Venezuela '24 - Part 6: Village Life
Here in Macuro the clocks tick differently. 
There has been an internet café here for about two months now (as of February 2024). In the evenings, when the generator supplies electricity (which is generally only available from sunset to sunrise), many villagers gather in front of the bar, which now makes its money by selling Wi-Fi passwords.
Half an hour costs about 50 cents, one hour costs one euro. Or a monthly subscription for 10 euros. 
David and I are taking the monthly subscription and are trying to answer your emails as best we can and to support Andy, who is still at home in Hanover, with the daily online shop business.
But the internet here is as reliable as other things in Venezuela. Buses, for example... We're learning to trust and accept whatever comes. Or not. ;-)
We're an absolute highlight for the children in Macuro. Every day after school, a group of excited little people gather at our door.
We paint, do crafts, collect stones, go to the beach. 
The kids were a great help to us—especially at the beginning. There are no official shops here where you can buy things. However, there are a handful of families selling all sorts of more or less essential items from their windows. 
In the evening, we're desperately searching for something sweet. A girl takes us to her grandparents' house. There, they serve four different treats almost every day. Homemade, of course. "Beso de coco" - the kiss of the coconut, as well as a type of gingerbread, ginger crispbread, and filled coconut turnovers. Made according to Grandma's recipe. :)
The little ones are also happy to show us, not entirely selflessly, which windows sell ice cream. 
The houses in the village are very different. Some are very simple on the outside, but very sweetly decorated on the inside; others appear to be well-preserved on the outside, but not every roof is equally waterproof. 
It's no surprise that life here is different from Germany. But we often only realize how different it is at second glance. Many houses don't have a bathroom. That is, no shower or toilet.
There's also no medical care available. If someone falls ill, they only have two options per week: take the ferry to the mainland to see a doctor, provided they have the financial means. 
Many family members of the people living here work illegally in Trinidad, just 20 km away as the crow flies. One of the few ways to earn money.
There are some cocoa farmers and a few other people make a living by fishing and growing fruit and vegetables. 
Upon closer inspection, this relaxed, slow-paced life doesn't seem so easy. Not all children can go to school, as school uniforms are compulsory in Venezuela. Since not all families can afford them, you can still see children strolling through the streets in the morning.
By introducing Cecocesola, we hope to inspire the people of Macuro to live well with goodwill and cooperation, independent of the state and the system.
The first screening of the documentary attracts some people. 
About 30 farmers come to watch the film or the projector.
We hope for the best and our dear Andrés will be busy announcing in the coming days and weeks that we are very lucky to be welcoming 5 guests from Cecocesola in Macuro. 