La Universidad Metropolitana

Wednesday, November 28

There was an opposition march at the Metropolitan University of Caracas on Wednesday. Like on Monday, the students stood along the highway holding signs, handing out flyers, writing "no" in shoe polish on cars. The National Guard was there again but this time, threats to shoot tear gas emerged only after about 30 minutes of protest. They were armed with gas masks, home-made shields, helmets and Vick's Vapo-Rub (to put under their eyes and nose. It helps with the tear gas). One hour into the protest, the National Guard begins to simultaneously fire tear gas and spray water at the students, pushing them up the ramp into the school gates. A battle ensued for the next three or four hours. Students fired back tear gas bombs and rocks. National Guard and police pushed the students back to the school with a surge of water and tear gas and then the Guard receded. Students fired back and taunted.















The Guard approached from the ramp on the right and the police approached from the bridge on the left. Students ran when they began firing rubber bullets.


























A tear gas bomb ricocheted off a student's arm.


























When gas bombs were fired, some students picked them up and threw them back at the guards.

Oh the pain. Those who didn't have full-face gas masks were affected by the gas which caused your eyes and throat to burn and your nose to run.

Student march day

Wednesday, November 21
This was a day when the students chose to march. The opposition students marched, convening in Chacaito for a rally. There the student opposition leaders spoke charismatically and as they grew more impassioned, the crowd cheered even more. This kind of student involvement in an election is unprecedented in Venezuela I've been told.
That evening, red-clad Chavistas crowded the streets around the Miraflores Palace. On a stage, music groups performed for the students, keeping them entertained until about 7:30 or 8 when President Chavez appeared. His entrance was marked by cannons of red and silver confetti blasting into the air.
"This is a very special thing for us, this president," said one Chavez-supporter next to me in the press box. "There's a lot of emotions surrounding him."

Day seven

Thursday, November 15













These are four kids who go to the Catholic school near my hotel. They were sitting outside waiting to go into the school at 6:30 a.m. The following photos are ones I took while touring the barrios around Caracas.

Day six

Wednesday, November 14

Thousands of red-clad constitutional reform supporters gathered in Plaza Venezuela to march through the streets of Caracas to show support for Chavez's upcoming referendum for constitutional reform. People held photos of President Chavez, signs, Venezuelan flags and mini copies of both the Venezuelan constitution and the reforms that will amend it, should the vote pass on December 2.

Day five

Tuesday, November 13

Presidential Press Conference at El Palacio de Miraflores, Caracas












El Presidente Hugo Chavez makes a grand entrance when he arrives to the press room holding his two month old grandson. Chavez takes his grandson into the crowd proudly showing him off to members of the press.

He spoke, engaging the crowd for four hours without rest.

Day four

Monday, November 12


Press conference with former Minister of Defense Raul Isaias Baduel as he denounces the referendum for constitutional reform which takes place December 2. One of the constitutional reforms will do away with the limit of terms for which a president can run.


Baduel holding a copy of the Venezuelan constitution, says the referendum is unconstitutional. http://www.venezuelanalysis.com/news/2807













Everyone is very politicized right and people spray paint their politics on walls and buildings, even on granite, high-rises downtown. They also use shoe polish on their cars.






Mototaxi is a great way to get around in Caracas. They go between lanes of cars, honking the entire way.