From Caracass to Ciudad Bolivar and Canaima (16.12.2013 - 17.12.2013)

The second day in Venezuela Joel an Patrick arrived and our money problems where solved ;). The next problem was our transport to Ciudad Bolivar. After 2h of waiting and some phone calls later we where squashed in a tiny Nissan for the 8 hours journey. We where overtaken only once, as our driver was speeding like hell. Up to 170km/h on potholed streets into the dusk in a little car without working seat belts. Not that they would have much helped...
We knew that gasoline was subsidised and therefore cheap. But when our mute driver paid at the gas station we where in for a surprise. For 2 Bolivar, with the official rate around 33cents or 2cents on the black market, he got 10 litres of gasoline, ridiculous! At the same gas station we paid 30 Bolivares for 2 bottles of water, at another one they had only soft drinks... Later he told us that if your car runs on gas it is even free o_O. Venezuela has a lot of oil, but you have to keep in mind that the government has to import the gasoline as hey don't have their own refineries.

The next day we took a Cessna airplane to fly further south to Canaima. Which was a great experience, I had the seat in the front next to the pilot ^^
We were part of a lager group, with guide and everything. Not something we usually do, but the only way to see the Salto Angel without shelling out too much cash. After arriving we headed to the lagoon with its red water. The water gets its color from the red rocks in the riverbed. We saw the three waterfalls from the front and then passed through one of them behind. Quite a wet activity ;)

The little village/camp was quite in the evening so we headed to bed early to be rested for our trip up river the next day.

Co-Pilot

Lunas Castle, Panama City

lunascastlehostel.com

Lunas Castle is a quite busy hostel at the entrance of the old part right next to the coast and 10 minutes from the fish market. They have five private rooms (30USD a night) but only two with daylight, the rest are dorm beds. A kitchen to use with free pancakes and coffee for breakfast. The wifi is quite slow most of the time, if it is working. In the basement is a bar wich is very popular at the weekends, so don’t expect to sleep well until four o’clock in the morning.

If you look for a good location and contact to other travellers, this is a good choice but if you like to relax I would recommend to go to another place.

Casa Nuratti & Gato Blanco, Panama City

casanuratti.com

In the beautiful old part of the City is Casa Nuratti, a hotel / restaurant / bar. The two Italien guys who own this place have excellent taste in interior design. If you like to spent a little more (around 100$ a night) this is a well located and beautiful choice.

On the rooftop you will finde the lovely Gato Blanco bar. They have a good selection of wine, skyline view including a nice breeze. At some evenings a jazz band performs. All in all a really relaxed and peaceful place to enjoy a drink in good company!

Fish Market, Panama City

Panama Citys Fish Market is worth a short trip. All week long except on monday they trade fresh fish. In and around the market you can finde heaps of little restaurants wich sell different ceviches and other tasty fish dishes. If you walk along the Ciclovia Cinta Costera (the promenade along the coast) and follow the fishy smell you won’t miss it.

Cafe Casa Sucre, Panama City

casasucrecoffeehouse.com

Cafe Casa Sucre is a relaxed place in a beautiful renovated colonial building. They serve delicious coffee and breakfast. If you stay at a place with bad wifi you will find good wifi at this place in a comfortable, nice environment.