceremonies of going to church and let Jesus be born into your life especially for the first one. During holidays, families would leave for a beach vacation in some island or meet in the house of the great aunt for lunch. 

When you ask a Venezuelan what is important for him/her, the sure answer will be family and God. They are raised that way and much importance is placed on sharing and enjoying happy times with family. 

But the definition of what is family tends to be different here. In other parts of the world, family means parents, brothers and sisters, with uncles and aunts being relatives. But here when one says family, one refers to everyone from parents to cousins. And be told, families are big and extended. People have numerous cousins and uncles. The terms familiares or parientes as I was told by some, it is not used much as everyone is family. There is little effort to draw the lines between close family members and relatives. 

People spend a great deal of time with their family members, and they would go shopping together and even eat out as a family. During an evening on a weekend, beers would be bought with ice from a nearby licoreria. Family and friends would sit down, listening and dancing to salsa or merengue while chatting the evening away, cracking jokes and sharing events that happened during the week. This is a very common occurrence. 

But be told that mothers pamper their kids like nothing you have seen. Sometimes children who might be as old as 20 years and above might not wash their clothes or clean after themselves. Everything is done by their mothers. It is also common to find boys that will not cook as some of my friends here do. Mothers are the great chefs. 

Kids will take a long time to leave their homes, staying even after 30 years old and sometimes even after getting married. This is pretty normal. I have also seen divorcees of about  50 year old going back to stay with their parents. Parents would always accept their kids back to the nest. In fact I was told that it is common for parents to not want their kids to move out of the house. There is a fear of hard life treating them unkind. A friend in fact was stopped by his father from studying in another country, let alone another city in Venezuela.

So to Venezuela, family is first, and everything else comes second. 

English in Venezuela

If you are thinking of coming to Venezuela it will be nice to have some level of Spanish that will enable you to communicate with people. This will make your life much more easier.

But even if you don't speak any Spanish, that shouldn't stop you from coming to Venezuela. When I came to Venezuela I didn't speak any Spanish. I had great troubles at first but after 8 months I can say things are pretty well. Eitherways, the environment will work in your favor; to assist you to speak Spanish since no one speaks English here.

But I have had the pleasure of meeting few who do. Since I am living in Barquisimeto, it might not be easier as one who is living in Caracas for example, but there is always an opportunity of meeting someone who does speak the language. These are those who lived abroad for sometime, or whose families speak in English. But also I have met many students from University who might speak English. There is one University for example which produces English teachers for the country. Here you will have more luck.

But don't worry, with time and practice you will be able to learn Spanish. Venezuelan Spanish is different from the one in Spain or from Argentina. They have different words for things. But this won't stop them from understanding your Spain Spanish. Make sure to remind them to speak slowly cause they always get carried away thinking they are speaking to a native. For sometime this has gotten me really angry but I have learned to adjust.

So don't shy away. You can learn it here if you want.