My experiences after 19 days in hospital for Covid-19
Thank you God for giving me a new opportunity with my loved ones!
In addition, I must thank the "Virgen del Valle", "Santa Rosa de Lima" and my Guardian Angels for always accompanying me and protecting me
Dear readers, if you thought that what I told you in my previous post had been hard enough, we still had to suffer a little more before seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Well, today I come to continue my story, to contextualize, in my previous publication I told you that I had moved to the city of Maturín, to help take care of my mother who was hospitalized. I also mentioned that I never imagined that I would not only lose my mother after a painful agony, but also that I would not even have time to mourn her. This, because I would have to find strength from where I had none, to wage a physical and psychological battle against the Covid-19 virus in order to stay alive.
The first symptoms appeared on March 26, the same day my mother passed away, my body was screaming at me that it was battling an enemy. However, by that time I had many other things to worry about, so I put aside my discomfort. It took 7 days of sickness to confirm our suspicions that my sister and I had been infected with Coronavirus at the hospital where my mother was. And after the diagnosis, only 4 days were enough for my body to collapse on March 9th, the day I started my hospitalization.
But it was not that simple, as we Venezuelans know, our public health system, after years of disinvestment, is on the floor. As soon as I arrived at Covid's hospitalization area at the Manuel Núñez Tovar Hospital in Maturín, I was told that I needed a flowmeter, because there was none available at that time. This device was essential for me, without it, they could not connect me to oxygen and stabilize the oxygen saturation levels in my body, which was very dangerous. It should be noted that this is essential equipment to provide first aid in cases of respiratory problems. So all stations with oxygen dispensers inside the hospital should have one, which is not happening in a large percentage.
For my family, it was impossible to buy it at that time, it cost around $200, so that was not an option. Thank God, I remembered that the husband of a childhood friend, whom I had seen again after more than 20 years, due to the seriousness of my mom had an ambulance. She had accompanied us during the whole process and was a great support, now she would save my life, because her husband had a flowmeter and as I expected he did not hesitate for a second to lend it to me.
That same night they connected me to oxygen and started my intravenous treatment, thank God at home we had the first 3 doses of the antibiotic because they were left over from my mom. But we were faced with a new problem, how would we buy the rest of the treatment, since my mother's treatment had depleted our budget. To compound our financial crisis, my sister's funeral insurance did not respond and my insurance only covered $76 of the $220 for funeral services. Which, by the way, was the simplest plan, it only included the preparation of the body, casket rental and 2 hours in the chapel.
In addition, since my mother asked us to cremate her during her lifetime, which would imply a cost of $300, I had managed to get them to lend me the remainder to pay for the funeral service. My brother, who is currently living in Chile, was able to get a friend to lend him the $300 for the cremation. In addition to that, we had already spent the little we had left for the oral treatment for 5 people, remember that we were 5 covid-19 patients, my dad, my sister, my brother-in-law, my little nephew and me. Obviously, we did not have enough to cover my new intravenous treatment, which by the way was extremely expensive.
As you will understand, we had to look for an immediate solution, since in Venezuelan hospitals you have to carry everything, from the physiological solution, to the syringes, cotton, adhesive and of course all the treatments. As I have already told you on other occasions, I could not count on my medical insurance, since university professors were shamelessly deprived of it, as the government created a non-existent cover which I call SISMEU. On one occasion many friends and members of this platform supported me financially for my treatment and tests to treat 2 tumors that I have in my thyroid.
In this opportunity, two great friends and co-workers who were aware of all that we were going through and conscious of our economic situation, decided to carry out a fundraising campaign through social networks, as many Venezuelans are doing, in order to cover the immense economic expenses of this disease. They decided to carry out a fundraising campaign through social networks, as many Venezuelans are doing, in order to cover the immense economic expenses that this disease entails. To my pleasant surprise, the response was wonderful and, according to what I was told, the campaign was trending on social networks. Many kind hearts, from family, friends, neighbors, students, former students inside and outside the country, even some strangers, when they found out, contacted us to contribute their grain of sand. Thanks to that I never lacked treatment, showing us day by day the greatness of God. Whenever we were pressed for money, it was amazing, the money arrived and we were able to complete the cost of the treatment. It was a wonderful demonstration, not only that God is always there to support us, but also that I am a very fortunate person and blessed by God to have so many people who appreciate me and remember me fondly. May God and the Virgin bless each one of those kind souls, who with their support in one way or another made it possible for me to recover from this terrible disease.
It was a total of 19 endless days of hospitalization, in which, like everyone else, we had to deal with all the deficiencies that our hospitals suffer from, such as lack of personnel, medical supplies, and deficiencies in services. In spite of that, it was impressive to see (with few exceptions) how the medical and nursing staff, despite working with their fingernails, give their best, even when they are risking their own lives. In addition, I had to deal with death almost daily, the Covid area where I was, which by the way, was not the only one in the hospital, if I am not mistaken, there were about five different areas destined to attend exclusively Covid-19 patients. The thing is, the area where I was was subdivided into 4 wings, the wing where I was, there were 8 patients besides me, during those 9 patients that we were at the time of my arrival, unfortunately only 3 patients survived. The first few days were calm, but then, one by one, my wing mates began to die. It was really terrible, to see how a person was apparently stable, talking or joking with his companion and suddenly, when least expected, he would go into crisis and in a matter of minutes or hours he would die.
I found other people who were walking, who were apparently improving, and from one day to the next their health began to deteriorate, until they became very ill and died, and that happened, despite the fact that they were receiving their treatment. Those were the cases that I experienced directly, but every day we would hear from the nurses about at least one death as a result of the virus, in another wing or in other areas of the hospital. As you will understand, the struggle with the disease was not only physical, it was also psychological, because you had to deal with the pain of others and the deaths around you. Not to mention, having to control not to fall into depression and the panic of not knowing if I was next on the list, because the disease is very treacherous and does not warn.
I believe that only my faith in God Almighty, my little daughters, my husband and my sister, kept me sane, focused on the fact that I had to recover. One of the most difficult moments was March 11, my birthday, it was already difficult to spend it away from my loves and also in a hospital. To add the icing on the cake, I received the terrible news of the death in Caracas, that same day, of one of my dearest uncles also due to covid, I confess that it was very difficult for me to recover from this new blow, in fact it is still very difficult for me to handle these two losses, my mother and my uncle. The other moment was a few days later, I was already quite recovered, and they decided to change my treatment schedule, BAD IDEA! I turned out to be allergic to Vancomycin, one of the antibiotics, which gave me an allergic reaction, I got sick, even my oxygen saturation dropped again. I got a fever with cold so strong, that my whole body tempered uncontrollably, I got so scared, that I came to think that my turn had come. Thank God my sister, while taking care of my mother, had witnessed similar cases, but milder, in some patients who were given the same treatment. When she saw my reaction, she deduced that it was due to the Vancomycin, so she spoke to the doctor on duty, who immediately prescribed another antibiotic. Once my body eliminated the remains of the medicine, I began to stabilize and my values returned to normal.
As the days went by, my sister and I discovered about all the ravages caused by the disease, in reality the problem is not the virus itself, but the sequels it causes. I have heard many times that some people say that it is not correct to treat covid with antibiotics, but what they do not know is that with the treatment, they are not attacking the virus, but the different sequel it causes. The most common is pulmonary damage that can turn into bilateral pneumonia as in my case, in more serious cases into pulmonary thrombosis, or any other type of thrombosis, that is why the treatment includes anticoagulants. The risk of suffering a thrombosis is so high that I had to take treatment for it up to a month after being discharged from the hospital.
Another consequence suffered by covid patients is the increase in blood sugar levels, which if not monitored can lead to a diabetic coma. This happens even if the patient does not have a pre-existing condition of this pathology, my case for example. I have never been a diabetic, but during my hospitalization I once had to take 3 units of insulin, because my blood sugar level was over 220 mg/dL. After that, I had a Glycosylated Hemoglobin (A1C) lab test and thank God it was negative for diabetes. We consulted the doctors and they told us that another consequence of the disease is an increase in blood sugar levels. This condition is aggravated by the fact that one of the medications that must be administered is Dexamethasone, which is a cortiscosteroid that, from what I understand, helps to decongest and reduce inflammation in the lungs. But it has the disadvantage that if it is used for a prolonged period of time, as in my case, it also generates an increase in blood sugar levels. That is why if you do not have a strict control of glycemia, it can generate many problems, the lady who was next to me, her sugar got to rise exceeding sugar values of 500 mg/dL, which caused a diabetic coma and irremediable death, because she was also edematized, due to a renal failure. As you can see, it is a very complex disease that triggers systemic squeal.
Other sequel, in addition to those I have mentioned, is of course the fatigue, which at the beginning prevents you from even making a small effort. You cannot even walk at a normal pace, or change position in bed, without feeling as if you were suffocating. Gradually it diminishes, of course, but according to doctors, full recovery may require up to 6 months. In addition, there are the sequels at the neurological level, such as difficulty concentrating, performing mathematical calculations, or perceiving depth. Not to mention motor skills, I lost fine motor skills, so I could not, for example, write. I had to undergo therapy during and after being hospitalized to recover it, I found it helpful to crochet, at first it was difficult, but little by little it helped me. There are also squeal, which can be considered perhaps less serious, such as hair loss, or problems with the mucous membranes of the mouth. In summary, as I have already told you, the sequels of the Brazilian variant of the covid-19 virus are the ones that can really kill you. It attacks on all fronts at the physical, neuronal and psychological level; you have to take courage, because depression is always just around the corner waiting for you to be careless.
