Venezuela has more economists by square meter than any other country in the world. They have been forced to gain this title in the "University of life". In a short term, Venezuelans have suffered a wild devaluation of their currency, understanding p
       
     
The main victims of the lack of products in the supermarket are humble families and, of course, the most disadvantaged, for whom going to the black market is impossible due to the high prices or the lack of money in cash. Only a few can buy in the p
       
     
"How could we reach this point?" There is no one in Venezuela that hasn't asked themselves this question. A country of abundant resources, literally floating in oil (according to the OPEC it is the country with more oil reserves in the world, with a
       
     
During a speech in 2006, Hugo Chávez said: "We are committed to rule the Bolivarian Revolution towards socialism and to contribute to the path of socialism, an XXI century socialism based in solidarity, fraternity, love, liberty, and equality". The
       
     
From the successful policies of some social missions during the first years of the Bolivarian government to this day, there has been dramatic economic and social collapse. Lack of work. Lack of money. Lack of bread. There's despair. There's misery.
       
     
Hours. And more hours (in 2016 Datanálisis estimated that people spent 5 hours a day). Hours waiting, one behind the other to get any thing, basic though it may be. Time lost in elemental matters, that prevent people from working, producing and movi
       
     
Living in Venezuela is tiring. Even more, exhausting. Nothing works as it should. There is no water, there are power cuts, there is no cash, there is scarcity of products (from food to car supplies). In short, the Venezuelan citizen dedicates a lot
       
     
On April 8th, a bottle of water cost 120,0000 bolivars, four toilet paper rolls 550,000 bolivars, a chicken 700,000 bolivars and one kilogram of mangos 30,000. These prices are outdated every day. In contrast, the cheapest product is gasoline. Fill
       
     
It is hard to refer to Venezuela as a democratic state. It doesn't fit in the scheme, let's say classic, of an authoritarian regime either. It is called then a hybrid regime or semi-authoritarian. It is true that there are recurring and competitive
       
     
People line up for 6 hours at the surroundings of the supermarket. The trucks arrive guarded by the police to avoid looting. No one knows what they are going to buy. Perhaps that day the truck brings rice, shampoo and corn flour. Or maybe toothpaste
       
     
The queues repeat themselves every day at the hospital doors, at the bus stop, the gas stations, supermarkets and banks. On the ATMs (whether they are from Mercantil, Banesco or Provincial), Caracas residents wait patiently to get the daily 20,000 b
       
     
Pulling the toilet chain requires previous and daily planning to procure water. The Venezuelan citizen doesn't decide at what time he will wake up; he does it depending on the water cuts (if he gets lucky he will have enough during few minutes in th
       
     
By sunset, Caracas' residents return to their houses that are literally like cages. It is impressive to see latticed balconies in a 13th floor, and the doors behind bars, as if they lived in prison cells. The crime levels in Caracas are outrageous.
       
     
"Maduro's diet gets you hard". The phrase that the President of the Republic pronounced with laughter making fun of the thinness of a member of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela. He mocked that nutritional regimen that he has imposed thanks to
       
     
In the neighborhood El Paraíso in Caracas there were riots during the 2017 spring. In the following days, they suffered a harsh repression from the Government, with multiple arbitrary detentions of their youngest neighbors. Many families were forbid
       
     
The young men in the photograph are searching in the garbage in Petare, a popular slum in the east of Caracas. There are also the "garimpeiros", the gold diggers in the murky and polluted river Guaire (Caracas), or the oil and car batteries thieves
       
     
Tinted windows in cars, lowered latches, valuable items hidden and eyes wide open in the presence of bike riders. Most of the robberies and assaults that occur in Venezuela are held on motorcycles. The burglars on motorcycles are the most dreadful d
       
     
Different hills surround the perimeters of Caracas. They are slums built at the edge of any urbanistic plan by the poorest families that didn't find a better place to start a new life. Houses raised without a license, buildings devoid of the minimum
       
     
Laura hasn't been able to pick us up at the airport in Maracaibo, the hot capital of oil and of the Zulia state, in the northeast of the country. She explains that someone stole the oil in her car, a common practice to resell it in the black market.
       
