In Puerto Cabello with my Sisters [ESP/ENG]

Almost a month ago—before the tragic events currently unfolding in Venezuela—I had the opportunity to visit the beautiful city of Puerto Cabello, located in the state of Carabobo, with two of my sisters. Fortunately, my family and I are safe and were completely unaffected by the earthquakes (thank God); nevertheless, we are deeply saddened and distressed by the events that have recently taken place in other states and cities across the country. Even so, I want to offer a different perspective in this post and share a special, happy moment I spent with my sisters in Puerto Cabello—a city named for the legend that, at the time of its founding, its waters were so calm one could moor a ship using a single strand of hair.

Hace ya casi un mes, antes de toda esta tragedia que está ocurriendo en Venezuela lamentablemente, tuve la oportunidad de visitar junto a dos de mis hermanas la bella ciudad de Puerto Cabello, ubicada en el estado Carabobo, Venezuela. Afortunadamente hoy en día mi familia y yo estamos bien y no fuimos afectados en lo absoluto por los terremotos (Gracias a Dios) sin embargo igualmente nos sentimos muy afectados y con una gran tristeza luego de ver todo lo que ha sucedido en los días más recientes en otros estados y ciudades del país. No obstante hoy quiero ofrecer un panorama distinto en este post, compartir con ustedes un momento especial y feliz junto a mis hermanas en la bella ciudad de Puerto Cabello, la cuál se llama así porque dicen que en los tiempos de su fundación sus aguas eran tan tranquilas que podrían atar un barco con la hebra de un cabello.

There is a fountain on the boardwalk that is iconic to the city; I remember that many years ago, when I visited the port more often, my husband—my boyfriend at the time—and I used to take photos there. It features two beautiful statues: one of a woman and one of a mermaid. And over there, behind me, you can see the intense blue of the sea, which almost blends into the sky.

There are my sisters, on a specific street in the city's historic center—the oldest part of town—where the houses are colonial and very picturesque. This street is known as *La Calle de los Lanceros* (Lancers' Street), as General Páez's lancers marched along it during the War of Independence. The street is also known for the bridge visible in the background, which connects two houses facing each other; however, during colonial times, these buildings were actually warehouses for provisions, particularly coffee and cacao.

Here is part of the excursion group (I’m not in the photo because I was the one who took it 😄).

We also visited the glass museum—housed in an old colonial mansion—which displays many artifacts from bygone eras, such as documents, cannons, and other weapons, as well as radios and cameras from the early 20th century. It offers a beautiful view from every angle, as you can see, with the sea visible in all its splendor. Up on the rooftop, there is a huge Venezuelan flag that I took a photo with.

That day, we also had the opportunity to witness one of the country's most beautiful cultural expressions: the celebration in honor of Saint John the Baptist, organized by various local brotherhoods. It began with Mass at the cathedral, followed by the brotherhoods emerging to the beat of drums—a display of the syncretism between Christianity and the African cultural heritage passed down by our ancestors.

One thing that really caught my attention is that there is an area featuring replicas of the city's most famous and important landmarks. There, for instance, we see—among other things—replicas of the soccer stadium, as well as statues of historical figures.

Here, for example, is a scale replica of the famous Fortín Solano, which stands atop the city's highest mountain; it is a fortress built in 1716 to protect the city from sieges by pirates and privateers.

Here is a glimpse of Waikiki Beach (very famous in Puerto Cabello) and the El Palito oil refinery, one of the most important in the country.

There is also a display showcasing the various islands accessible from Puerto Cabello; I find this really nice because it allows tourists to get a glimpse of the whole city from a single spot, helping them decide at their leisure where they would like to go next.

Plaza Bolívar looks beautiful (every city in Venezuela has a Plaza Bolívar in honor of our Liberator). I like the way the main statue and those of the other national heroes are arranged; it creates a lovely patriotic atmosphere and makes us feel proud to be Venezuelan.

I truly spent a very pleasant day in the company of my sisters—taking photos and visiting iconic places. Although, thank God, we are all doing well today, recent events have made me reflect on the need to cherish every second with our loved ones: to hug, love, and bless them, and to enjoy their presence. We shouldn't waste time on grudges or complaints; we must enjoy life while we have it.

Thank you very much for reading my post; I send you many blessings, along with virtual kisses and hugs 😘 🤗.