But it wasn't all bad, as I was taking care of my mother and then hospitalized I got to know an amazing and beautiful human side. Despite the fact that we were complete strangers, almost immediately an impressive bond of solidarity and brotherhood was formed. During my hospitalization, I spent a lot of time alone, because we do not have relatives in Maturin who could support us. In addition, due to the limitations of quarantine and the risk involved, we could only count on each other and my brother-in-law. Therefore, my sister could not spend all her time taking care of me, not because she did not want to, but because, in addition to me, she had to take care of three other sick people. At home, there was my father, her husband and their 4 year old baby, also sick with covid, so she had to distribute her time very well. Her day was spent between taking care of the sick at home, the housework, to leave everything organized while she was away, and being attentive to me in the hospital. The time she was with me, the poor thing had to solve everything that I could not, such as leaving the hospital to take my blood samples for lab tests, buy medicines or any supplies. She even had to chase the doctors, who were always very busy, to get a medical order for some procedure or test.
Going back to what I wanted to tell you, for obvious reasons, I could not always count on my sister's help, but there was always someone who would lend me a hand. Another very common thing was that if someone needed a medicine, a syringe, a syringe, a syringe or simply a obturator, and someone else in the room had it, I would lend it to them without thinking about it. If a patient became ill, the companions of those patients, who were stable, would run to help in whatever way they could with the emergency. So, I have any number of anecdotes in that style, we were like a big family, all pursuing a great goal to survive. I remember that when one of the patients, due to a twist of fate, lost the battle, we all accompanied the family member in his or her pain. When that relative left the room, in spite of his pain, he would always say goodbye, showering us with blessings and good wishes to all of us who remained, repeating over and over again, that when we left he would tell us... "don't give up, keep fighting, you will make it, God bless you".
Anyway, it was 19 days overcoming test after test, needle sticks all the time, staring at the ceiling for hours, or knitting to give me the illusion that the hours were passing faster. Waiting for my sister to arrive or for the night to come to talk on the phone with my husband and daughters. Because I couldn't talk much either, it was uncomfortable with the mask, besides, the oxygen dried out my throat and made me cough. But finally, all the effort was worth it, and finally on March 27 I was discharged from the hospital. That news for me and my family was the best possible news, finally, I could go to my sister's house to continue recovering and help her as much as I could. Although my father and my sister had already overcome the virus, they had been a little complicated by the after-effects. My sister because of all the stress and being exposed to so many hospital bacteria, and my dad because of his underlying pathologies and his age. But as the days went by, little by little we all got better.
Thank God, on the 17th of April I was able to return home after 2 months of absence, with many precautionary measures, of course, since I was not traveling in my own car, but in a car per post. And to the surprise of some, including me, the doctors did not warn that we could not let our guard down. The fact that we had been infected with the virus did not exempt us from a new infection, so we had to be even more careful than a person who had not contracted the virus. This was because our organism had been very weakened by the after-effects of the virus. Today, I am in my little house, still undergoing treatment of course, but enjoying my great loves to the fullest and thanking God every day for every hour of existence, every breath of air that runs through my lungs and the good fortune of having many people who love me. God bless you and protect you from this terrible disease, but do not forget to takeTreatment indicated to me when I was discharged from the hospital care of yourselves and your loved ones, using biosecurity measures.
Content and photographs of my intellectual property
Technical information
Camera: Honor Cell Phone, Model DUAL-LX3
Lens: DUAL-LX3
Lighting: Natural Light
Location: Maturin, Monagas State, Venezuela
Farewell to My Warrior of Light and COVID-19 Diagnosis
First of all, I must thank God Almighty for granting me the miracle of a new opportunity in life, allowing me to see and be reunited with my great loves, my daughters and my husband, and to have the opportunity to share with you again.
INFINITE GRACES
Dear readers and friends, it has been several weeks of absence from this wonderful platform, I really miss you all very much. My absence was not voluntary, life suddenly surprised me, testing my physical, mental and spiritual strength. Actually, not only mine, but also my family's. They have been very difficult tests that we have passed. I had to live and see in these last 2 months things that I never, not even in my worst nightmares, imagined living, demonstrating with facts the fragility of life.
It all started when I received a call from my sister telling me that my mother had been hospitalized with a pleural effusion. In layman's terms, this is an accumulation of fluid in the space between the lungs and the chest wall. This condition, if left unchecked, causes the lungs to collapse and you can't breathe. In my mom's case, because of her endometrial cancer, her body began to generate and generate fluid. Because the chemotherapy session could not be done for various reasons, including quarantine, the fluid could not be extracted. This was essentially the reason why one of her lungs collapsed due to the pressure exerted by the excess accumulated fluid.
I had to overcome many obstacles, economic, quarantine and lack of transportation, just to name a few, Venezuelans know well what I am talking about, since most of them have to face them every day. Finally, on February 16 (Carnival Tuesday) I managed to travel to the city of Maturin, I never imagined all that I would have to live and that after that experience, I would never be the same woman who had left the city of Barcelona that morning.
My mother was confined in the Manuel Núñez Tovar Hospital, in the city of Maturín, in a room called the Asthmatic Room. It could be said that it was a kind of intermediate therapy room, where patients with very delicate health conditions were kept. Since I arrived at that room, I had to witness with impotence the suffering of my mommy, she was a very active woman and she could no longer walk. The amount of fluid accumulated in her body did not allow her to do anything by herself, my sister and I were in charge of making her clean up on the bed. Those moments were extremely distressing, because any movement caused her a lot of pain. In spite of the fact that the doctors had placed a device that, in theory, should extract the liquid from her lungs, this was not enough. There came a time when so much fluid was retained that blisters began to form, filled with fluid that penetrated the layers of skin. I will always admire her strength, she was a true warrior, incredibly despite the pain and discomfort she never lost her good humor and optimism.
My mom was a being of light, despite her illness she was full of will to live, wherever she went she won people over, the nurses adored her. She always greeted them with a smile or a comment that made their day, no matter how many times she was pricked in order to give her the IV through which the intravenous treatment was given. However, her suffering was notorious, every movement left her exhausted. Maybe it sounds terrible to some people, but seeing my mother's suffering, and even though my heart was breaking, I prayed to GOD, that if he could not perform the miracle of saving her, that he would take her with HIM. I had never seen someone suffer so much and yet, she loved life so much, that until her last breath she clung to it impressively.
On the night of February 26th, after a whole day of agony and struggle to hold on to life, my mom lost the battle. In spite of all our efforts, those of the medical staff and nurses, at about 10 p.m. cancer irremediably won and snatched her last breath. With her, a part of my soul died, however, I am left with the consolation that at last her pain is healed. I am sure that she is in a beautiful place, from wherever she is, she takes care of us and where she can finally rest, in the company of her loved ones who left the earthly plane before her.
I remember, that as we left the hospital that night under the gaze of an immense full moon, with our souls filled with pain, impotence and a broken heart. My sister and I thought that the challenge was to mourn our mother, to live our grief and honor her memory, but how far we were from that reality, a new nightmare was just beginning, where our lives would now be at risk. She and I were both suffering from flu-like ailments that, due to the situation we were going through, perhaps at first the adrenaline had not allowed them to fully develop.
The next two days, after our mother's death, were filled with funeral procedures, and the discomfort increased with each passing day. In my case, the fever never went below 40°C, but, no way, we had to claim our mother's body in the morgue, make the arrangements at the funeral home and then cremation. It was all very painful and left me scarred for the rest of my life. We had to draw strength from our grief, because there was no time to cry, we had to solve everything ourselves. We also had no time to worry about our ailments, but we always kept biosecurity measures to the maximum. Well, it was part of our daily routine, just as we had been doing, since we were taking care of an oncology patient. Moreover, because we knew that the hospital was full of Covid-19 patients and the sanitary control was not rigorous at all, so we had a high probability of having contracted the virus.
One day after cremating my mom, even though she did not have the symptoms that normally occur when you have covid-19, as a precaution, my sister and brother-in-law went to the health care center at her work. What they were able to get done was the rapid screening test for Covid-19, the PCR or Nasal Swab they did not want to do. By the way, it is worth mentioning that what they did, as we say here in Venezuela, was a "scolding teeth" test. The doctors said that the symptoms did not coincide, they clung to the fact that they did not present the common symptoms of coronavirus. We never had a dry cough, on the contrary, we had phlegm, besides, we did not lose our sense of smell or taste, nor did we have respiratory difficulties, the only thing that did coincide was the very high fever and the muscular pains.
The tests were negative, and since the presence of the virus had not been confirmed, the doctors prescribed treatment for the mild respiratory infection, which was evident in the X-rays. Fortunately, for us, the treatment included antibiotics, which stopped the progress a little. As we did not trust the results, because we had read that this test can be ineffective in the first stage of the virus, yielding a false negative. We decided to wait a few days to repeat the test, of course, without stopping the treatment, since we could not take any risk.
That same week, on Friday, March 5, as the symptoms were still present, my sister, my brother-in-law, my nephew and I went straight to the hospital where my mother had been confined. This hospital is the pilot center for the care of Covid-19 patients in the state of Monagas. SATRAMO, which is the main unit for screening, care and control of Covid-19 patients, is located there. The doctor, upon reviewing our X-rays and laboratory tests, immediately indicated that we were candidates for the test. However, since we were in the same house, he only chose me for the PCR test; if I was positive, everyone was positive.
After an interminable 2 and a half hours of waiting we got our results, and as we had feared our suspicions became a terrible reality WE HAD COVID-19. The viral load that my results showed was very high, however, according to the lab tests and x-rays we were all apparently still stable. Our only concern was that my hemoglobin was very low, however, the doctor did not give it much importance. He did change our treatment regimen to one that included stronger antibiotics, because the antibiotics we were taking covered a very limited spectrum. The presence of fever, although at a lower temperature, indicated that the previous regimen was not working. She also gave us an appointment to come back for a follow-up in 4 days, to review our evolution.
As indicated by the doctor, on March 9 we returned to the control, by that time the symptoms had subsided, mainly the fever. Although, in my particular case, I only had a slight fever at night, but otherwise, I felt much better, although it seemed like laziness. Strangely, I was falling asleep all the time, everywhere, something that of course, was not normal for me. The doctor checked all of us, this time we also took my dad, who is diabetic and suffers from Parkinson's. Thank God he had only had a slight fever up to that moment. Apparently we were all stable and responding well to treatment, although my sister was still very concerned about my hemoglobin levels. My hemoglobin was still dropping, in the span of 4 days it had gone from 10.2 to 8.7, however, the doctor was still not paying much attention to it.