     
Venezuela has more economists by square meter than any other country in the world. They have been forced to gain this title in the "University of life". In a short term, Venezuelans have suffered a wild devaluation of their currency, understanding p
       
     
+

Venezuela has more economists by square meter than any other country in the world. They have been forced to gain this title in the "University of life". In a short term, Venezuelans have suffered a wild devaluation of their currency, understanding perfectly the effects of the highest known inflation (2,735% in 2017, according to the consultancy Ecoanalítica), their complex exchange control system and they suffer the consequences of a price regulation policy. This mountain of bills was exchanged during April on the black market for 10$. Today, two months later, it is worth 3$.

Venezuela es el país con más economistas por metro cuadrado del mundo. Matriculados por obligación en la Universidad del día a día. En muy poco tiempo, los venezolanos han sufrido una devaluación salvaje de su moneda, han tenido un impacto negativo en los costos de la moneda (2.735% en 2017, según la consultora Ecoanalítica), entienden su complejo sistema de control de cambios y padecen las consecuencias de una política de precios regulados. Esa montaña de billetes se cambió en el mes de Abril en el mercado negro por 10 $. Hoy, 2 meses después, se cambia por 3 $.

Caracas (April, 2018).

The main victims of the lack of products in the supermarket are humble families and, of course, the most disadvantaged, for whom going to the black market is impossible due to the high prices or the lack of money in cash. Only a few can buy in the p
       
     
+

The main victims of the lack of products in the supermarket are humble families and, of course, the most disadvantaged, for whom going to the black market is impossible due to the high prices or the lack of money in cash. Only a few can buy in the parallel market.

It does not matter if they are medicines (according to the NGO Convite, the shortage of medicines is 80%) or basic products, everything is scarce or unattainable.

Los principales damnificados de la falta de productos en los supermercados son las familias humildes y, por supuestos, los más desfavorecidos, para los que acudir al mercado negro es imposible por el alto margen que se aplica a los precios o por la falta de dinero en metálico. Solo algunos se pueden permitir comprar en el mercado paralelo.

Da igual que sean medicinas (de acuerdo con la ONG Convite, el desabastecimiento de medicinas es de 80%) o productos básicos, todo escasea o es inalcanzable.

Caracas (April, 2018).

"How could we reach this point?" There is no one in Venezuela that hasn't asked themselves this question. A country of abundant resources, literally floating in oil (according to the OPEC it is the country with more oil reserves in the world, with a
       
     
+

"How could we reach this point?" There is no one in Venezuela that hasn't asked themselves this question. A country of abundant resources, literally floating in oil (according to the OPEC it is the country with more oil reserves in the world, with almost 25% of the total); it is inhabited by wonderful people, kind and joyful; it has beautiful landscapes and dreamed beaches; and it has had a stable democracy for over 50 years that neighbor countries wish they had. Today, the situation is nothing but political and economic collapse, there is an involuted drift in the practice and protection of freedom and rights, and a population who envisions the future with pessimism.

“¿Cómo se puede llegar a esto?” No hay nadie en Venezuela que no se haya hecho esta pregunta. Un país desbordante de recursos, flota literalmente en petróleo (según la OPEC es el país con más reservas del mundo, con casi el 25% del total); está habitado por gente maravillosa, amable y alegre; tiene paisajes interiores bellísimos y unas playas de ensueño; y ha disfrutado durante 50 años de una estabilidad democrática que ya hubiesen querido otros países vecinos. Hoy la situación es de colapso político y económico, se observa una deriva involucionista en el ejercicio y la protección de los derechos y libertades, y un pueblo que mira hacia el futuro con pesimismo.

Caracas (April, 2018).

During a speech in 2006, Hugo Chávez said: "We are committed to rule the Bolivarian Revolution towards socialism and to contribute to the path of socialism, an XXI century socialism based in solidarity, fraternity, love, liberty, and equality". The
       
     
+

During a speech in 2006, Hugo Chávez said: "We are committed to rule the Bolivarian Revolution towards socialism and to contribute to the path of socialism, an XXI century socialism based in solidarity, fraternity, love, liberty, and equality".

The presence of Bolivarian propaganda is constant in the Venezuelan landscapes, and in this case, it is also a victim of the lack of maintenance and the decay of the country. A sublime metaphor of the situation of the regime.

