Venezuela '24 - Part 5: The first visit to the cocoa forest

After the first hot night, we all meet unannounced on the beach for sunrise.



When the ocean is just two minutes from your front door, everyone seems to have the same needs: the view into the distance, the sound of the waves, the sand beneath your feet.
Whether swimming, meditation, or yoga – everyone will find their quiet spot here to start this wonderful day.
We've arranged to meet Andrés early. The later we go into the jungle, the hotter it will be. It takes us about 45 minutes to reach the ceremonial forest, where David, Andrés, Silva, and other lovely helpers planted the small cacao trees last year.
In Andrés's house, a drawing hangs on the closet.



The arrangement of the cacao trees was based on the Mayan energetic number system, he explains. (You can find more information here .)

The path into the forest is beautiful. It's so peaceful. The only sounds are the sound of the sea, the wind in the trees, and hundreds of birds.
We walk out of the village, along the sea, past a beautiful bay, on small paths.



Once across the river, at the palm tree on the right, at the next cocoa tree on the left – here you need attention and a good feeling to remember the way back.



We can already see a hint of smoke from afar. We get closer and see Diego sitting there, guarding the fire.
I really can't estimate the man's age. But he looks like he's been wearing that authentic smile his entire life.
We look at how the little trees have developed over the last year.

“In the center is the grandfather – the guardian,” explains David.
He will receive a lot of love and attention from us in the next few days and weeks.



Some of the cocoa plants really don't have it easy in the hot sun.
Andrés has dug a watering hole and waters all 200 trees every two days. Not with hoses or cans, but with heavy buckets, from which he gently pours the water through his hand onto the trees.



It's impressive how much feeling and passion he puts into caring for the forest.
The cocoa needs more shade. Although cocoa and bananas are planted alternately (the latter grow faster and provide shade with their large leaves), we still need more sun protection, especially in the outer areas.
This is how Katharina and Kristin become sponsors of two young coconut palms. These grow very quickly, require less water than cocoa, and quickly become useful shade providers.



We all water the plants together. The heat combined with the humidity makes us thirsty. During a short break, Goyo and Lucas provide us with fresh coconuts. First we drink, then we eat – the forest has everything we need.
Grateful and with renewed energy, we set off on our way back.

Now we still have enough time to stop in the secluded bay before sunset and end the day together by enjoying the beautiful sea.
Like happy children, we laugh and sing, bare stones and enjoy the cooling.





Back in the village, Peloma has cooked for everyone. There's yucca (a potato-like root), platano (plantain), and freshly caught fish.
We enjoy the hospitality and the shared meal between donkeys, dogs and chickens.

In the evening there are still a few things to organize.
Tomorrow we'd like to share a report with the villagers. We've brought a laptop and a projector with us and would like to tell people who and what Cecocesola is.
Is a hierarchy-free, solidarity-based association of cooperatives in Venezuela with a focus on the cultivation and distribution of food and healthcare. (Link to the documentary: https://www.dw.com/de/glaubenssachen-alle-bestimmen-mit-gelebte-utopie-im-krisenland-venezuela/video-57792443 )

Because on our next visit to Macuro, in a few days, we will be very lucky to have five members of the cooperative accompany us and share their experiences.
Our desire is to inspire the people of Macuro to believe and work to make everything they imagine possible. This includes Venezuela.

For today, however, there's only a picture and sound test and immense joy in the form of a Spanish children's film. Children's cinema in the village – that's what makes children's eyes shine.

Exhausted and satisfied, we end our day and look forward to another sunrise on the beach.