As the virus was apparently still stable, just for control, the doctor, once the physical examination was finished, gave us the orders to have new X-rays. Since we could have the X-rays done at the hospital, we walked to the Radiology Department. We could not wait, because the doctor told us that that same day he had to compare the new X-rays with the previous ones, besides verifying my dad's condition, since it was his first appointment. To get there, we had to walk a little, because of my dad's basic pathologies they took him in a wheelchair, my sister and I of course walked. When we arrived at the Radiology area, I noticed that I was a little tired, finally they took the X-rays, in my case, the pulmonary compromise had advanced significantly, taking into account the short time.
In my previous x-rays there were only a few lung lesions, now almost half of my two lungs were compromised, it had turned into a bilateral pneumonia. As we were walking back to the office for the doctor to look at the new X-rays, I told my sister to go on with my dad, that I was going to walk slower, because I was feeling a little tired. As I was walking back, I started to feel worse and worse, I started to see blurry, it was hard to breathe and the tiredness almost didn't let me walk. As I could, I managed to get to the parking lot in front of SATRAMO, my sister was already there and when she saw me stumbling she ran to catch me, while shouting to the doctor to run, I was collapsing.
Luckily, my sister and the doctor managed to catch me before I fell long and hard in the parking lot and got me into the office. When they measured my oxygen saturation level, it was below 90, I don't remember exactly how low the measurement was, I remember that I couldn't think straight. But the truth was that upon seeing her, the doctor immediately said that I could not go home, that I had to stay in the hospital. Of course, my immediate response was "... no doctor, I cannot stay here hospitalized...", to which the doctor replied that I should thank God that the collapse had happened there and not somewhere else.
Upon comparing the X-rays and reviewing the symptoms, he explained to us that the aggressiveness of the virus unequivocally indicated that the virus we had contracted was the Brazilian variant of Covid-19. For some reason, in my case, unlike the rest of my relatives, my body was not responding adequately to oral treatment, so it had to be changed to intravenous. In addition, due to the collapse I had just suffered, I needed to be permanently supplied with oxygen, because I was at risk of suffering a pulmonary thrombus and therefore sudden death. Thus began a new stage of the nightmare, but as the story is already very long, for now I will leave it here and soon I will tell you how the next 19 days of hospitalization and my subsequent recovery went.
Please, do not stop taking care of yourselves, comply with all the biosecurity measures, from my own experience I can assure you that Covid-19 is not just another flu, it is something very serious. So, if you have symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, headache, flu-like discomfort, with or without phlegm, fatigue and even diarrhea. Consult your doctor, it is better to be safe than sorry. God Bless you.
Content and photographs of my intellectual property
Technical information
Camera: Honor Cell Phone Model DUAL-LX3
Lens: DUAL-LX3
Lighting: Natural Light
Location: Maturin, Monagas State, Venezuela
San Luis, a beautiful urban beach - San Luis, una hermosa playa urbana
It is a pleasure to be able to share with you again other of my memories through my photographs. This time I will give you another small sample of the natural beauties of my beloved Sucre state. Already on several occasions, I have told you, which is my home state.
*Es un gusto, poder compartir con ustedes nuevamente otros de mis recuerdos a través de mis fotografías. En esta oportunidad les daré otra pequeña muestra de las bellezas naturales de mi querido estado Sucre. Ya en varias ocasiones, les he comentado, que es mi estado natal.*
Sucre is a state that, unfortunately, has always been mistreated by its rulers, and even more so today. But despite the shortcomings and vicissitudes of his people, he has been greatly blessed with his natural beauties. It has a diversity of natural landscapes, which amaze those who visit it. However, it stands out, for having some of the best beaches in Venezuela.
*Sucre es un estado, que lamentablemente, siempre ha sido maltratado por sus gobernantes, y más aun en la actualidad. Pero a pesar de las carencias y vicisitudes de su pueblo, ha sido bendecido enormemente con sus bellezas naturales. Cuenta con diversidad de paisaje naturales, que dejan maravillado a quienes lo visitan. Sin embargo, destaca, por contar con algunas de las mejores playas de Venezuela.*
The images that today correspond to San Luis Beach. Perhaps, it is not ranked in the top places, but, it is necessary to recognize that this beach of white sands and calm waters, has its charm. Located in front of the Cariaco Trench, the Sanluisero coast offers a wonderful view, which captivates its own and visitors, especially with its magical sunsets.
*Las imágenes que hoy, corresponden a la Playa San Luis. Quizás, no está catalogada dentro entre los primeros lugares, pero, es necesario reconocer que esta playa de blancas arenas y tranquilas aguas, tiene su encanto. Localizada en frente de la Fosa de Cariaco, el litoral Sanluisero ofrece una maravillosa vista, que cautiva a propios y visitantes, sobre todo con sus mágicos atardeceres.*
If you travel by road, it is possible to find this beach when you enter the city of Cumaná, of course, if you are coming from Anzoátegui state. Its wide expanse of coastline, makes it the longest urban silver in the state, offering its visitors plenty of space to recreate, be it, swimming or practicing some maritime sport.
*Si se viaja por carretera, es posible encontrar esta playa al entrar a la ciudad de Cumaná, claro, si se viene desde el estado Anzoátegui. Su amplia extensión de litoral, la convierte en la plata urbana más larga del estado, ofreciendo a sus visitantes, mucho espacio para recrearse, bien sea, nadando o practicando algún deporte marítimo.*
The gastronomic offer, is also very varied, it is possible to find diversity of typical dishes based on seafood, in the different restaurants located in the surrounding areas. And if you fancy a sweetie, do not forget to try the popular Naiboas, majaretes, coconut kisses, coconut rice, jellies and preserves, among many other native delicacies of the area, which I assure you, will leave you a Sweet memory on your palate and a joyful memory in your heart.
*La oferta gastronómica, también es muy variada, es posible encontrar diversidad de platos típicos basados en productos del mar, en los distintos restaurantes ubicados en las zonas aledañas. Y si se te antoja un dulcito, no dejes de probar las populares naiboas, los majaretes, los besitos de coco, el arroz con coco, las jaleas y conservas, entre otros muchos manjares autóctonos de la zona, que te aseguro, te dejaran un dulce recuerdo en tu paladar y un alegre recuerdo en el corazón.*
Content and photographs of my intellectual property
Technical information
Camera: Pentax * istDL
Lens: Pentax 18-55
Lighting: Natural Light
Location: Cumana, Sucre State, Venezuela
*Contenido y fotografías de mi propiedad intelectual*
*Información Técnica*
*Cámara: Pentax * istDL*
*Lente: Pentax 18-55*
*Iluminación: Luz Natural*
*Locación: Cumaná, Estado Sucre*
African Snail*** Caracol Africano
It is always excellent to be with you, sharing a little of my photographic work, although right now he is quite detained, with the quarantine I cannot go out to portray the world around me. But hey, I can always continue investigating and learning, when reviewing my photo library, I found the images that I will show you today, which I took some time ago on the Isla de Margarita.
*Siempre es excelente estar con ustedes, compartiendo un poco de mi trabajo fotográfico, aunque ahorita está bastante detenido, con la cuarentena no puedo salir a retratar el mundo que me rodea. Pero bueno, siempre puedo seguir investigando y aprendiendo, al revisar mi fototeca, encontré las imágenes que les mostraré hoy, las cuales tome hace algún tiempo en la Isla de Margarita.*
As it turns out, I was on vacation with my family on the beautiful island of Margarita, Nueva Esparta state. We were staying in a vacation complex owned by the Universidad de Oriente located in the small town of Paraguachí. It was the first night of our stay and I decided to go for a walk in the surroundings.
*Resulta, que me encontraba con mi familia de vacaciones en la hermosa isla de Margarita, estado Nueva Esparta. Nos estábamos hospedando en un conjunto vacacional propiedad de la Universidad de Oriente ubicado en el pequeño pueblo de Paraguachí. Era la primera noche de nuestra estadía y decidí salir a caminar un rato por los alrededores.*
It had been raining, so everything was humid and the atmosphere was quite cold, while walking a group of snails caught my attention. At first I thought they were Guacara a species of land snail that is common to find in my beloved Carúpano, the city where I was born and raised.
*Había estado lloviendo, por lo que todo estaba húmedo y bastante frio el ambiente, mientras caminaba me llamo la atención un grupo caracoles. Al principio pensé que eran Guacaras una especie de caracol terrestre que es común encontrar en mi querido Carúpano, ciudad donde nací y me crie.*
As I got closer, I was surprised by the amount there was, I never saw them in such a number, in the grass there were many, I admit that it gave me a little chills. I went a little closer to detail them and of course photograph them, note that they were not the same snails that I remembered from my childhood, their shells were of a different color, yes, they were very beautiful.
*Al acercarme más, me sorprendió la cantidad que había, nunca los vi en un número semejante, en la grama había muchísimos, reconozco que me dio un poco de escalofríos. Me acerque un poco más para detallarlos y por supuesto fotografiarlos, note que no eran los mismos caracoles que recordaba de mi infancia, la caparazón de estos era de un color diferente, eso sí, eran muy bonitos.*
I took a few pictures and continued on my way back to the cabin because it started raining. The rain continued throughout the night and was very strong to the point that the sewer system collapsed, causing the entire complex to be flooded. I remember that he related the number of snails with the great rain, I thought they were looking to protect themselves from what was coming.
*Tome unas cuantas fotografías y seguí mi camino para regresar a la cabaña porque empezó a llover. La lluvia continúo por toda la noche y fue muy fuerte al punto que el sistema de alcantarillado colapso lo que ocasionó que todo el conjunto se inundó. Recuerdo que relacione la cantidad de caracoles con la gran lluvia, pensé que buscaban resguardarse de lo que venía.*
After some time, I found the same snails again, this time in the city of Lechería, in the residential complex where my sister lived at that time. The gardens on the ground floor were full of these little animals, they looked like a pest, and however, if the beautiful shell continued to attract my attention, I did not take a picture of them.
