Day 118 - Crossing into Venezuela

(Ursula) We drove from Cucuta to the border yesterday evening after receiving the Visas. Still, we couldn't leave Colombia because our Carnet de Passage en Duane was missing the exit stamp from Aduana Nacional. Their office was in Cucuta and opened at 8:00 AM the following day. What a pain!

Nothing is easy. We drove back to Cucuta and spent another night at the gas station. The following day, I noticed one of the rear tires low on air. By sheer luck, there happened to be a Michelin agency in Cucuta that replaced it under warranty.

After obtaining the exit stamp at Aduana Nacional, we made another attempt to get to Venezuela. Naturally, we had to endure a similar border procedure as previously experienced in Central America.

After immigration, the camper was thoroughly searched by customs. We also had to open the luggage compartment on the rooftop and take everything out. Maybe the officials were just curious, or perhaps they just did their job, but I couldn't help myself thinking they wanted to demonstrate their authority and power just because they could. It was tough for Heinz to stay calm and patient.

After that ordeal, the door to Venezuela was finally open to us!

Initially, the road led through a hilly area that later flattened out into lush, green agricultural fields. We passed the town of La Fría. Bananas grew everywhere, even next to the road, and were offered for sale along with oranges, grapefruits, papayas, and melons.

The road was paved and in decent condition. By evening we reached Lake Maracaibo, near La Ceiba, and set up camp on a beach with palm trees. We relaxed at a nearby restaurant and toasted with a Polar beer on the birthday of Ursula's dad.

The restaurant owners were very accommodating. They allowed us to fill up with drinking water and use the toilets.

Chef Ursula served us Macaroni in eggs with beef Ragut and a side salad tonight.

Stats: Miles 190, Expenses $8.23Read more