Kathy-
Although we enjoyed our rather wet visit this last December, I would rethink the port in light of the current turn of political events. Unfortunately, I think we give our money to Venezuela each time we go to the gas pump, giving Chavez the resources to really be scary. Kinda rates up there with Libya as a Port!
You're right about the gas pump. We are long overdue in attempting to curb our gas consumption. Actually, Libya isn't quite the threat it once was. Reagan bombed and they caved. Not suggesting another bombing, but I do feel that we should do something to neutralize Venezuela. Glad I'm not on that committee!!!!!!! I did enjoy Isla when we stopped there. And it was quite a surprise to me. I think many believe that it is somewhat isolated froim the rest of the country, but it is Venezuela.
I think the people of Isla de Margarita may be actually a casualty of all of this.
They realize that much of their tourism comes from cruiseships. They have fought not to be connected to Caracus by bridge. We were there on the last Election day in Venezuela, an event picked up by CNN which reported that many dropped out of the corrupted race due to pressure from Chavez. From what I could see (with my limited spangish ) as we toured the island, there were no apparent signs of political activity.....nothing to indicate that there was any kind of election happening.
It's really a shame. I liked the people in Isla Margarita. They were eager to show us their island and were proud of their history. Another casualty of Chavez. I don't think we've even seen the beginning. It's scary.
Last night it was reported that Venezuelan President Chavez turned up the political tempo by saying that Pres. Bush is worst that Hitler and that his Venezuela's peoples should be armed to combat this.
The unfortunate thing is that Isla de Margarita may not be a place that Americans can go much longer due to the increasing political tensions.
I would not worry about those things. I moved here in May of 1999. I was here on Margarita Island when the worse of the worst was happening in Caracas and when Chavez went missing. There was NOTHING bad happening here. The most inconvienences me and my family had to go through was they were shortages like on flour, soda or little things like that. A few times the supermarket were only open at certain times or days. YES they did protest here but this is MARGARITA not Caracas, and Chavez 'does not' live here.
The people who live on this island many have moved here from the mainland themselves because they 'know' it's not the same place or people. Everyone here is calm and more relaxed. The Margaritenos do not hate Americans here because Bush is their president. I don't say mine because I have been away for so long that I wasn't even there when he was elected. I don't get into politics because I have never even voted when I lived in the states and I don't get into politics here either because I'm not Venezuelan. I just mind my own business.
I feel sad when I hear or read about people afraid or no longer coming to the Island because of the Poltical things going on.... it's just a shame because they are missing out. If I felt threatened back then a few years ago or even now I would of moved out of here so fast. I don't ...NOT at all and I have 4 young children whom I am raising on my own here to consider and not just myself.
I hope that some of you would reconsider ....you have no idea how nice these people are here. Over and over again ...there are always comments being made while out there at the port about how these people are some of the friendlist and nicest Venezuelan's they'd ever met and how GLAD they are that they came to Margarita Island.
I hope that some of you would reconsider ....you have no idea how nice these people are here. Over and over again ...there are always comments being made while out there at the port about how these people are some of the friendlist and nicest Venezuelan's they'd ever met and how GLAD they are that they came to Margarita Island.
thanks
2lilsweetpeas: I am so sorry that my comments have caused you any distress. I have traveled world wide and normally I am not frightened by political changes. But in just a few short years the world has become so different. I don't feel that Chavez has the power all by himseslf to cause big problems for the rest of the world. And, of course, the US dependence on Venezuelan oil is problematic. But, his attempted alliance with Iran has me greatly concerned. I have visited your Island only once, and as I have said, I loved it. People there are very proud of their island, rightly so.
Thanks so much for posting!! That was my point, it seems that the Island is much different than the mainland. I really enjoyed the day there although you might remember election day in December, it rained until the streets were had become streams of muck!!
