Pig Feet

It was a great weekend when I was able to stream the Buckeye game live, but then it was a sad weekend when the Buckeyes lost. Overall it was the most relaxing weekend I've had since being here. I spent some time lounging at the pool and completed an art project for my apartment.

Collage of Caracas Graffiti Art

On Sunday I went to the Chinese and Peruvian markets with some teachers to get some specialty food items. Some of the meats at the Chinese market made me nauseous just looking at them. All of the pig feet and chicken feet and liver for example.

But it was worth it because I got lots of tofu, which they hand-make here, and a giant bottle of Sriracha sauce (finally my food will be hot and flavorful!) 

At the peruvian market I was able to get quinoa and chia too! These few ingredients will help my diet immensely. The people running everything were friendly and grateful to answer any questions. Unfortunately the only vegetarian option they had for lunch was rice and beans...my usual.

                       

                                      

Myself and Catherine (From England)

After the markets we made a stop at an ATM before going to the famous glass factory. When we stopped, the driver made everyone get out of the car. They said it is not safe for people to sit in the car because of robbings and kidnappings…That made me uncomfortable. Then on our way to the factory, we took a wrong turn, which also made me a little uncomfortable.

The factory was way out in the mountains and we had a beautiful drive to get there. The Murano glass factory was a lot smaller than I was expecting, but it was nice and the glassware was magnificent. The actually factory was closed for the day so we did not get to see the glass blowing process, but the displays were interesting enough. I chose not to purchase anything though because I couldn't rationalize a practical purpose for fancy glass at this time.

         

Most of the country's population can not afford anything inside the showroom. It was pretty sad thinking this as we drove past some slums on the way home. The wealth disparity here is just so visible.  I don't know how people live on a salary of Bolivars, the cost of living here is just so high. I'd say I'm adjusting well because I have access to many of my usual luxuries, but still the hardest thing to adjust to is not being independent and being able to go exploring the city by myself or get around without a car. I think it will get easier when I make some local friends, but learning Spanish is almost necessary for that.  Unfortunately, my spanish progress this week was not much, but I am trying to devote more time to it from now on.