Venezuela 07.10.2006 - 22.10.2006

Venezuelareisen.ch – an intercultural expedition through Venezuela from 7th – 22nd of October 2006

After almost a year of preparation the day has finally arrived. Our bus is leaving the airport and heading for Caracas, the capital of Venezuela.

Our first highlight took place during the first evening: The Swiss Ambassador Walter Suter welcomes us in his residence and gives us an insight into the relationship between our two countries. During our two week journey we got to know the different aspects of the Venezuelan culture and politics.

In the first week we visited representatives of the opposition and its supporters: Julio Borges, the president of Primero Justicia, a high-ranking economical expert, a representative of the “Conrad Adenauer” foundation and a political science professor.

We spent the weekend enjoying the beautiful Venezuelan archipelago on the Caribbean island Los Roques.

In the second week, we experienced first hand the politics of Hugo Chavez, through a visit to the Misiones – the social programs which were initiated by Chavez - and the “Universidad Bolivariana”

A baseball match, culinary temptations and the interesting night life showed us a different side of the Venezuelan culture.

More impressions, information and statements as well as the travelogue from a participant can be found on www.venezuelareisen.ch .