En un discurso a mediados de 2006 Hugo Chávez expresó: “Hemos asumido el compromiso de dirigir la Revolución Bolivariana hacia el socialismo y contribuir a la senda del socialismo, un socialismo del siglo XXI que se basa en la solidaridad, en la fraternidad, en el amor, en la libertad y en la igualdad”.

La presencia de la propaganda chavista es una constante del paisaje venezolano, y en este caso también es víctima de la falta de mantenimiento y la decadencia que sufre el país. Una sublime metáfora de la situación del régimen.

Carabobo (April, 2018).

From the successful policies of some social missions during the first years of the Bolivarian government to this day, there has been dramatic economic and social collapse. Lack of work. Lack of money. Lack of bread. There's despair. There's misery.
       
     
+

From the successful policies of some social missions during the first years of the Bolivarian government to this day, there has been dramatic economic and social collapse. Lack of work. Lack of money. Lack of bread. There's despair. There's misery. There's hunger. The social and equality speech held by Chávez, Maduro and the Bolivarian government hardly prevails in this photograph.

It is not an isolated case. It is the order of the day to find people searching through the trash or eating directly from it.

De las políticas exitosas de algunas misiones sociales de los primeros años del chavismo se ha pasado a una situación dramática de colapso económico y social. Falta trabajo. Falta dinero. Falta pan. Hay desesperación. Hay miseria. Hay hambre. El discurso social e igualitario sostenido por Chávez, Maduro y el oficialismo difícilmente aguanta esta fotografía.

No se trata de un caso aislado. Está a la orden del día encontrarse personas rebuscando entre la basura o comiendo directamente de ella.

Caracas (April, 2018).

Hours. And more hours (in 2016 Datanálisis estimated that people spent 5 hours a day). Hours waiting, one behind the other to get any thing, basic though it may be. Time lost in elemental matters, that prevent people from working, producing and movi
       
     
+

Hours. And more hours (in 2016 Datanálisis estimated that people spent 5 hours a day). Hours waiting, one behind the other to get any thing, basic though it may be. Time lost in elemental matters, that prevent people from working, producing and moving forward.

Horas. Y más horas (en el 2016 Datánalisis calculó un promedio de 5 horas persona/día). Horas enteras de espera, una detrás otra para conseguir cualquier cosa, por básica que sea. Tiempo perdido en cuestiones elementales, que impiden que las personas funcionen, produzcan y avancen.

Caracas (April, 2018).

Living in Venezuela is tiring. Even more, exhausting. Nothing works as it should. There is no water, there are power cuts, there is no cash, there is scarcity of products (from food to car supplies). In short, the Venezuelan citizen dedicates a lot
       
     
+

Living in Venezuela is tiring. Even more, exhausting. Nothing works as it should. There is no water, there are power cuts, there is no cash, there is scarcity of products (from food to car supplies). In short, the Venezuelan citizen dedicates a lot of effort and most of his time to everyday tasks.

Vivir en Venezuela es cansado. Más aún, es agotador. Nada funciona como debería. No hay agua, hay cortes de luz, no hay dinero en metálico, hay carestía de productos (desde alimentos hasta recambio de coches). En definitiva, el ciudadano venezolano dedica muchos esfuerzos y la mayor parte de su tiempo a tareas cotidianas.

Caracas (April, 2018).

On April 8th, a bottle of water cost 120,0000 bolivars, four toilet paper rolls 550,000 bolivars, a chicken 700,000 bolivars and one kilogram of mangos 30,000. These prices are outdated every day. In contrast, the cheapest product is gasoline. Fill
       
     
+

On April 8th, a bottle of water cost 120,0000 bolivars, four toilet paper rolls 550,000 bolivars, a chicken 700,000 bolivars and one kilogram of mangos 30,000. These prices are outdated every day.

In contrast, the cheapest product is gasoline. Filling a car tank costs 350 bolivars, meaning, 2 cents of euro. And the same happens with electricity or the subway ride (8 bolivars, although some days it is free because there is no paper to print the ticket).

