I Survived the Andes!!!!!

Hello. I know it's been a long time, I hope you didn't think I'd forgotten about you. It's been a rough road to travel (I wish it was actually a road I traveled on, they were more like trails. Let us not forget the mountains I had to go over as well to get where I am now. When I say I survived the Andes, I'm not referring to the little chocolate mint candies!) I arrived a couple of days ago in San Cristobal, Venezuela. This is not the most serene country to visit environment wise, but I just keep thinking about getting to Rio. That's what keeps me motivated. I can almost taste the margaritas now. I'm heading out again tomorrow but I'm hoping to snag a ride.

For those of you unfamiliar with current concerns of Venezuela, they include a weakening of democratic institutions, political polarization, a politicized military, drug-related violence along the Colombian border, increasing internal drug consumption, overdependence on the petroleum industry with its price fluctuations, and irresponsible mining operations that are endangering the rain forest and indigenous peoples. All the rest is just icing on the cake.

Well, I'm off to barter for a ride tomorrow. Planning on using the prima cigars I smuggled in under my Sombreo.

Take care and I'll let you know when I hit Rio!

Love and Miss you all,

Clive the Gnome King