No roads from Puerto Cabello further along the coast than to the Bay of Patanemo, I had to continue driving inland. After the city of Valencia I took the first exit off the motorway to drive up into the hills. I had mountain walk and history study on my things to do list for today. I did not see the sign board to the Petroglyphs of Vigirima and went wrong right to the center of the village of Vigirima. The turning that I had missed was more or less half the way back. On the way up to the village though I had noticed a parking for some funny looking busses and now I had the chance to stop to take some pictures.

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The mechanic and his family were all on site and it was not a parking but bus repair. They looked very sceptic but the grandfather welcomed me and we had a small talk. He was very interested in my opinion about Venezuela and when I left he offered me his hand and even a hug. This was the sign now for the whole family to shake my hand. I took the right turn this time and reached the parking at the entrance to the Petroglyphs of Vigirima.

I walked along the track and after ten minutes reached cultivated farm land. I had walked wrong this time. I walked back to the parking but the office was still closed or even abandoned. I went to the only neighboring farm house and shouted towards the man who was working in the garden. He explained to me that the office was closed due to financial problems. He had actually been the responsible keeper for the last nine years. He explained to me the hidden path that I would have to take to walk up the mountain and find the Petroglyphs.

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I followed his directions and walked up the hidden and overgrown path up the hill and came to the first Petroglyphs. I walked up for another half an hour and came to a fence; behind the fence three white cows looking at me saying to not enter this area and to better go back. Three is my lucky number and I listened to the advice of the three wise cows. I had seen only one Petroglyph and was disappointed. I must have left the path because I found myself above the dry river bed at a line of trees and a stone formation. I would manage to climb down and walk in the dry riverbed back to the parking. Right decision this time; the stone formation was full of Petroglyphs and I had my Happy End.

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Back on the road to the motorway again I stopped at an open fire with a big pot cooking something. The man opened the lid and was proud to show me the boiling soup he was preparing for the church. He was happy about my presence and my brief comment about my philosophy of life. I had to give him a big hug, then his son, then his wife and then another female neighbor who was emotionally touched. I hope the soup served the community of this religious family.

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It was just a short drive to Maracay and I had still time to see the bull ring and the theater on the opposite side. The ballet was just over and the families were waiting with flowers for their girls to congratulate to their first presentation.

I had still time to visit the biggest Bolivar square of Venezuela and the government buildings and I had still time for the air museum and the collection of VW beetle cars who had been special guests for the weekend. I drove to the central hospital and I had still time for the last Colombian potato on display of the snack bar.

For a small understanding of the days travel, I have included a Google Earth map. The red pins mark the locations I have stopped and taken pictures. At the bottom of the page you will find a link for all the pictures I have taken. The link will open in a Google+ Album.

Please click on map to enlarge!!!

See map and distances / Siehe Karte und Entfernungen / Ver mapa e distâncias / Ver mapa y distancias

0 km                     Tucacas

50 km                   Puerto Cabello

130 km                 Vigirima

180 km                 Maracay

Please click on “View Album” to see pictures in a Google+ Album.