*Pasado algún tiempo, volví a encontrar los mismos caracoles, esta vez en la ciudad de Lechería, en el conjunto residencial donde vivía para ese momento mi hermana. Los jardines de la planta baja, estaban llenos de estos animalitos, parecía una peste, sin embargo, si hermoso caparazón seguía llamando mi atención, en esa oportunidad no les tome fotografía.*
Weeks later, the same snails appeared in the area where I live even my garden was full of them, that's when I found out what it was about, they call them African snails. Their scientific name is Achatina Fulica and they are originally from the African continent, that is the reason for their colloquial name, although in some places in Africa they are known as Lambí.
*Semanas después, los mismos caracoles aparecieron en la zona donde vivo inclusos mi jardín estaba lleno de ellos, fue cuando me enteré de que se trataba, los llaman caracoles Africanos. Su nombre científico es Achatina Fulica y son originarios del continente Africano, esa es la razón de su nombre coloquial, aunque en algunos lugares de África se le conoce como Lambí.*
It's an endemic species and somehow it got to South America and has been spreading throughout the continent. This situation has been worrying experts because from what I've been researching on the Internet, they host parasites that can be transmitted to humans.
*Es una especie endémica y de alguna forma llego a Sudamérica y ha estado propagándose por todo el continente. Situación que ha tenido preocupado a los expertos porque por lo que he estado investigando en internet, hospedan parásitos que pueden transmitir a los humanos*
They are hermaphrodites and because of their speed of reproduction, which results in considerable damage to the ecosystems and crops they invade. The International Union for Conservation of Nature included them in its blacklist. This list includes the most harmful exotic species on the planet.
*Son hermafroditas y por su velocidad de reproducción, lo que se traduce en daños considerables en los ecosistemas y cultivos que invaden. La Unión Internacional para la conservación de la Naturaleza los incluyo dentro de su lista negra. Dicha lista agrupa a las especies exóticas más dañinas del planeta.*
As you can see, this little animal, although very pretty and apparently harmless, brings them, so if you see it, don't even think about it, and grab it because it could bring your health problems. The parasites that it houses in its body and in the slime that it secretes are especially harmful to those whose immune system is delicate.
*Como pueden ver, este animalito aunque muy bonito y aparentemente inofensivo se las trae, así que si lo ve ni se les ocurra, agarrarlo porque podría traerles problemas de salud. Los parásitos que aloja en su cuerpo y en la baba que secreta son nocivos especialmente para aquellas cuyo sistema inmunológico es delicado.*
Well for now, I say goodbye, I hope you enjoyed the pictures and information I shared with you about these interesting, cute, but at the same time dangerous little animals. Please don't forget to take care of yourself and your loved ones by following the biosecurity measures to the letter and stay home until the next time.
*Bueno por ahora, me despido, espero que disfrutaran las fotografías y la información que les compartí sobre estos interesantes, lindos, pero a la vez peligrosos animalitos. Por favor, no olviden cuidarse y cuidar a los suyo siguiendo al pie de la letra las medidas de bioseguridad y quédese en casa, hasta la próxima.*
Source
https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Achatina_fulica
Content and photographs of my intellectual property
Technical information
Camera: Pentax * istDL
Lens: Pentax 18-55
Lighting: Natural Light
Location: Barcelona, Anzoátegui State, Venezuela
*Contenido y fotografías de mi propiedad intelectual*
*Información Técnica*
*Cámara: Pentax * istDL*
*Lente: Pentax 18-55*
*Iluminación: Luz Natural*
*Locación: Barcelona, Estado Anzoátegui, Venezuel*a
Clavellinos Reservoir *** Embalse Clavellinos
Congratulations and blessings to all, today I want to share some photographs, of which, some could be worthy of postcards, for the beauty of the landscape. I took them, a few years ago while we were making a stop to rest my legs, after a long road trip. On that occasion we were coming down from the town of Caripe and headed to the town of San Antonio del Golfo. The plan was, to stop in San Antonio, to taste for breakfast some delicious fish, with salad and "arepitas".
Felicidades y bendiciones para todos, hoy quiero compartir unas fotografías, de las cuales, algunas podrían ser dignas de postales, por la hermosura del paisaje. Las tome, hace algunos años mientras realizábamos una parada para descansar las piernas, después de un largo recorrido por carretera. En esa oportunidad veníamos bajando del pueblo de Caripe y nos dirigíamos a la población de San Antonio del Golfo. El plan era, detenernos en San Antonio, para degustar para el desayunar unos ricos pescaditos, con ensaladita y arepitas.
Well, returning to the place that I show you in the images, it is the popularly known as “Clavellinos Reservoir”, however, formally this engineering work was baptized with the name of “Presa Ingeniero Rafael Vega León”. In hydrographic terms, it is classified as an artificial lake, and is located in my native and beloved state of Sucre, Venezuela, at an altitude of 291 meters above sea level. It was built with the purpose of supplying drinking water to the Sucre state. Subsequently, due to water shortage problems in the Nueva Esparta state, the Clavellinos reservoir also goes on to supply the Neoespartan population with the vital liquid.
Bueno, volviendo al lugar que le muestro en las imágenes, se trata del popularmente conocido como “Embalse Clavellinos”, sin embargo, formalmente esta obra de ingeniería, fue bautizada con el nombre de “Presa Ingeniero Rafael Vega León”. En términos hidrográficos, clasifica como lago artificial, y se encuentra ubicado en mi natal y querido estado Sucre, Venezuela, a una altitud de 291 metros por encima del nivel del mar. Se construyo con el propósito de surtir de agua potable al estado Sucre. Posteriormente, debido a problemas de escasez de agua en el estado Nueva Esparta, el embalse Clavellinos también pasa a surtir del vital líquido a la población Neoespartana.
This important construction was put into operation in 1966. It covers a total area of 1,050 hectares, with a capacity of 131 million cubic meters. Today Clavellinos, after 53 years of operation, unfortunately is very deteriorated. Years of lack of maintenance, illegal water intakes, extensive periods of drought, among other factors, have left a terrible mark on such an important source of drinking water. At present, it is impossible for him to efficiently fulfill the purpose for which it was built. This situation has been pitifully translated into a very serious shortage of the vital liquid in the Sucre and Nueva Esparta states.
Esta importante construcción, fue puesta en funcionamiento en el año 1966. Se extiende por una superficie total de 1.050 hectáreas, con una capacidad de 131 millones de metros cúbicos. Hoy día Clavellinos, después de 53 años de funcionamiento, lamentablemente se encuentra muy deteriorada. Años de falta de mantenimiento, tomas de agua ilegales, extensos períodos de sequía, entre otros factores, han dejado una huella terrible en tan importante fuente de agua potable. En la actualidad, le es imposible cumplir eficientemente con la finalidad para la cual fue construida. Esta situación lastimosamente se ha traducido en una gravísima escasez del vital líquido en los estados Sucre y Nueva Esparta.
Content and photographs of my intellectual property
Technical information
Camera: Pentax * istDL
Lens: Pentax 18-55
Lighting: Natural Light
Location: Clavellinos Reservoir, Monaga State, Venezuela
Contenido y fotografías de mi propiedad intelectual
Información Técnica
Cámara: Pentax * istDL
Lente: Pentax 18-55
Iluminación: Luz Natural
Locación: Embalse Clavellinos, Estado Sucre, Venezuela
Mexican Tortillas Venezuelan Style || Tortillas Mexicanas al Estilo Venezolano
I have already told you in several opportunities that I live in Venezuela and well here we have to manage with everything, an example is what today I come to tell you about the gastronomic invention, which we carry out in our kitchen. It turns out, that our daughters did not ask us to prepare a Mexican style lunch for them, but we did not have the Nixtamalized corn flour that is used to prepare it.
*Ya les he comentado en varias oportunidades que vivo en Venezuela y bueno aquí hay que ingeniárselas con todo, un ejemplo es lo que hoy vengo a contarles sobre el invento gastronómico, que realizamos en nuestra cocina. Resulta, que nuestras hijas no pidieron que les preparáramos un almuerzo al estilo mexicano, pero no teníamos la harina de maíz Nixtamalizado que se usa para prepararla.*
Unfortunately, in our country it is not normally marketed, however, an uncle of my husband once gave us some packages, sadly we ran out. The flour that is commercialized here in Venezuela is precooked corn flour, with which we prepare our traditional arepas, empanadas and hallacas.
*Lamentablemente, en nuestro país no se comercializa normalmente, sin embargo, un tío de mi esposo en una oportunidad nos regaló unos paquetes, tristemente se nos terminó. La harina que se comercializa aquí en Venezuela es la harina de maíz pre cocido, con lo que preparamos nuestras tradicionales arepas, empanadas y hallacas.*
We thought we'd try making it with pre-cooked cornmeal, to see how it would look. Since the dough with Nixtamalized flour has a more elastic texture than that of pre-baked corn flour, we decided to add a little wheat flour, as is done in the case of the preparation of our beloved empanadas. That's enough of this preamble, now let's get to work preparing our Mexican tortillas Venezuelan style. The process is simple as well as the ingredients, we just need:
*Se nos ocurrió probar hacerla con harina de maíz pre cocido, para ver que tal nos quedaba. Como la masa con harina Nixtamalizada tiene una textura más elástica que la de harina de maíz pre cocido, decidimos agregarle un poco de harina de trigo, como se hace en el caso de la preparación de nuestras queridas empanadas. Ya basta de tanto preámbulo, ahora sí, pongamos manos a la obra para preparar nuestras tortillas mexicanas al estilo venezolano. El Proceso es simple al igual que los ingredientes, solo necesitamos:*
(For 20 tortillas)
* 3 cup precooked corn flour
* ½ cup Wheat Flour
* 3 ¾ cups of water
* Salt to taste.
