Hi Everyone,
Venezuela is, and most likely will continue to be, my favourite country. It is one of the most diverse and beautiful countries and it has so much to offer the world.
Not only does Venezuela have the largest oil reserve of drill-able oil and oil sands, it also has gold, emerald and ruby mines. I am sure it has many more mines that I am unaware of yet that is what I know of.
What I do know from touring the country is that it has deserts, rain forests, mountains that people can ski in the summer, beaches for those who want to sun bathe and bustling cities. It is also a fact that the most beautiful men and women live and/or originate from Venezuela. Those are the positives. The negatives are quite negative.
Unfortunately, Venezuela has had increased crime and the murder rate is higher there than in Baghdad. On the plane to Venezuela, I sat beside a diplomats’ wife. As we chatted she gave me several tips on where to and not to go and why. She also instructed me to get a safety deposit box as soon as I arrived at my hotel.
While I was in Venezuela, I had the opportunity to visit someone who lived in a condo that had bars over every window and patio door despite it being on the sixth floor. Apparently people, or criminals will scale every available balcony and wall. One person I met on a tour was robbed of his passport while walking on the beach. He spent the majority of his remaining time at the Canadian Embassy.
The poor may have had a hand up from Hugo Chavez, who was raised in poverty, yet I am of the opinion, that more could have been done. The country is in economic shambles. This is fore-casted to continue despite the country’s wealth.
Oil plays a large part of the Venezuelan economy but will Venezuela learn to play nice with America? I don’t believe it will. I do, however, believe that America should rethink their position on Keystone XL and quickly because, despite what they say, they cannot live without oil. And Canada can sell oil to whoever it wants. The Americans are currently receiving a nice discount on our oil, but I am pretty sure that China will pay a more than fair price.
The actions of, Nicholas Maduro, the new interim president of Venezuela will be closely watched by all until the formal elections.
Thank you for reading, A. Rebel’s Rant! ;D
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