Chapter 3

Time passes slowly here. Right now, we are ready to move on to the next country in our odyssey. But when we chose to make this island, Isla Margarita, our 'chill-out zone' for almost three weeks, we did so in the hope there would be sufficient mental stimulation to keep us amused and interested. Right now, our guest-house has just three other guests, a Brazilian couple who keep to themselves and a cerebrally-serious Finn who seems to have a serious bronchial condition which some nights keeps him awake until 2 or 3 a.m. Our little bit of Spanish does not permit interaction with the locals except on a perfunctory basis. Never mind. By the end of this week we will be with our Peruvian family, where conversation and fun will be non-stop.

Yesterday, there were two uniformed and armed policemen on the beach, each carrying a machine gun. They challenged beach vendors selling jewellery and, clothes. Those who did not have proper authorisation, they escorted off the beach. Can't imagine that happening in Portrush, Youghal or Brittas, can you?


Power cuts are not abnormal in this country (Venezuela) and last night there was a total black-out for nearly two hours. No light, tv, phone, television or road lighting. Each street and each house was plunged into total darkness. Luckily for us, we had stand-by battery-powered torches which Trish made use of to find her way around our apartment. This is the second such serious 'black-out' we have experienced on our holiday in this country. Venezuelans, it seems, are used to such occurrences. Many carry 'emergency' lights; some even use their switched-on mobile phones to illuminate the darkness.


In addition to her contact with iguanas, papaguayos (parrots), Trish has also been in close proximity to hummingbirds and pelicans. Tiny little fish swim at her feet when she walks along the beach. Venezuela has a tropical climate year round. Unfortunately, flies, insects and mosquitos also appreciate the fleshy quality of her feet and legs. Despite her liberal application of anti-insect sprays, they are it seems more attracted to the female of the species. Perhaps, insects find females more juicy and satisfying prey ! I think most men would agree with such an analysis !

Talking of animals, a neighbour across the road from where we are staying keeps chickens which he lets forage for food on waste land nearby. At least two cockerels jealously guard their harems. Sometimes, the cockerels can be heard through our bedroom windows from around 4 a.m. onwards. We now notice the same family keep pet monkies which they let out at certain times of the day. Food dependency,it seems, brings them back to their caged habitats
at evening time. The family have aso installed two tethered goats in the field adjoining our guesthouse. No, the man's name is NOT Noah !


Traffic here while not heavy is crazy. Few know any rules of the road; in fact, we would go so far as to say there are no rules of the road. Drivers seldom use indicators, horns are beeped on a 24-hour basis, vehicles without front or rear lights are at no disadvantage at night - they simply drive without them ! They are not just switched off, they are missing, with apparently no loss of driving skill as far as the driver is concerned. This makes the situation for pedestrians walking along side the road at evening and night time extremely precarious.
Public road lighting, although in place, may not work and 40 kph speed limits are more honoured in the breach than the observance. Street no-entry signs are ignored....even by the police!

The newly-married post mistress is here beside me and is pressing me to finish this chapter . She says she wants to enjoy another busy day at the beach. Who am I to deprive her of such simple pleasures ? 'Bye.