I had no concern or fear while we were in Isla de Margarita. In fact, people were wonderfully friendly!!! That is what makes it so sad that political tensions have escalated.... Unfortunately you and your lovely island are victims of this current political wind, I hope that wind dies down for sure......Thanks for your comments!!
We will dock at your island in April on the last trip there this year for the Sea Princess. Where do you suggets we visit? I assume you know it is safe and living there, you should know. Like all ports, there are places to avoid. Please help us enjoy your island. Look forward to seeing your part of heaven.
2lilsweetpeas: I am so sorry that my comments have caused you any distress. I have traveled world wide and normally I am not frightened by political changes. But in just a few short years the world has become so different. I don't feel that Chavez has the power all by himseslf to cause big problems for the rest of the world. And, of course, the US dependence on Venezuelan oil is problematic. But, his attempted alliance with Iran has me greatly concerned. I have visited your Island only once, and as I have said, I loved it. People there are very proud of their island, rightly so.
HI Kathy .... no no ..no distress at all. I understand about the uncertainty because that's how I felt before I moved here, although I speak spanish Venezuela is not where my parents are from. They're from Ecuador and I have only been there once when I was 10...but it was a REAL eye opener even as a child. Born in the states and raised there you think think every place is like the US til you get older and hit reality.
I did just want to add a little about Margarita because it's such a wonderful little island that yes will always I think have problems because of the what people see and hear on TV about the country and not about this island. ....
thanks so much for your kind comments and for worrying !!!
We will dock at your island in April on the last trip there this year for the Sea Princess. Where do you suggets we visit? I assume you know it is safe and living there, you should know. Like all ports, there are places to avoid. Please help us enjoy your island. Look forward to seeing your part of heaven.
Respectfully,
Hello Bob & Joyce
hmm ...I would like to comment about the port of call you'll be stopping at. It's called El Guamache...I have this written elsewhere but I felt it needed to be added here as well. Oh I also have pictures of El Guamache that you might be interested in seeing ....send me a PM with your email and I'll send you lots of photos of this Port.
You can do these sorts of thing at the port beach. You can use jet skis, paddle boats, bannana boats and use the shaded lawn chairs there and have a drink too if you please.
Also you can swim at this beach and many tourists coming off the Ships usually do. Also there are about 150 booths with customs made crafts and jewelery so there is plenty of shopping to be done.
My friend Kristina works there at the port she is American as well. Origianlly from Cali. This is what she wrote in to describe El Guamache and I think it would add to this Forum.
from Kristina:
I can tell that this is going to be a long post. My mother and I make jewelry with semi-precious stones, pearls and crystals. There are more jewelry vendors than anything else I think. Half of them buy their jewelry to resell and others handmake their things. There are booths right up front that are off to the side that are artisians that handmake everything they sell and are given extra attention. They switch out the vendors every so often to bring other artisians in.
I believe Murano glass is sold here. There is a building right up front that has a few stores in it. Go in there, and you'll find a store that sells glass. There are other vendors that sell other glass figurines (not Murano) and one lady even makes jewelry with glass pieces that she makes, too. She speaks English.
There was a guy last year who made leather items, but I'm not sure that he is there this year. Yesterday was our first day of the season, and I didn't see him. He made belts and fitted them to you while you waited. He had wallets and purses, too.
There are lots of ceramics and pottery. There is one lady who hand paints pottery that is made here on the island. The island is known for pottery. She paints hibiscus and other flowers in bright colors on her things. They are beautiful. She's closer to the end of the row under a big awning that is near the second bar I think it's booth #80. She speaks perfect english. There are several people who make Negritas, which are clay black women figurines in folk/tropical dresses carrying plates of fruit and veggies. The island is very popular for that.
Hammocks are made on the island, so you can get a really nice one for a decent price. I know of a booth that sells those. They are about 2/3 of the way down the avenue.
About 1/3 of the way down is a booth that sells handmade woven baskets. Some are collapsable, so you can pack them in your suitcase. They also have simple folk whistles and things that kids like a lot.