(Para 20 tortillas)
* 3 taza de Harina de Maíz Pre Cocido
* ½ taza de Harina de Trigo
* 3 ¾ de tazas de Agua
* Sal al Gusto.
To avoid controversy, I clarify that the following procedure is my way of preparing the dough, that's how my mom taught me and that's how I do it, even though I've tried other techniques, it still seems the most efficient, hahaha. The first thing we must do is mix the solid ingredients in a bowl, then we add the water little by little, and everything is integrated and kneaded until we get a dough without lumps and that does not stick to the fingers, just like when preparing the dough for bread.
*Para evitar controversias, aclaro que el siguiente procedimiento es mi forma de preparar la masa, así me enseño mi mamá y así lo hago, aunque he probado otras técnicas, me sigue pareciendo la más eficiente, jajaja. Lo primero que debemos hacer es mezclar los ingredientes sólidos en un bol, luego le vamos agregando el agua de apoco, y se va integrando todo y amasando hasta lograr una masa sin grumos y que no se pegue a los dedos, al igual que cuando se prepara la masa para el pan.*
Once we had the dough ready we divided it into small balls, we got 20 balls.
*Una vez que tenemos la masa lista la dividimos en pequeñas bolitas, nosotros obtuvimos 20 bolitas.*
Then we heat a flat-bottomed pan which we varnish with a little oil, so that the tortillas do not stick.
*Seguidamente ponemos a calentar una sartén de fondo plano el cual barnizamos con un poco de aceite, para que no se peguen las tortillas.*
While the pan is heating up, we begin to flatten the dough balls, the thickness is similar to that of a hot pastry, we take a ball and proceed to flatten each ball until we have a thin disc. We use a small press to flatten the dough, which my husband built, but if you don't have one, you can use a rolling pin.
*Mientras se calienta la sartén, empezamos a aplanar las bolitas de masa, el grosor es similar al que un pastelito está bien caliente, tomamos una bolita y procedemos a aplanar cada bolita hasta tener un disco fino. Nosotros usamos para aplanar la masa una pequeña prensita, que construyo mi esposo, pero si no tiene puede usar un rodillo.*
As we flatten the dough balls are placed in the pan, we give approximately 2 minutes of cooking time on each side, as they are so thin they cook very quickly, then we put them on a plate and wrap them in a cloth to keep the heat and not dry.
*En la medida que vamos aplanando las bolitas de masa las vamos colocando en la sartén, le damos aproximadamente 2 min de cocción por cada lado, como son tan delgadas se cocinan muy rápido, luego las vamos colocando en un plato y las envolvemos en un paño para que conserven el calor y no se resequen.*
Once all the tortillas are ready, we simply accompany them with whatever you want. In our case we previously parboil a chicken breast which we then crumble, season and sauté with onion, carrot and paprika. In addition we had stewed white beans, avocado chopped in small bowls and since we had no sour cream or custard, we prepared a homemade mayonnaise.
*Una vez que ya estén listas todas las tortillas simplemente las acompañamos con lo que usted quiera. En nuestro caso previamente sancochamos una pechuga de pollo la cual después desmenuzamos, condimentamos y salteamos con cebolla, zanahoria y pimentón. Adicionalmente teníamos frijolitos blancos guisados, aguacate picado en pequeños tozos y como no teníamos crema agria, ni natilla, preparamos una mayonesa casera.*
With that we were ready to enjoy our lunch Mexican style, seasoned with a Venezuelan touch. I hope you liked this proposal, of how to prepare Mexican tortillas Venezuelan style. Finally, if you fry them later they look like the tosticos, or healthier if you smear them with a little oil and take them to the oven on a tray they also look spectacular. That way they are great to use as a pass stick at a meeting
*Con eso ya estábamos listos para disfrutar de nuestro almuerzo al estilo mexicano, aderezado con un toque venezolano. Espero que les gustara esta propuesta, de cómo preparar tortillas mexicanas al estilo venezolano. Por último, si luego las fríen quedan como los tosticos, o más sano si le untan un poco de aceite y las llevan en una bandeja al horno también quedan espectaculares. De esa forma son geniales para usarlas como pasa palos en una reunión*
Content and photographs of my intellectual property
Technical information
Camera: Pentax * istDL
Lens: Pentax 18-55
Lighting: Natural Light
Location: Barcelona, Anzoátegui State, Venezuela
*Contenido y fotografías de mi propiedad intelectual*
*Información Técnica*
*Cámara: Pentax * istDL*
*Lente: Pentax 18-55*
*Iluminación: Luz Natural*
*Locación: Barcelona, Estado Anzoátegui, Venezuela*
La Restinga Lagoon, National Park
Today I bring you a gift, a small walk through a very special place, on the beautiful Margarita Island, Venezuela. This is the Laguna de la Restinga, which I visited a few years ago and I confess that I fell in love with that magical place.
*El día de hoy les traigo de regalo, un pequeño paseo por un lugar muy especial, de la hermosa Isla de Margarita, Venezuela. Se trata de la Laguna de la Restinga, la cual visite hace ya algunos años atrás y les confieso que me quede enamorada de ese mágico lugar.*
It was decreed as a National Park, in 1974 in order to protect this coastal lagoon, which is nothing more than a natural salt water deposit, which is separated from the Caribbean Sea by a sand barrier of more than 23 km, which It is called in geographical terms, as Restinga. Later in the year 1991, with the intention of also protecting the adjacent areas, the protected area was expanded, so currently the Laguna de la Restinga National Park covers a total of approximately 2,600 hectares
*Fue decretado como Parque nacional, en 1974 a fin de proteger esta laguna costera, la cual no es más, que un depósito natural de agua salada, que se encuentra separado del Mar Caribe por una barrera de arena de más de 23 Km, la cual se denomina en términos geográficos, como Restinga. Posteriormente en el año 1991, con la intensión de proteger además las zonas adyacentes, se amplió el área protegida, por lo que actualmente el Parque Nacional Laguna de la Restinga abarca en total aproximadamente 2.600 hectáreas.*
This natural lagoon has an inverted triangle shape and the sandbar or restinga turns out, which is what connects the Macanao Peninsula with the eastern part of the Island. This coastal lagoon, does not exceed 8 meters deep and the vegetation of this Wonderful place, essentially based on Mangroves. This ecosystem or biome, is based on a type of trees called Mangroves, which are mainly characterized by their high tolerance to salts. These trees submerge their roots in the bed of the lagoon, becoming the home of a great diversity of marine life such as fish, crustaceans, molluscs among others, without the birds, which also make their branches the ideal place to nest.
*Esta laguna natural tiene forma de triángulo invertido y el banco de arena o restinga resulta, que es lo que une la Península de Macanao con la zona oriental de la Isla. Esta laguna costera, no supera los 8 metros de profundidad y la vegetación de este maravilloso lugar, esencialmente se fundamenta en Manglares. Este ecosistema o bioma, está basado en un tipo de árboles llamados Mangles, los cuales, se caracterizan principalmente por su alta tolerancia a las sales. Estos árboles sumergen sus raíces en el lecho de la laguna convirtiéndose en el hogar, de una gran diversidad de vida marina como peces, crustáceos, moluscos entre otros, sin contar con las aves, que también hacen de sus ramas el lugar ideal para anidar.*
The tour of the park can only be done through small boats, these can be rented for hours in a small pier located at the entrance of the park. The very kind gentlemen who drive the boats, take you to explore an intricate set of navigable channels, which, to be honest, the photographs do not do it justice. It is necessary to live the experience, to really be able to become aware of the beauty of the place.
El recorrido por el parque solo se puede realizar a través de pequeñas embarcaciones, estas, se pueden alquilar por horas en un pequeño muelle ubicado en la entrada del parque. Los muy amables señores que conducen las lanchitas, te llevan a recorrer un intrincado conjunto canales navegables, que, para serles sincera, las fotografías no le hacen justicia. Es necesario vivir la experiencia, para realmente poder hacerse consciente de la de la belleza del lugar.
I tell you, if you are lucky, as in my particular case, you can interact a little with species as beautiful and wonderful as the stars and seahorses. But yes, if they are presented with the opportunity, remember, they must be very careful, because they are extremely delicate species and the idea is that the footprints remain in our memories, not in the places we visit, they must be intact for enjoyment of future generations.
Les cuento, que, si tienen suerte, como en mi caso particular, podrán interactuar un poco con especies tan hermosas y maravillosas como las estrellas y los caballitos de mar. Pero eso sí, si se les presenta la oportunidad, recuerden, deben ser muy cuidadosos, porque son especies sumamente delicadas y la idea es, que las huellas queden en nuestros recuerdos, no en los lugares que visitamos, estos deben quedar intactos para el disfrute de futuras generaciones.
Reference
https://viajaraislas.com/que-es-la-laguna-de-la-restinga-en-isla-margarita/
https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manglar
https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Restinga
Content and photographs of my intellectual property
Technical information
Camera: Pentax * istDL
Lens: Pentax 18-55
Lighting: Natural Light
Location: Margarita Island, Nueva Esparta State
*Contenido y fotografías de mi propiedad intelectual*
*Información Técnica*
*Cámara: Pentax * istDL*
*Lente: Pentax 18-55*
*Iluminación: Luz Natural*
*Locación: Isla de Margarita, Estado Nueva Esparta*
El Guamo reservoir, a town under water || Embalse El Guamo, un pueblo bajo las aguas
Today I want to share with you some beautiful images that I can capture through the lens of my camera and that bring me nice and pleasant memories. On that occasion we were heading to the beautiful town of Caripe, I have already told you about it on other occasions, and what I love about it. It is a wonderful place nestled in the mountainous area of the state of Monagas.