A normal salary rounds 1,400,000 bolivars, and a university professor's 2,500,000 bolivars. However, part of that salary is handed in "cesta tickets", the equivalent to food tickets. The government also distributes a basic family basket, called CLAP, valued in 800,000 bolivars, and it is delivered to each Community Council. This means, they only receive 40% of their salary in money. That's called "diluted" salaries.

El 8 de abril, un botellín de agua costaba 120.000 bolívares, cuatro rollos de papel higiénico 550.000 bolívares, un pollo 700.000 bolívares y un kilo de mangos 30.000. Estos precios quedan desfasados a diario. En cambio, el producto más barato es la gasolina. Llenar el depósito cuesta 350 bolívares, es decir, 2 céntimos de €. Y lo mismo ocurre con la electricidad o el viaje de metro (8 bolívares, aunque hay días que es gratis porque no hay papel para imprimir el ticket).

Un sueldo normal ronda el 1.400.000 bolívares, y el de una profesora de Universidad 2.500.000 bolívares. Sin embargo, parte del sueldo se cobra en lo que llaman “cestas tickets”, el equivalente a tickets de comida. El Gobierno también reparte una canasta básica familiar de alimentos, o CLAP, valorada en unos 800.000 bolívares, y que se entrega en los barrios a los Consejos comunales. Es decir, solo reciben el 40% de su sueldo en dinero. Es lo que se llama sueldos “diluidos”.

Maracaibo (April, 2018).

It is hard to refer to Venezuela as a democratic state. It doesn't fit in the scheme, let's say classic, of an authoritarian regime either. It is called then a hybrid regime or semi-authoritarian. It is true that there are recurring and competitive
       
     
+

It is hard to refer to Venezuela as a democratic state. It doesn't fit in the scheme, let's say classic, of an authoritarian regime either. It is called then a hybrid regime or semi-authoritarian. It is true that there are recurring and competitive elections (although without equal conditions), however, the principle of the separation of powers doesn't work in Venezuela. The government hoards too much power and uses it arbitrarily and without any control, political or legal.

Undoubtedly, the decision of the Supreme Court of Justice of assuming the functions of the National Assembly (of opposition majority, after the parliamentary election of 2015 and after 17 years of officialdom), was the trigger for the constitutional crisis that the country is currently facing.

Difícilmente puede hablarse de Venezuela como de un Estado democrático. Tampoco encaja en el esquema, digamos clásico, de un régimen autoritario. Se habla entonces de régimen híbrido o semiautoritario. Es cierto que se producen elecciones periódicas y competitivas (aunque no en igualdad de condiciones), sin embargo el principio de separación de poderes no funciona en Venezuela. El Gobierno acumula mucho poder, y lo usa arbitrariamente y sin control alguno, ni político ni de legalidad.

Sin duda, la decisión del Tribunal Supremo de Justicia de arrogarse las funciones de la Asamblea Nacional (de mayoría opositora, tras las elecciones parlamentarias de 2015 y tras 17 años de oficialismo), fue el detonante de la crisis constitucional que atraviesa actualmente el país.

Caracas (April, 2018).

People line up for 6 hours at the surroundings of the supermarket. The trucks arrive guarded by the police to avoid looting. No one knows what they are going to buy. Perhaps that day the truck brings rice, shampoo and corn flour. Or maybe toothpaste
       
     
+

People line up for 6 hours at the surroundings of the supermarket. The trucks arrive guarded by the police to avoid looting. No one knows what they are going to buy. Perhaps that day the truck brings rice, shampoo and corn flour. Or maybe toothpaste, bottled water and toilet paper. No matter what it brings they will buy, they don't know when they will have the possibility of acquiring any of these products.

This shortage problem and the economic depression, have produced a new phenomenon: the "bachaqueros". Making sure that they have one of the firsts places in line, the bachaqueros buy products at a regulated price and sell them in the black market to prices 2,000% (or more) higher. It's a new way to make living.

Las personas hacen cola durante 6 horas en los alrededores de un supermercado. Los camiones llegan custodiados por la policía para evitar actos de pillaje. Ninguno sabe lo que va a comprar. Tal vez ese día el camión traiga arroz, champú y harina de maíz. O quizás pasta de dientes, agua embotellada y papel higiénico. Sea lo que sea lo comprarán, no saben cuándo tendrán la posibilidad de adquirir cualquiera de esos productos.

