First couple of days!

The first days in a foreign country can always be the most stressfull not to mention dangerous. Apon arriving I found my self at a lost of words since my spanish is little to none. Never the less I was lucky in picking a taxi who didnt screw me to bad. The important part was that I didnt get robbed or even worse kidnaped!!! When picking a taxi in caracas look for one who works for the airport or a hotel. They seem to be more legit. The worse part about my taxi was the area of the city in which he droped me off at. I strongly discourage the central or in my case Plaza de Venezuela part of Caracas. This is the ugly part of the city not to mention dangerous; however, not as dangerous as the barrios. In no way are you to enter the barrios for you will probalbly not return allive. The Barrios is the ghetto thats located on the hills.

Once in my hotel which also second as a brothel I found no comfort in any part of it, However, with a suitcase adn two backpacks I had no interest in finding somthing else. Bored and in dier need of a drink I went to the bar next door. The Whole area of La Plaza de Venezuela is dedicated to prostitution. IF your into that be carefull because most of them are men. Once there I was of course approached about sex which I declined for moral and health porposes. This is about the same time that I met Nickolous, one who I was weary of and didnt trust. Come to find out it was for good reasons. Although he spoke enlish I didnt trust him more then I could have thrown his scrawny ass. For the next two days he would invite himself everywere with me. I figured keep your enemies close, right? NO, wrong. Trust your gut. The first sign and stupid me for even letting him in my room was his desire to wear my cloths. Long storty short and two phones and a translator later I was rid of Nickolous. I usually never let others in my room and after this lesson I will stick to it as I incourage the rest of you to do the same.

Whats even worse then the thugs and criminals are the police. Corrupt and thieves themselfs I warn against any contact with them. Dont even look at them. On my third morning and my last in my hotel I was leaving to my friend Pedros house were I would be staying. This move has so far been the scariest and stressfull of my trip to date. Carrying a 60lb backpack a suitcase and antoher pack I stuck out like a sore thumb. I easily caught the attention of the police and they made it a point to get my attention and call me near. Not paying any attention to them I increased my pace greatly and crossed streets as they called out griengo and Americano. Not words any American wants to hear in a country ruled by Chavez, an open anti American supporter. Needless to say the rest of my move I was pointed at and and easily noticed as a forienger. My tip...........do what you have to do as quickly as possible. TRUST NO ONE