There is one guy who makes handmade cigars. I heard many men try his cigars and say that it was top quality. He sells individual cigars, too, so you can try one right there and decide if you want more. Some high government men come to the island to buy his cigars, so I guess they must be pretty good. He is up front with the artisian group. He speaks english.
Pearls are our specialty. Yes, the prices are correct and the quality is good. Many people think that because the prices are so low that they aren't real. They are. You can buy a lower quality strand of pearls for $6. Then there are higher qualities that go up from there. A good strand of pearls will cost you about $15-$20. There are lots of hematite jewelry, too. You can get those pretty cheap.
There are many booths that sell caps, beach towels, bags, sarongs, t-shirts, etc. There is one couple that sells handpainted t-shirts. They are about half way down the avenue. There is also another guy towards the end near the second bar. He paints nice, too. They both speak perfect english.
There is a saxophonist who plays his music and sells CD's. There is a guy who carves stone figurines. He speaks english.
I think I said most of what sells out there. I'm trying to remember. Oh! Beer, wine, vodka, and rum are sold at a store in the building at the front of the port. They also sell rum at either bar. I hope that helps. From what I have seen the people who handmake their items have their prices down pretty low. You MIGHT be able to get them to go lower, but it's doubtful. It's the people who buy items to resell out there that you can bargain with. They are more flexible. It used to be where everything that was sold out there had to be handmade, so most of the artisians have been selling there for years. They have learned to keep their prices low. So, keep your eye out. If it looks like the item can be sold at a better price, then ask. If the price seems fare, then that's probably their lowest price. A new rule we have this year is that everything has to be priced. Yeah! Have fun, and remember to stay in the shade!
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ok now just incase you think you'd still want to get off the ship and in town, there are several options. My friends Marcella and Steve are from the states but have been here for over 5 years. They own their own tour business and can take you through Macano area's or do a shopping tour, take you to La Restina a lagoon boat tour and so on. Here is their email address to get in touch with them. crusin_n_style_mv@yahoo.com
We do have a place where you can swim with the dolphins but you have to book with your cruise ship on that.... they charge a higher fee for the days when cruiseships arrive, if you're ever on the island on vacation NOT on a day when a ships arrives at port it would only cost you $73.00 per person instead of $109.00.
hmm not sure what else ...I know you're on a limited time frame when you come here on a cruise ship. If you do go on a tour then your safe with my friends but if you decide to venture into town by taking a cab ...here are a few tips ...
I know what streets to not just walk around without paying attention....which ones you say ...Plaza Bolivar (keep eyes peeled) aka the Walking Streets as it's called, down by the Bella Vista area..only because it's become desolate over the past two years and it has gotten run down. The bad area I am talking about is once you are past the Bella Vista Hotel. If you continued to walk in the opposite direction NOT heading toward Avenida 4 de Mayo then that is the area that I am talking about.
Yes I do feel safe here or else I would of left here a long time ago. I just watch myself and my kids when were out. I have one trusted taxi driver who will come to pick me up at my house so I don't walk up to the bus stop to get a taxi or bus. It's safer for me to have him come get me. If I'm late in town then he will come pick me and my kids up...sometimes he even brings his lovely wife along for a ride.
I hope this helps some ..thanks for your questions
For us ... Isla de Margarita has been the one place we have always felt the MOST WELCOMED as cruisers!
We speak/understand very comfortable Spanish but no one would ever guess we did (Southern drawl, blonde hair, blue eyes, very light complexion, etc.) so locals tend to speak freely in Spanish in front of us ... and it's always positive ... just trying to keep cruise ship passengers happy! Unlike many other Caribbean islands, they appreciate cruise ship passengers.
Our feeling go out to the many GOOD people of Venezula ... not only on Margarita; but, also to the VERY MANY on the mainland who just happen to be in the middle of this unfortunate situation with their current government.
If you enjoy just going to the beach and/or a beach bar and vendor stands, it's all within the port complex ... and not a bad option.
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