Este problema de desabastecimiento y la depresión económica, ha producido un nuevo fenómeno: los “bachaqueros”. Asegurándose los primeros puestos de las colas, los bachaqueros compran productos a un precio regulado y los venden en el mercado negro a precios superiores en 2000% (o mucho más). Una nueva forma de ganarse la vida.

Caracas (April, 2018).

The queues repeat themselves every day at the hospital doors, at the bus stop, the gas stations, supermarkets and banks. On the ATMs (whether they are from Mercantil, Banesco or Provincial), Caracas residents wait patiently to get the daily 20,000 b
       
     
+

The queues repeat themselves every day at the hospital doors, at the bus stop, the gas stations, supermarkets and banks. On the ATMs (whether they are from Mercantil, Banesco or Provincial), Caracas residents wait patiently to get the daily 20,000 bolivars the government of Nicolas Maduro allows (with that amount you can't even buy a cup of coffee).

When the sun rises every day, drops of people show up in the streets of Caracas and, orderly, they take a place in line. People are placed in rows.

Las colas se repiten cada día a las puertas de hospitales, paradas de bus, gasolineras, supermercados y bancos. En los cajeros automáticos (ya sean de Mercantil, Banesco o Provincial), los caraqueños esperan pacientemente para sacar los 20.000 bolívares diarios que permite el Gobierno de Nicolás Maduro (con esa cantidad no compres ni un. café).

Cuando amanece cada mañana, un goteo de personas va apareciendo en las calles de Caracas y ordenadamente toman posición en las colas. Las personas se van ubicando en hileras.

Caracas (April, 2018).

Pulling the toilet chain requires previous and daily planning to procure water. The Venezuelan citizen doesn't decide at what time he will wake up; he does it depending on the water cuts (if he gets lucky he will have enough during few minutes in th
       
     
+

Pulling the toilet chain requires previous and daily planning to procure water. The Venezuelan citizen doesn't decide at what time he will wake up; he does it depending on the water cuts (if he gets lucky he will have enough during few minutes in the morning). There are many efforts throughout the day to accomplish prosaic and everyday tasks. Caracas has approximately 30 minutes of running water a day that starts at 6:30 am (the time varies on each city), just enough to take a quick shower and fill the water carafes stored in the kitchen. This chore is necessary to flush the toilet during the day, clean up, wash clothes or cook.

Tirar de la cadena del inodoro requiere una planificación previa y diaria para aprovisionarse de agua. El venezolano no decide a qué hora se levanta; lo hace en función de los cortes de agua (si tiene suerte dispondrá de unos minutos por la mañana). Son muchos los esfuerzos a lo largo del día en llevar a cabo tareas prosaicas y cotidianas. Caracas tiene aproximadamente 30 minutos de agua corriente al día que comienzan a las 6:30 am (el tiempo disponible de agua varia en cada ciudad), lo justo para poder ducharse apresuradamente y llenar las garrafas almacenadas en la cocina. Esta tarea es imprescindible para tirar de la cisterna a lo largo del día, asearse, lavar la ropa o cocinar.

Caracas (April, 2018).

By sunset, Caracas' residents return to their houses that are literally like cages. It is impressive to see latticed balconies in a 13th floor, and the doors behind bars, as if they lived in prison cells. The crime levels in Caracas are outrageous.
       
     
+

By sunset, Caracas' residents return to their houses that are literally like cages. It is impressive to see latticed balconies in a 13th floor, and the doors behind bars, as if they lived in prison cells. The crime levels in Caracas are outrageous. Caracas is for a long time the most violent city of the planet, with 104 homicides per every 100,000 inhabitants, and a total of 3,064 violent deaths in 2017 (according to the Venezuelan Observatory of Violence). People in Caracas inform the few foreigners they encounter about the basic security tips: "don't go out during the night", “don’t take out your cellphone”, "don't take pictures", "don't wear a watch", "take off your rings", "don't go to the subway", etc... Caracas is becoming a brutal and deserted city at nightfall.

