December 24, 2005
Choroni
The dragon lives here. Sleeping quietly under the mango trees he stirs not until dawn when the children come dancing and singing in pairs. Then puffs of black diesel stain the air as he rouses followed by an ear-splitting blast- the dragon is awake and ready to reclaim his territory.
Our bittersweet Caribbean treasure lies at the end of the dragon’s path, a series of unending switchbacks and hairpin turns that scale the cloud forests of Venezuela’s fortified north central coast before twisting their way back down through dense tropical growth. The river follows, crossing the centuries old pavement wherever it is convenient. Perhaps this trip is safer at night as Karina says. When one can at least see glimpses of approaching headlights. Instead we honk the horn continuously.
Founded by colonizing Spanish Captains in the early 17th century, Choroni was once the world’s most fortified producer of Cacao. Though no longer the case one can still breathe the thick, sweet air of cacao beans curing in the blistering heat in nearby Chuao. The road there however has long since atrophied and it is said that the one bus they have was brought, in pieces, by small fishing boats.
Tourism is Choroni's industry now. They come in the belly of the dragon. In spite of the threatening Spanish canons embeded in the breakwall, it’s the children’s fireworks that scare intruders like me.
Where did you come up with the moniker "prince". I'm not sure that it conveys an image that presents you in a favourable light. At least that it my initial reaction. the word "prince" conjurs up images of young youths who are not old enough to be considered able to control their destinies. i.e. Prince Harry, Prince William and even Prince Charles seems to be a man who has always been cockold (sic). Other Prince's such as the "Fresh Prince of Belair" were young immature men and "prince" again changed his moniker several times because it no longer fit his persona as he matured. The other well known prince is Freddie Prince who came to a sad ending. Albert tells me that this is Terry's middle name which I have always acknowledged as an Initial. Any way these coments are just point s for discussion as sit around the hospital over the next few days. Love Marilyn.P.S. Kim is very receptive to your photograph. What would you like to do. Get her phone number? Have diner at our house? Meet for a date?
Posted by: marilyn at February 13, 2006 11:55 AM