Sandy Supposes....

El Alazan

Aug 4th
El Ávila National Park Half-Day Jeep Tour

I’ve made special arrangements and we’re doing the whole day, spending longer time spans at the locales along the way. Dress comfortably because we will be walking too. El Ávila National Park, in north-central Venezuela, occupies a 200,000-acre mountain region that ranges in height from 120 meters to just over 2 meters. After 9am pickup from your Caracas hotel, you'll be driven to the highest point in the park, where you'll be able to walk and take in gorgeous views that contrast with the hustle and bustle of the capital. From atop El Ávila, you'll be able to see Caracas on one side and the Caribbean. Don’t forget your camera.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductDetail-g316066-d12465496-El_Avila_N...

Dining enjoyment for the evening is El Alazan, it’s on the pricey side but highly reviewed and rated.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g316066-d792792-Reviews-El_Alazan-...

Even though it is basically famous for its varieties of meat you can also find an excellent quality of fish plates or pasta plates.The ambiance is very chic with lots of wood in the decoration. Besides all of that, the quality of the service is superb. You always feel pandered and like a preferred guest.

         I must admit, I held my breath as the dented, old jeep plowed up the mountainside today. Well, I tried to hold my breath, but it wasn't easy. I was jostled, jarred, and jiggled. My first instinct was to squeeze my eyes closed because I couldn't help but notice how narrow and winding the dirt road was as we careened too close to cliffs. How did the driver stay on that zig zag route?

         Actually, I'm thrilled that I also couldn't resist sneaking a peek at the gorgeous scenery that tumbled along. The one word that springs to mind is lush. This rain forest is so green and lush. The fluffy white clouds looked like spun cotton candy. The spectacular view at the summit of El Avila National Park was breath taking. It was so worth the minor moments of panic, and the fresh bruises.

          I relished the opportunity to stretch my legs with a hike. Yes, I did stumble a wee bit, but the terrain is rugged. The tiny towns of Galipan, San Jose de Galipan, and San Isidro de Galipan were so peaceful and quaint. a smile translates in any language. I must say the skating rink in the middle of nowhere was a complete surprise. It was not something I expected, so I laced on a pair of skates and stroked around for a short time. It was a welcome relief from the ever present humidity.

          Another shock was the immense Humboldt Hotel. It must've been quite the feat to erect it so far up a mountain! I understand the government has plans to restructure. There seemed to be past problems with the cable car.

          After a day of hiking and gawking, I was more than ready for a good steak meal, or as the locals say "bistek/bife". I now realize that the Spanish "carne' for meat is similar to carnivore. I ordered a huge "chuleta\ which is a T-bone steak. Don't worry Jellyfish , you will find great food too as a "vegetariano". A handy phrase for you is "no comemos carne". Well, it translates to "we're not meat eaters", but it'll work.

         I was curious about this restaurant's name, and so I did a little research. El Alazan is a sorrel horse. That would explain the horse symbol everywhere. I discovered a Spanish song about just such an animal. here are the introductory lyrics: Era una cinta de fuego Galopando, galopando, Crin revuelta en llamaradas, mi alazan te estoy nombrando. Now for the rough translation... "gallopando"=galloping... "de fuego"=gun...."cinta"= tape/ribbon....."revuelta"=revolt/uprising.... "en llamaradas"=into flames..."crin"=mane/ horse hair...."te estoy nombrando"=I'm appointing you/I'm making you......

         Anyway, it was a stupendous day!