A la caída del sol los habitantes de Caracas vuelven a sus viviendas que literalmente son como jaulas. Impresiona ver balcones enrejados en un piso 13, y las puertas de la casa precedidas de una reja, como si de una celda se tratase. Los niveles de delincuencia en Caracas son escandalosos. Caracas es desde hace tiempo la ciudad más violenta del planeta, con 104 homicidios por cada 100.000 habitantes, y un total de 3.064 muertes violentas en 2017 (según el Observatorio Venezolano de Violencia). Los caraqueños informan a los pocos extranjeros con los que se cruzan sobre los tips de seguridad básicos: “no salgas de noche”, “no saques el móvil”, “no saques fotos”, “no lleves reloj”, “quítate los anillos”, “no vayas en metro”, etc… Caracas se convierte en una urbe brutal y desierta al anochecer.

Caracas (April, 2018).

"Maduro's diet gets you hard". The phrase that the President of the Republic pronounced with laughter making fun of the thinness of a member of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela. He mocked that nutritional regimen that he has imposed thanks to
       
     
+

"Maduro's diet gets you hard". The phrase that the President of the Republic pronounced with laughter making fun of the thinness of a member of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela. He mocked that nutritional regimen that he has imposed thanks to the scarcity, an overflowed inflation, and insufficient salaries to cover the basic needs. The result? A poor diet that won't reach the 2,000 daily calories each Venezuelan should consume. There is an average of 11 kilograms lost by 64% of the citizens during the last year, that's what the doctor Marianella Herrera, from the Central University of Venezuela (UCV) with a postgraduate in Clinical Nutrition from the Simon Bolivar University (USB), told ABC.

“La dieta de Maduro te pone duro”. La frase la dijo entre risas el Presidente de la República burlándose de la delgadez de un miembro del Partido Socialista Unido de Venezuela. Se mofaba así de ese régimen alimenticio que se ha impuesto gracias a la escasez, a una inflación desbocada y unos salarios insuficientes que ni siquiera pueden cubrir las necesidades básicas. ¿El resultado? Una pobre dieta que no alcanza las 2.000 calorías diarias que cada venezolano debería consumir. Hay un promedio del 64 % de los ciudadanos que han perdido 11 kilos en el último año, dijo a ABC la médico Marianella Herrera, de la Universidad Central de Venezuela (UCV) con postgrado en Nutrición Clínica de la Universidad Simón Bolívar (USB).

Caracas (April, 2018).

In the neighborhood El Paraíso in Caracas there were riots during the 2017 spring. In the following days, they suffered a harsh repression from the Government, with multiple arbitrary detentions of their youngest neighbors. Many families were forbid
       
     
+

In the neighborhood El Paraíso in Caracas there were riots during the 2017 spring. In the following days, they suffered a harsh repression from the Government, with multiple arbitrary detentions of their youngest neighbors. Many families were forbidding their sons to go outside of their home out of fear of having them detained. According to Foro Penal, over 200 political opponents remain in Venezuelan prisons.

The government controls most of the media, but the walls in the streets of El Paraíso are free.

En el barrio del El Paraíso de Caracas se produjeron fuertes disturbios en la primavera de 2017. En los días posteriores, sufrió una dura represión por parte del Gobierno, con multitud de detenciones arbitrarias a sus vecinos más jóvenes. Muchas familias impedían a sus hijos salir de sus casas por miedo a ser detenidos. Según el Foro Penal, más de 200 opositores políticos siguen en las cárceles venezolanas.

El oficialismo controla la mayoría de los medios, pero los muros de las calles de El Paraíso son libres.

Caracas (April, 2018).

The young men in the photograph are searching in the garbage in Petare, a popular slum in the east of Caracas. There are also the "garimpeiros", the gold diggers in the murky and polluted river Guaire (Caracas), or the oil and car batteries thieves
       
     
+

The young men in the photograph are searching in the garbage in Petare, a popular slum in the east of Caracas. There are also the "garimpeiros", the gold diggers in the murky and polluted river Guaire (Caracas), or the oil and car batteries thieves (highly valued in the black market because of its scarcity). It's just about surviving.

Los jóvenes de la fotografía buscan en la basura en el popular barrio de Petare, en el este de Caracas. También están los “garimpeiros”, los buscadores de oro en el turbio y contaminado río Guaire (Caracas), o los ladrones de aceite o baterías de coches (muy cotizados en el mercado negro por su escasez). Se trata simplemente de sobrevivir.

