Being gondola people (I think I was on the Vail gondola before I was 4) we have been looking forward to getting a ride up the Teleferico to the top of the Avila. There was a bonus 3 day weekend (happy thanksgiving) at school so we figured to beat the long lines and head on up. What a great day!
The ride up was so cool- leaving the crazy city behind us and floating over these ridiculously tall thick trees was very cool. Alas, as hard as I was scanning the treetops... no sloths.
Once at the top you can see down the other side to the Caribbean sea-that is it down there, honest. The clouds were floating by and we did sleep in a bit so missed the wide open views, still it was gorgeous.
At the top is the Humbolt hotel, built by the Dictator Marcos Perez who was leader from 1952-1958. In addition to being brutally repressive to any critics of the regime he built many nice additions around Caracas. Parks and plazas to name a few... and the Humbolt Hotel. The original plan was for the Teleferico to continue down to the sea, that part of the trip doesn't work anymore and the hotel has been shut since the late 60's. There is a rumor of a ghost: Marcos' ladyfriend was discovered to be having another friendship and subsequently jumped out of a 7th story balcony. We didn't see her but with the clouds swirling past the place was quite creepy.
This gentleman played a song for Wilder and I. My spanish is still not very strong but I think he said I have nice blue eyes, lovely hair, and an enchanting smile. Very nice of him but I was kind of hoping he was going to sing to Wilder. Next time.
Then it was time for ice skating! Wilder's skates were painfully small so she only skated for a few minutes but Luca had a good time. They both enjoyed the hot chocolate which was dwarfed by the whipped cream that sat on top of it.
A short drive down from the top is the community of Galipan. They grow flowers, strawberries, etc to sell in Caracas. We caught a jeep down there, walked about, had a small lunch, bought some strawberry jam, and walked back. Nice spot.
On the walk back we passed a few groups of people walking the other way. With the security issues here in Caracas I always have my mind spinning at first if we should be concerned (we are walking along an empty road in the middle of nowhere) But then... you just realize that most people are out to walk around and get out of the city and have a good time as well. I offered to take a picture so they could all be in the shot and after that they said "un otro con tu" I guess they don't get many gringos in their photos. Super nice people, we all laughed heartily, they said welcome to venezuela. Good stuff.
Saw a cool looking trail on the way back and decided to explore- we had to, there might be a sloth down there.
Here I am looking for the sloths
I see no sloths
To see the sloth you must first think like the sloth.
Alas, no sloth but I will keep searching. We did get to exit thru the gift shop (of course) and descend into the clouds as they had settled onto the Avila quite completely by then. It was fun to come out underneath and see our little city waiting for us to return. Chevere means cool and is my favorite way of answering the question Como estas? It was a very chevere day (except the 1 hour taxi ride home- el traffico es no chevere)
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