The sentinel

I live in an apartment on the 11th floor, and as you can see, this residential complex consists of several buildings—eight, to be exact—that were built a little over 40 years ago. They have a somewhat Soviet-style architectural style; well, at that time, many buildings were constructed in this style throughout Venezuela because it was more practical and functional, though not as aesthetically pleasing as other buildings. However, the materials used in these buildings are so resistant that even a major earthquake barely affects them. In fact, about seven years ago, there was a large earthquake in the city, and the buildings suffered no damage whatsoever.

But what I'm getting at is that from my floor, I have views of different parts of the city. I'm like a sentinel, observing everything from above. I can see parts of the Alta Vista, Los Olivos, and Villa Africana neighborhoods, which are well-known areas of the city. I can even see a bit of the Caroní River and the hills that connect to Caruachí, a rural area and also home to one of the country's dams.

Although it's mostly concrete—a concrete jungle, so to speak—there's a certain harmony and form among its old buildings, which might resemble prisons but are actually home to thousands of people. I don't know the exact number, but it could easily be over 1,000. So many, in fact, that you can see different people every day in this residential complex, which is perhaps one of the largest in the city. It's called La Churuata Residential Complex, named after a type of dwelling used by indigenous people.

All photographs are my own.