Caracas (April, 2018).

Tinted windows in cars, lowered latches, valuable items hidden and eyes wide open in the presence of bike riders. Most of the robberies and assaults that occur in Venezuela are held on motorcycles. The burglars on motorcycles are the most dreadful d
       
     
+

Tinted windows in cars, lowered latches, valuable items hidden and eyes wide open in the presence of bike riders. Most of the robberies and assaults that occur in Venezuela are held on motorcycles. The burglars on motorcycles are the most dreadful danger in the cities, they take their guns out of their backpacks, aim to the crystals and commit the crime.

Lunas tintadas de los coches, pestillos bajados, objetos de valor ocultos y los ojos bien abiertos ante la presencia de los motorizados. La mayoría de los robos y asaltos que se producen en Venezuela se sirven de las motocicletas. Los delincuentes motorizados son el peligro número uno de las ciudades, sacan de la mochila sus armas, apuntan a los cristales y perpetran el delito.

Caracas (April, 2018).

Different hills surround the perimeters of Caracas. They are slums built at the edge of any urbanistic plan by the poorest families that didn't find a better place to start a new life. Houses raised without a license, buildings devoid of the minimum
       
     
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Different hills surround the perimeters of Caracas. They are slums built at the edge of any urbanistic plan by the poorest families that didn't find a better place to start a new life. Houses raised without a license, buildings devoid of the minimum security rule, constructions in wood, brass and bricks. Homes in precarious conditions, threatened by the landslides caused by rains. Thousands of people living in these houses, lacking any coziness. According to the INE, in 2011 in the Petare parish, for example, there were over 372,616 people living there. The projection for 2025 is of 465,713 inhabitants. It is the most popular slum in Caracas.

Los distintos cerros recorren el perímetro de Caracas. Son barrios construidos al margen de cualquier plan urbanístico por las familias más humildes que no encontraron un lugar mejor para empezar una nueva vida. Casas levantadas sin licencia, edificaciones desprovistas de la más mínima regla de seguridad, construcciones forjadas en tablas de madera, latón y ladrillo. Hogares precarios, amenazados por corrimientos de tierra provocados por las lluvias. Miles de personas viven en estas casas carentes de la más mínima comodidad. Según el INE, en 2011 en la parroquia Petare, por ejemplo, vivían 372.616 habitantes. La proyección para el 2025 es de 465.713 personas. Es el barrio popular más grande de Caracas.

Caracas (April, 2018).

Laura hasn't been able to pick us up at the airport in Maracaibo, the hot capital of oil and of the Zulia state, in the northeast of the country. She explains that someone stole the oil in her car, a common practice to resell it in the black market.
       
     
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Laura hasn't been able to pick us up at the airport in Maracaibo, the hot capital of oil and of the Zulia state, in the northeast of the country. She explains that someone stole the oil in her car, a common practice to resell it in the black market. The consequences for her are devastating. Her car has been clogged and buying a new one is impossible, first of all, because there aren't being imported to the country and second of all because the few available are exorbitant. The repair is complicated too because the spare parts are scarce; by not being able to buy a new car, people are forced to repair to infinity. In the roads, it is usual to find broken down cars on the shoulders, and the highways full of tires, abandoned and broken, and many times they burn up because of the sun.

Laura no ha podido venir a buscarnos al aeropuerto de Maracaibo, la calurosa capital del petróleo y también del Estado Zulia, al noreste del país. Nos cuenta que le robaron el aceite del coche, algo habitual, para revenderlo en el mercado negro. Las consecuencias para ella son desastrosas. Se le ha gripado el coche, y comprarse uno nuevo es imposible, primero porque no se importan y segundo porque los pocos que hay son exorbitantes. La reparación del vehículo es igual de complicada, porque los recambios escasean; al no poder comprarse coches la gente tiene que repararlos hasta el infinito. En las carreteras es muy habitual encontrar carros averiados en el arcén, y las carreteras están llenas de neumáticos (allí llamados cauchos), abandonados y rotos de tanto uso, y que muchas veces se incendian por el sol.

Caracas (April, 2018).