*Hoy les quiero compartir unas imágenes hermosísimas que puede captar a través del lente de mi cámara y que me traen lindos y agradables recuerdo. En esa oportunidad nos dirigíamos al hermoso pueblo de Caripe, ya en otras oportunidades les he hablado de él, y de lo que me encanta. Es un lugar maravilloso enclavado en la zona montañosa del estado Monagas.*
I remember that day, we had breakfast at the hotel and left very early from the city of Maturin, heading to Caripe. By that time we had already covered a long stretch of the road and we needed to stretch our legs a bit, so we stopped. When I got out of the car I was impressed by the beautiful view, so I immediately ran to the car to get my camera.
*Recuerdo que ese día, desayunamos en el hotel y salimos muy temprano de la ciudad de Maturín, rumbo a Caripe. Para ese momento ya habíamos recorrido un largo trecho del camino y necesitábamos estirar un poco las piernas, así que nos detuvimos. Al bajarme del auto quedé impresionada por la hermosa vista, por lo que corrí de inmediato a buscar mi cámara al auto.*
To get to the place from where I took the shots, I had to go down a path that went a little away from the road. I had not walked very far when I realized that there was a paved road and I decided to take it because it was safer to walk, since the road was quite uneven. After a few minutes of walking, to my surprise I had to stop because the road came to an end at the shore of the lake. You will say, and what's the problem with that, well the surprising thing is that the path continued, but it was submerged in the water. But that's not all, it turns out that when I looked ahead, it turned out that the road came out, on the opposite shore of the lake, which I found extremely strange.
*Para llegar al lugar desde donde realice las tomas, se debía bajar por un camino que se alejaba un poco de la carretera. No había caminado mucho cuando me percaté, que había un camino pavimentado y decidí tomarlo ya que era más seguro caminar, ya que, por donde venia el caminando era bastante irregular. Después, de unos minutos de caminata, para mi sorpresa me tuve que detener porque el camino llegaba a su fin, a orillas del lago. Ustedes dirán, y ¿cuál es el problema en eso?, bueno lo sorprendente es, que el camino seguía, pero se sumergía en el agua. Pero eso no es todo, resulta que cuando levante la mirada al frente, resulto que el camino salía, en la orilla opuesta del lago, lo cual me pareció sumamente extraño.*
I was curious and asked a friend who was with us if he had any idea where we were. He told me that he thought we were at the El Guamo reservoir. When I told him about my strange discovery, he told me that the reservoir was said to have been built over a town. For that reason, the road I had traveled dipped into the water and came out at the opposite end of the lake.
*Me carcomía la curiosidad y le pregunte a un amigo que nos acompañaba, si tenía idea de donde nos encontrábamos. Me indico que creía que nos encontrábamos en el embalse El Guamo, al comentarle sobre mi extraño descubrimiento, me comentó que se decía que el embalse había sido construido sobre un pueblo. Por esa razón, el camino que había recorrido se hundía en el agua y salía en el extremo opuesto del lago.*
It turns out that my friend was right. Upon inquiring, I discovered that the reservoir was formed when a dam was built on the Guarapiche River, specifically in an area called El Guamo, hence its name. The purpose of this dam was to prevent possible floods caused by the flooding of the Guarapiche, Colorado, Cocollar and Cerro Negro rivers. For its construction, the valley between the area called San Antonio de Maturín and a town called San Francisco had to be flooded. Yes, all the inhabitants of San Francisco had to be displaced to other nearby towns in order to flood the entire area. The whole town was under water and I understand that the only thing that was not swallowed by the waters was the church, since it was located on a hill. The small church, of colonial aspect, remains as a palpable memory of the sacrifice of a town, in order to avoid possible disasters due to floods.
*Resulto que mi amigo estaba en lo cierto, al indagar descubrí que el embalse se formó al construir una represa sobre el río Guarapiche, específicamente en un área denominada EL Guamo, por eso su nombre. Dicha represa, tenía el objetivo de prevenir posibles inundaciones, causadas por las crecidas de los ríos Guarapiche, Colorado, Cocollar, y Cerro Negro. Para su construcción se debió inundar el valle que se extiende entre la zona denominada San Antonio de Maturín y un pueblo que se llamaba San Francisco. Pues sí, debieron desplazar a todos los pobladores de San Francisco, hacia otras poblaciones aledañas, para poder inundar toda esa zona. Todo el pueblo quedo bajo las aguas y tengo entendido, que lo único que no fue tragado por las aguas, fue su iglesia, ya que se encontraba ubicada en una colina. La pequeña iglesia, de aspecto colonial, quedando como recuerdo palpable del sacrificio de un pueblo, en pro, evitar posibles desastres a causa de inundaciones.*
Sources / Referencias
https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/El_Guamo_(embalse)
Content and photographs of my intellectual property https://read.cash/@francyrios75/long-sleeve-blouse-step-by-step-blusa-manga-larga-paso-a-paso-1b4c2b1b#content-and-photographs-of-my-intellectual-property
Technical information https://read.cash/@francyrios75/long-sleeve-blouse-step-by-step-blusa-manga-larga-paso-a-paso-1b4c2b1b#technical-information
Camera: Pentax * istDL
Lens: Pentax 18-55
Lighting: Natural Light
Location: El Guamo Reservoir, Monagas State, Venezuela
*Contenido y fotografías de mi propiedad intelectual* https://read.cash/@francyrios75/long-sleeve-blouse-step-by-step-blusa-manga-larga-paso-a-paso-1b4c2b1b#contenido-y-fotografias-de-mi-propiedad-intelectual
*Información Técnica* https://read.cash/@francyrios75/long-sleeve-blouse-step-by-step-blusa-manga-larga-paso-a-paso-1b4c2b1b#informacion-tecnica
*Cámara: Pentax * istDL*
*Lente: Pentax 18-55*
*Iluminación: Luz Natural*
*Locación:* Embalse El Guamo, Estado Monaga, Venezuela
Long Sleeve Blouse - Step by Step *** Blusa Manga larga - Paso a Paso
It is always a pleasure to be with you sharing a little of my creations and trying to show you how the process of their creation was. On this occasion I bring you a very interesting project, so you can cheer up if you are a little bored at home. It is a long sleeve shirt, a classic garment that should never be missing from a lady's closet. I made it because my eldest daughter was asked to wear it at the Symphony Orchestra, since it is part of the uniform. Unfortunately, the ones I had were too small for her, so I had to make a new one, I documented the whole process, and I hope it will help you and encourage you to make one.
*Siempre en un gusto estar con ustedes compartiendo un poco de mis creaciones e intentando mostrarles el cómo fue el proceso de su creación. En esta ocasión les traigo un proyecto muy interesante, para que se animen si están un poco aburridos en sus casas. Se trata de una camisa manga larga, una prenda de vestir clásica que nunca debe faltar en el closet de una dama. La realice porque a mi hija mayor se la pidieron en la Orquesta Sinfónica, ya que es parte del uniforme. Lamentablemente las que tenía, le quedaron pequeña, así que toco hacer una nueva, documenté todo el proceso, espero les sirva y se animen a realizar una.*
I believe, as I told you, that I work with the bosses who bring the sewing magazines. But sometimes I copy the pattern from clothes that are already made, so if you have a blouse at home you can try to copy it. The process is simple, turn the garment inside out and on paper, mark each piece. However, so that you don't get lost, you can put some kind of code on it that you understand and that tells you where each piece goes.
*Creo, que ya les había comentado, que yo trabajo con los patrones que traen las revistas de costura. Pero en algunas ocasiones copio el patrón de ropa que ya este elaborada, así que, si tienen una blusa en casa pueden intentar copiarlo. El proceso es simple, denle vuelta a prenda por el revés y sobre papel, van marcando cada una de las piezas. Eso sí, para que no se pierdan, pueden ir colocándole algún tipo de código, que ustedes entiendan y que les indique donde va cada pieza.*
Materials Long sleeve blouse (size 12 children)
• 1 meter White cotton fabric
• 1 and 1/2 meter of white embroidered strip (optional)
• ¼ of grooved tape (optional)
• White thread
• 6 buttons
• Needles and pins
• Scissors
• Paper for the pattern
*Materiales Blusa manga larga (talla 12 Infantil)*
*• 1 metro Tela de algodón blanca*
*• 1 y 1/2 metro de tira bordada blanca (opcional)*
*• ¼ de cinta gro (opcional)*
*• Hilo blanco*
*• 6 botones*
*• Agujas y alfileres*
*• Tijera*
*• Papel para el patrón*
Step 1:
Once we have all the necessary materials, the first thing we have to do is mark the pattern on paper, if we don't have it already, another time, of course. Then we must trace each of the pieces on the piece of cloth. I will stop for a moment at this point, to copy the pattern on the fabric, if you don't have the special pencils for sewing, just use normal graphite pencil, never pencil. Once you have drawn all the pieces, proceed to cut each one of them, always keeping in mind that normally the fabrics have a right and a left side. Therefore, you should always keep in mind how each piece is placed on the blouse, in this case.
*Paso 1:*
*Una vez que tenemos todos los materiales necesarios, lo primero que debemos hacer es marcar el patrón en papel, si no lo tenemos ya, de otra ocasión, claro. Seguidamente debemos calcar cada una de las piezas en el trozo de tela. Me detendré un momento en este punto, para copiar el patrón en tela, si no tienen los lápices especiales para costura, solo usen lápiz de grafito normal, nunca lapicero. Ya dibujadas todas las piezas proceda a cortar cada una de ellas, teniendo siempre presente que normalmente las telas tienen un derecho y un revés. Por ello, siempre debe tener pendiente el cómo va ubicada cada pieza en la blusa, en este caso.*
Step 2:
Well, we've cut and arranged the pieces, now it's time to cut the pieces. Like this blouse model, it has some clips to give a little shape and fit the figure. The first thing we do is to join the clamps, front and back. Although in this case, at the end you will realize that they are not very helpful, because I used a much bigger size than I should for my daughter. But you know, kids grow very fast and I wanted it to last longer, yet it always gives the blouse a better fit. After the tweezers are done, we pass the final stitching and proceed to iron them, to settle them. Always, it is good to do it at this moment, because later it is more difficult. Then, we pass the front part of the blouse with the back part, through the shoulder area, we pass the definitive seam and we iron it. As you can see, the iron is a good friend, in this type of project. I always recommend that, as long as the final seams are made, they are ironed. This step helps the seams to settle and the work becomes neater. In addition, if we leave it to the end, some seams could be very difficult to access and the end does not look so good.
