venezuela

Is there anybody who can tell me how the situation is in Venezuela at the
moment.
I've been told that the big cities like Caracas, Valencia, Maracaibo need to
be avoided as much as possible. How is the situation in the inland like
Merida, Ciudad Bolivar for example. Is it relatively safe for tourists to
travell around?


--
Ben

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I've lived in Venezuela for nearly 10 years 1988-97 and go back now
and then. The situation has really deteriorated and places like
Caracas and Valencia, which were well known for their excellent night
life, should be avoided. There is a growing anti-American sentiment
and if you don't speak Spanish and can't talk your way out of a
situation, don't go.

The best way to see these cities is to go with someone who is
Venezuelan or someone who lives there.

If you should go to Venezuela head directly for the beaches such as
Morrocoy in Falcon state or Cumana in the east. Crime isn't so bad in
the rural areas.

Good luck

Marty