¡Feliz Navidad y Prospero Año Nuevo!

Been a little while since I've managed to write. Things are cruising along well here, even the elections it seems were taken in stride by the country. The holidays are in full swing, which means only three things: food, drink, and dance. And how do you party harder in a place that already parties pretty hard? Well, first of all, you don't ask that question and second of all, you just do.

Just got back from a little town called Biscucuy where I spent Christmas. My Mom's side of the family always goes there to pass the holidays. Needless to say, it was a week of exactly what I described above. It was good times with great people.

Here are some photos then, in no particular order, for you all to ring in the New Year!

Campo Elias



Nativity Scene in Campo Elias



El Río Saguaz in Biscucuy.



Checa and Karen



Black and white of a rock pyramid I built.



Great picture of the river.



Some family from Venezuela.



More cousins...



Singing some Vallenatos



Los Hermanos Toros

Go Time...!

So, today is December 2nd and Venezuelans vote tomorrow to either maintain or replace Chavez. From the people I have talked to and everything else that I have seen, my own prediction is that Chavez will remain in power. There are strong forces on his side and a great deal of momentum from the last few years of his presidency that makes winning for the opposition nearly impossible. My sincere hope for the country is that violence will be avoided.

For myself, since I got here to San Cristobal 11 days ago, I haven't passed a single day without going out with someone to have a beer or a whisky. I was warned in Caracas that I would likely be passing most of my time drinking here. The predication for December is only more rumbas and parties. But don't worry Mom, I'll calm things down a bit and don't worry Dad, I'm only drinking quality stuff.