*Paso 2:*
*Bueno, ya cortamos y organizamos las piezas, ahora toca bastear las piezas. Como este modelo de blusa, tiene unas pinzas para que den un poco de forma y se ajusten a la figura. Lo primero que hacemos es unir la pinzas, delanteras y traseras. Aunque en este caso, a la final se darán cuenta que no son de mucha ayuda, porque utilice una talla mucho más grande que la que debería para mi hija. Pero ustedes saben, que los niños crecen muy rápido y quería que le durara más tiempo, sin embargo, siempre le da una mejor caída a la blusa. Luego de basteadas las pinzas le pasamos la costura definitiva y procedemos a plancharlas, para asentarlas. Siempre, es bueno hacerlo en este momento, porque después es más difícil. Seguidamente, pasamos a bastear la parte delantera con la trasera de la blusa, por la zona de los hombros, pasamos costura definitiva y planchamos. Como pueden ver, la plancha es una buena amiga, en este tipo de proyecto. Yo siempre recomiendo, que en la medida que se realicen las costuras definitivas, las mismas de planchen. Este paso, ayuda a que las costuras se asienten y el trabajo vaya quedando más prolijo. Además, si lo dejamos para el final, algunas costuras podrían ser muy difícil de acceder y a la final no se ven tan bien.*
Step 3:
We've got the front and back together, now it's time to stick the sleeves on. For this stage we must join the curved part of the sleeve to the armhole of the blouse, as I show you in the picture. Then we join the front with the back, on the sides of the blouse, including the sleeve, first with a hem and then with the final seam. If we want, add a detail to the sleeve edge, as I did, place it before joining the pieces, so it's easier.
*Paso 3:*
*Ya tenemos unida la parte delantera a la trasera, ahora toca pegarle las mangas. Para esta etapa debemos unir la parte curva de la manga a la sisa de la blusa, como les muestro en la fotografía. Seguidamente unimos la parte delantera con la trasera, por los lados de blusa, incluyendo la manga, primero basteado y luego con la costura definitiva. Si queremos, agregarle un detalle a la orilla de la manga, como lo hice yo, colóquelo antes de unir las piezas, así es más sencillo.*
Step 4:
We have the shirt almost ready, only missing the final details, one of them is to assemble what is known as Frontal Folder. This is nothing more than the central strip, where the buttonholes are placed on one side and the buttons on the other. It can be done in several ways, some more complicated than others. The simplest way is to make a hem of about four, five centimeters or whatever you have left for that purpose according to your pattern. As I wanted to put a nice detail on it, I also put an embroidered strip, all along the blouse.
*Paso 4:*
*Ya tenemos la camisa casi lista, solo faltan los detalles finales, uno de ellos es armar lo que se conoce como Tapeta Frontal. Esto no es más, que la franja central, donde, de un lado se colocan los ojales y del otro los botones. Se puede hacer de varias formas, unas más complicadas que otras. La manera más sencilla, es realizar un dobladillo de unos cuatro, cinco centímetros o lo que usted halla dejado para tal fin según su patrón. Como yo quería colocarle un detalle bonito además le coloque una tira bordada, a todo lo largo de la blusa.*
Step 5:
Now it's time to put the collar on the shirt. Since it's a ladies' blouse, I can take certain liberties that I couldn't in a men's shirt. In this case, since I was short of time, I did not put a collar on it, but made a simple hem, helping me with a bias, which I placed around the entire hem. Once the collar area is finished, all that is left is to make the buttonholes, to place the buttons. The last thing I did to finish it was to roll up the blouse and finally it was ready for my daughter to premiere it at her concert, which was very beautiful, by the way. I hope you liked this project, you can use my explanation, and if so, you can make a blouse.
*Paso 5:*
*Ahora corresponde, colocarle el cuello a la camisa, como se trata de una blusa de damas, puedo tomarme ciertas libertades que en una camisa de caballero no podría. En este caso, como estaba corta de tiempo, no le coloque cuello, sino le realice un dobladillo simple ayudándome con sesgo, el cual coloque alrededor de todo el borde. Una vez terminada la zona del cuello, solo quedo realizar los ojales, colocar los botones. Lo último que realice para terminar, fue el ruedo de la blusa y finalmente estaba lista, para que mi hija la estrenara en su concierto, el cual fue muy hermoso, por cierto. Espero que les halla gustado este proyecto, les sirva mi explicación, y si es así, se animen a realizar una blusa.*
Content and photographs of my intellectual property
Technical information
Camera: Pentax * istDL
Lens: Pentax 18-55
Lighting: Natural Light
Location: Barcelona, Anzoátegui State, Venezuela
*Contenido y fotografías de mi propiedad intelectual*
*Información Técnica*
*Cámara: Pentax * istDL*
*Lente: Pentax 18-55*
*Iluminación: Luz Natural*
*Locación: Barcelona, Estado Anzoátegui, Venezuela*
Nice Girl's Dress (Step by step) *** Lindo Vestido de Niña (Paso a Paso)
How nice it is, to be with you again, sharing one more of my creations. This time, it is a very simple dress that I made for my eldest daughter. The model of this dress, I call it a crazy gown. Because of its cut, it falls bathing the body of the lady who wears it, of course, depending on the type of fabric used. I would recommend that you use a type of fabric that is soft, not too stiff. If the fabric is too stiff, you run the risk of looking like a lamp when you put it on, hahaha.
*Que grato es, estar nuevamente con ustedes, compartiendo una más de mis creaciones. En esta ocasión, se trata de un vestido muy sencillo que le realice a mi hija mayor. Al modelo de este vestido, yo le llamo batica loca. Por su corte, cae bañando el cuerpo de la dama que lo use, claro, dependiendo del tipo de tela que se use. Les recomendaría, usar un tipo de tela, con una textura suave, no muy rígida. Si la tela es muy rígida, corren el riesgo de al ponérselo, parecer una lampara, jajajaja.*
Another recommendation is that it is more advisable for those women who have small breasts. For girls, which is the case I will introduce you, it is a classic dress, besides, it is very comfortable for them. Well, but let's get to work, I start my explanation, I hope that with it, dare to perform, is very simple to do.
*Otra recomendación, es que es más aconsejable, para aquellas mujeres que tienen poco busto. Para las niñas, que es caso que les presentaré, es un vestido clásico, además, que resulta muy cómodo para ellas. Bueno, pero pongámonos manos a la obra, ya inicio mi explicación, espero que, con ella se animen a realizarla, es muy sencillo de hacer.*
*Materials:*
*1 meter of embroidered Batiste fabric, the color of your preference.*
*1 meter of lining fabric.*
*¼ meter of Dacron fabric for the yoke.*
*Thread*
*Needles*
*Scissors*
*Measuring tape*
*1 button.*
*1.5 meter bies*
*Materiales:*
*1 metro de tela Batista Bordada, del color de su preferencia.*
*1 metro de tela de forro.*
*¼ de metro de tela dacrón para el canesú.*
*Hilo*
*Agujas*
*Tijeras*
*Cinta métrica*
*1 botón.*
*1,5 metros de sesgo*
Step 1:
As usual, I used a pattern I found in one of my sewing magazines. The first thing I did was trace the pattern on paper. After I had all the pieces on the paper, I started to trace the front and back of the pour, both on the batiste fabric, and on the lining. Once, marked on the fabrics, I proceeded to cut the pieces.
*Paso 1:*
*Como de costumbre, utilicé un patrón que encontré en una de mis revistas de costura. Lo primero que hice fue trazar el patrón en papel. Luego de tener todas las piezas en el papel, inicie el calcado de las pieza delantera y trasera del vertido, tanto en la tela de batista, como en la de forro. Una vez, marcadas en las telas, procedí a cortar las piezas.*
Step 2:
Take the Dacron fabric meter ¼, mark and cut the pieces corresponding to the pouring yoke. Immediately, I proceeded to trim it, sew it to the machine, and finally iron it, to seat the seams. At this point, I was ready to stick the miter tape on the edge. However, I just finished it and reserved it for later use. I did not machine sew the bies binding, because I would then have to attach it to the rest of the dress, and then I would have to sew it back on and it would not be neat.
*Paso 2:*
*Tome el ¼ de metro de tela Dacrón, marque y corte las piezas correspondientes al canesú del vertido. Inmediatamente, procedí a bastearlo, costurarlo a la máquina, y finalmente plancharlo, para asentarle las costuras. A esta altura, ya estaba listo para pegarle en el borde la cinta de sesgo. Sin embargo, solo lo basteé y lo reservé para usarlo más adelante. No costuré a máquina el sesgo, porque, luego tendría que fijarlo al resto del vestido, entonces tendría que pasarle nuevamente una costura y no quedaría prolijo.*
Step 3:
Taking up the body of the dress, take the front and back pieces, both in batiste fabric, and in the lining and fix them on the sides. Then, pass a seam with a loose loop through the neckline, front and back. This type of sewing allows you to pull one of the thread strands and thus crease the piece of fabric. This reduces the size of the neckline, adjusting it to the size of the yoke, which is much smaller. Finally, on both sides of the dress, I placed a bias around the curve corresponding to the armhole.
