PLACES IN VENEZUELA

(I thought that it would be fun to share a little, from time-to-time, about some of the places we have visited while living here in Venezuela)

About an hour from Maracaibo (the city where we live), in Northwestern Venezuela is the Lagoon of Sinamaica. The Añuu is one of the countries indigenous groups who live in Palafitos on the lagoon. Palafitos are homes that are built on stilts and are constructed over bodies of water. Añuu, actually means "people of the water. The only way into this village is by canoe or boat.

You will often see the men and boys out on the lagoon in their boats with fishing nets, hoping to provide food for their family table.

The construction of this village has many waterways leading from one area to another, similar to the canals of Venice (though, primitive). It is said that "Venezuela" comes from the word Venice.

In recent years the government has helped finance and construct new schools, day care, a senior center, ect. There is a church, a few artisian shops (they sell things made of materials from their land - coconuts, grass, plants, ect), and small restraunts for the tourist´s they receive (though, our state is not known for tourisim).

The language of this group has been lost, now speaking only spanish, but there is a movement to revive their culture and especially the language.

Whenever we have visitors we are always sure to take them to this beautiful and interesting place, where we are taken by boat through the neigborhoods of this rather primitive community.