What Makes Venezuela Beautiful Venezuela is picturesque country, where mother nature can be seen in all her splendor. The landscape spans from lush jungles and the frosty towering peaks of the Andes to the tropical paradise of the coast. The south is predominantly national parks and rainforests. These biologically diverse rainforests are home to unique flora and fauna like the poodle moth. Also located there is Angel’s Falls, the highest uninterrupted waterfall in the world. The longest mountain chain begins in Venezuela and works its way down the continent. Narrow winding mountain roads lead up to the perpetually snow-covered Andes and breathtaking vistas. The coast and many islands are underdeveloped, unpolluted clearly showing the splendor of nature. The pristine white sandy beaches are juxtaposed with the clear turquoise ocean. All of these splendiferous wonders make Venezuela a truly beautiful country.
Angels Falls by Mother Nature Network
Pico de Aguila by Angel Obertein
Isla La Tortuga by Ital Caribe Club
Venezuelan People and Culture Much like its landscapes the people of Venezuela diverse. The population is ethnically diverse due to the nation's history. Most people are a mix of indigenous tribes, Africans, Italians, and Iberians. This diversity has led to Venezuela being called the nation with the most beautiful women since the country has won more international beauty pageants than any other nation. Family is incredibly important in Venezuelan culture, families are large and get together happen frequently. Food is also a crucial part of Venezuelan culture. The backbone of their diet being arepas, a bread made from corn flour, which is eaten at nearly every meal. Though they are laid back and relaxed, people know how to have fun. Music can be heard constantly at home, in-store and walking down the street. There are many times of music that are popular from gaita (folk music), to the Caribbean sounds of merengue, and bachata. This Caribbean influence also means that everyone loves to dance. Much like American southern hospitality Venezuelans are kind and welcoming towards strangers. In general, the people of Venezuela are easy going and extremely hospitable.
Gaita
Merengue
Bachata
Arepas by Savory Faire
Merengue, Bachata and Salsa by Ritmo Bachata
Challenges of Life In Venezuela These are challenges that were pre-existing the crisis. To an outsider, these are a nuisance if not concerning but the people have never known any difference so they don't realize it. As is normal in all Latin cultures everything takes a long time. Waiting in line at the bank can take hours, getting any paperwork will take months no matter how simple. People have to show up at 6 am for their 10 am doctor's appointment. Driving is dangerous because there is little regard for rules of the road. Red lights are merely suggestions, as are seat belts and speed limits. There is also an abundance of large, deep potholes that never seem to get repaired. Weather poses a challenge in a variety of ways. There are electrical storms almost daily in the areas around Lago Maracaibo. This area also happens to be where a lot of oil deposits and refining takes place, as a result, fires are fairly common. Blistering heat is persistent year round with the exception of towns high in the mountains. Those towns have their own challenges as reaching them is difficult and the air is thin due to the altitude. People must buy their drinkingwater because water from the tap is unsafe for consumption. There are no water heaters so all showers are cold, many people wait till the evening after the water in the tank has set outside in the heat to shower. The crime rate in Venezuela has always been high, a large portion of the population lives in poverty. As a result, there are bars on all the windows and every house has a tall metal fence around it.