Adventures in the Botanical Garden

While the rest of the group prepared for a weekend trip at the the hot springs, I sat in bed trying to rid myself of a sore throat and sniffles. I was planning to go, but I figured sleeping in 30 degree Andean weather probably wasn't the best idea with a cold. Instead I headed to Venusa to catch up on e-mails, hoping to run into someone who also decided to stay in town. My attempt to find a fellow student was futile though, and sitting alone in the computer lab sick and fatigued without a way to contact anyone I started to feel a little depressed about having to spend the whole weekend in Mérida on my own without really knowing how to navigate the town. Just as I was about to head back to the apartment, though, I ran into Kamela, who was just as desperate to find someone else from the group. Kamela, too, was sick and decided not to to brave the mountainous terrain and weather that weekend.

Saturday we took it easy since we were both feeling a little sick, but on Sunday we were both down to explore, so we headed to the Botanical Gardens even though we weren't exactly sure how to get there. I tried to ask several people, but I discovered that they are not the friendliest around here. Also, Venezuelans are not afraid to stare you down. In fact, I often feel like they're looking at me like I'm from another planet. I can't tell if they're fascinated by Americans or annoyed. Probably the latter. I can't tell you how many times people have addressed me as "Gringa" or "Chica blanca." It's annoying, but you learn to ignore it.

When we finally arrived at the gardens, I realized how satisfying it is to learn to navigate an unfamiliar area. It's a really empowering and reassuring feeling, especially when I was feeling like I was so dependent on other people before.

The garden was a much needed break from the chaos of downtown Mérida. I realized how much noise there is in the city--not just typical city noise like in the US though, but noise like roosters crowing at 3 am. The garden wasn't outstanding by any means, but it was exactly what I was looking for that day--a relaxing adventure. Kamela and I roamed the gardens with our cameras, and reveled in all the photo opportunities. It was nice to feel comfortable walking around with my camera out instead of having to be discreet and nervous about it in the city.

We explored the garden for a while and discovered a "canopy trail," or a high ropes course. When we saw people in the trees, Kamela and I decided that we definitely wanted to do whatever they were doing up there. We didn't really realize what we were getting ourselves into though. It was a pretty intense climbing trail, and I was only wearing sandals. I ended up climbing trees, rope ladders, and netting in my bare feet. A little painful, but definitely worth it! There were several points where I didn't think I would be able to continue, but despite my sweaty shaking hands, I pulled through! Climbing around the canopy barefoot with my camera was probably not the safest, though.

Overall it was a nerve-racking, but exhilarating experience. It was not something I would normally do, but I'm so glad I did it. Also, the guys working there were super chill. it was refreshing to finally meet some Venezuelan hippies outside of all the Venezuelan sleaziness we have experienced so far.