Where in the world is Laura Mansfield?

adventures in Venezuela

Salto Angel

VENEZUELA | Saturday, 11 July 2009 | Views [85]

One minute I´m loving life, being thankful for all of the opportunites i have in life. The next I am praying to all that is holy that I make it home alive. It´s a rollercoaster ride.

This past week I spent three days in Canaima where there are the most gorgeous waterfalls in the world. Salto Angel or Angel Falls is the tallest waterfall in the world, and it is completely breath-taking. After a 4 hour drive through Venezuela (on which I saw several refineries and a very long pipeline) we arrived at the airport and flew into Canaima. As soon as we got in, we immediately went on a hike to a waterfall which were able to walk behind. I got soaked.

I was pretty much soaked the entire time we were there, and that will probably continue throughout my trip. I didn´t really realize what the ´rainy season´ actually meant. But its intense. After hiking to Angel Falls we took a motorized canoe back to camp and 10 minutes in started the heaviest rain of my life. Here I am in the middle of the jungle in a tiny canoe with my camera hanging on for dear life as the water was pouring into the boat. With thunderstorms all around us, I was ducking the entire 2 hour ride.

My tour guide on the trip was amazing. I was able to talk a lot with her about Chavez. She gave me an alternative perspective that I haven´t encountered much here. She is the only educated person I´ve met so far that is in favor of Chavez. It was great talking with her and soon I will talk with her father who works at an oil refinery in Maturin. She says it is possible that he will give me a tour of the place. Things are going so well with my research. Every person I meet knows someone who works for the oil company that they can introduce me to. Also, I found a bookshop today and bought a Venezuelan petroleum dictionary and a book on Chavismo. So...let´s see how long it will take me to translate them.

The falls were gorgeous and I got to experience it with some really fun people. I´ve decided to stay here in Playa Colorada for a couple more days to celebrate my 21st birthday and finish up some spanish classes. There have been so many amazing moments for first times. I flew in the tiniest plane I´ve ever seen--- 6 seats. I was pretty scared at first, but I saw some amazing views of the land. Swimming in waterfalls. Sleeping in hammocks. Drinking lots of new fruit juice. Everything is new and exciting everyday.