*Paso 3:*
*Retomando el cuerpo del vestido, tome las piezas delantera y trasera, tanto en tela de batista, como en el forro y las fije por los laterales. Luego, pase una costura con la lazada floja, por el escote, delantero y trasero. Este tipo de costura, permite halar una de las hebras de hilo y con ello arruchar la pieza de tela. Con ello reduje el tamaño del escote, logrando ajustar al tamaño del canesú que es mucho menor. Finalmente, en ambos lados del vestido, coloqué sesgo en torno a la curva correspondiente a la sisa.*
Step 4:
This step basically involves attaching the yoke to the rest of the body of the dress. As I had already told you in a previous step, the bias in the yoke was already sufficient. Now it should be fixed to the front and back neckline of the dress with the final seam. But before that, the back opening of the dress must be finished off, so place biases as well. Once the back opening is finished and the yoke is fixed, all that remains is to make the buttonhole and place the button on the back. Of course, do not forget that you must make the ring, with it and a good ironing, and your dress is ready to wear and enjoy it. I hope you like this project and give free rein to your creativity, remember that the fabric colors and combinations are to your liking.
*Paso 4:*
*Este paso, básicamente comprende unir el canesú al resto del cuerpo del vestido. Como ya les había adelantado en un paso anterior, ya el sesgo en el canesú estaba basteado. Ahora correspondería fijarlo al escote delantero y trasero del vestido con la costura definitiva. Pero antes de eso, se debe rematar la parte de la abertura trasera del vestido, para ello, coloque también bies. Una vez rematada la abertura trasera y fijado el canesú, solo resta realizar el ojal y colocar el botón en la parte trasera. Por supuesto, no olviden que deben realizar el ruedo, con ello y una buena planchada, ya su vestido estará listo para lucirlo y disfrutarlo. Espero, les gustara este proyecto y le den rienda suelta a su creatividad, recuerden que los colores de tela y combinaciones son a su gusto.*
Content and photographs of my intellectual property
Technical information
Camera: Pentax * istDL
Lens: Pentax 18-55
Lighting: Natural Light
Location: Barcelona, Anzoátegui State, Venezuela
*Contenido y fotografías de mi propiedad intelectual*
*Información Técnica*
*Cámara: Pentax * istDL*
*Lente: Pentax 18-55*
Iluminación: Luz Natural
*Locación: Barcelona, Estado Anzoátegui, Venezuela*
My great family, close project English classes ***Mi gran familia, cierre proyecto clases ingles
Hello again, it is always nice to come back with you, today I want to show you, the project I made with my youngest daughter. I hope you remember that she is in the 1st level of preschool and this time we had to prepare everything for an exhibition in her closing project of her English classes.
*Hola nuevamente, siempre es agradable regresar con ustedes, hoy les quiero mostrar, el proyecto que realice con mi hija menor. Espero que recuerden que ella cursa el 1er nivel de preescolar y esta vez nos tocó, preparar todo para una exposición en su cierre de proyecto de sus clases de inglés.*
*Framed in the project, each house a school, for the closing it was time to work with the vocabulary of the parents. The activity consisted in the children making a video, with the help of their parents, of course. In this video, they had to sing a song where they demonstrated the command of the vocabulary, referring to the family, in English.*
Enmarcado en el proyecto, cada casa una escuela, para el cierre le toco trabajar con el vocabulario de los parientes. La actividad consistía, en que los niños debían realizar un video, con ayuda de sus padres, por supuesto. En dicho video, ellos tenían que cantar una canción donde demostraran el dominio del vocabulario, referente a la familia, en inglés.
*In addition to the video, the children, again with the help of their parents, had to draw up a family tree of their family, the design was free. The situation was a bit complicated because, I didn't have a photograph of all the relatives, closest, of course, that fit the size I needed.*
Además del video, los niños, nuevamente con ayuda de sus padres, se debía elaborar un árbol genealógico de su familia, el diseño era libre. La situación se complico un poco porque, no tenía fotografía de todos los familiares, más cercanos, por supuesto, que se ajustaran al tamaño que necesitaba.
At home, he had no way to print them, because the printers ran out of color ink. Also, I didn't have a way to print them because of the quarantine restrictions, so I had to improvise. The tree, was left with a retro touch, but no way, had to squeeze the little black ink left in the printer and print the photos in black and white.
*En casa, no tenía como imprimirlas, porque las impresoras se quedaron sin tinta a color. Tampoco, tenía como mandarlas a imprimir por las restricciones de la cuarentena, así que toco improvisar. El árbol, quedo con un toque retro, pero ni modo, se tuvo que exprimir la poca tinta negra que le queda a la impresora e imprimir las fotos en blanco y negro.*
But in the end, I think it was a good retro touch, don't you think? It allowed the images to stand out against the colorful background, which we built. The materials I used were the ones I found by hand. Colored paper pieces, with which we cut a kind of frame to place the photographs on top.
*Pero a la final creo que quedo bien el toque retro… ¿no les parece?. Permitió que resaltaran las imágenes sobre el fondo colorido, que construimos. Los materiales que utilicé, fueron los que encontré a mano. Pedacitos de papel de colores, con los que cortamos una especie de marco para colocar encima las fotografías.*
My daughter had to write every word in the vocabulary, by the way, I must clarify, she can't write yet, she's only four years old. I had to make a kind of plane, with dotted lines, so that she could go over each of the words, and then cut and paste them on the tree.
*Mi hija, debía escribir cada una de las palabras del vocabulario, por cierto, debo aclarar, aún no sabe escribir, solo tiene cuatro añitos recién cumplidos. Me toco realizar una especie de plana, con trazos punteados, de forma que ella pudiera repasar cada una de las palabras, para luego cortar y pegarlos en el árbol.*
We already had everything, even the idea of how we would draw the tree, but... There is always a, BUT, we lacked the cardboard to build the project. Because of so many activities, we don't have the means to come up with it again. I remembered that I had some yellow folders saved, that I had left from some works, that I was given. That was the solution, I joined two folders with adhesive tape and with that, I got more or less the size of half a cardboard.
*Ya teníamos todo, incluso la idea de cómo dibujaríamos el árbol, pero… Siempre hay un, PERO, nos faltaba la cartulina para armar el proyecto. Por tantas actividades, ya no tenemos, ni modo, otra vez a ingeniársela. Recordé, que tenía unas carpetas amarillas guardadas, que me quedaron de unos trabajos, que me entregaron. Esa, fue la solución, uní con cinta adhesiva dos carpetas y con ello, obtuve más o menos el tamaño de media cartulina.*
With the place to set everything up, the rest was to put my daughter to color with her pencils. Then, she had to glue everything to the cardboard and the family tree was ready, so that she could make her exhibition. By the way, thank God, it was excellent. For now, I say goodbye, hoping that you will like this new project, within this adventure, of educating my daughters in quarantine.
*Ya con el lugar donde armar todo, el resto, fue poner a mi hija a que coloreara con sus lápices de colores. Luego, que pegara todo a la cartulina y el árbol genealógico estaba listo, para que realizara su exposición. Por cierto, gracias a Dios, le quedo excelente. Por ahora, me despido, esperando que les gustara este nuevo proyecto, dentro de esta aventura, de educar a mis hijas en cuarentena.*
Content and photographs of my intellectual property
Technical information
Camera: Pentax * istDL
Lens: Pentax 18-55
Lighting: Natural Light
Location: Barcelona, Anzoátegui State, Venezuela
*Contenido y fotografías de mi propiedad intelectual*
*Información Técnica*
*Cámara: Pentax * istDL*
*Lente: Pentax 18-55*
*Iluminación: Luz Natural*
*Locación: Barcelona, Estado Anzoátegui, Venezuela*
Life is celebrated, even the pandemic attack us /La vida se celebra, aunque nos ataque la pandemia
June 2nd was a very special date for me and all my family, starting a new stage in our lives. We never imagined that it would be filled with an indescribable love. That day 11 years ago, my eldest daughter was born, the day we all waited for so long.
*El pasado 02 de junio fue una fecha muy especial para mí y toda mi familia, dando inicio con ello a una nueva etapa en nuestras vidas. Nunca nos imaginamos que estaría llena de un amor indescriptible. Ese día hace 11 años ya, nació mi hija mayor, había llegado el día tan esperados por todos.*
It was an extraordinary event for all of us, since it was not only my husband and I who were making our debut as parents. But also, my newly arrived princess, was the first granddaughter and niece, on the mother's side and the father's side. So, you can imagine the excitement that her arrival represented.
*Fue un acontecimiento extraordinario para todos, ya que no solo nos estrenábamos mi esposo y yo como padres. Sino que además, mi recién llegada princesa, era la primera nieta y sobrina, del lado materno y el lado paterno. Así, que se podrán imaginar la emoción que representaba su llegada.*
In this occasion, the celebration of such a special family date, I play in extraordinary conditions, as everyone knows, isolated from each other. But, we must keep our spirits up, and despite the circumstances we must celebrate the wonderful gift of life.
*En esta oportunidad, la celebración de tan especial fecha familiar, toco en condiciones extraordinarias, como bien saben todos, aislados los unos de los otros. Pero, debemos mantener el ánimo en alto, y pese a las circunstancia debemos celebrar el regalo maravilloso de la vida.*
As in the case of my other princess, her little sister, whose birthday we also celebrated in solitary confinement. This time we tried to make her day very special and full of joy.
*Al igual que en el caso de mi otra princesa, su hermanita menor, a quien también celebramos su cumpleaños en aislamiento. En esta oportunidad tratamos de que su día fuera muy especial y lleno de alegría.*
The day began with a delicious breakfast, one of his favorites, we made him some delicious pancakes. We filled them with his favorite fruits, strawberry jam, bananas and as a special touch, we decorated them with caramel syrup. They were really great and my super happy princess, actually we all enjoyed a delicious breakfast.
*El día comenzó con un rico desayuno, uno de sus preferidos, le realizamos unas ricas panquecas. Se las rellenamos con sus frutas favoritas, mermelada de fresa, cambur y como toque especial, las decoramos con sirope de caramelo. Quedaron realmente geniales y mi princesa súper contenta, en realidad todos disfrutamos de un delicioso desayuno.*
Then in between preparations lunch arrived, we also pleased her, she wanted hot dogs. An atypical lunch, but that day the birthday girl was the boss, hahaha..., but I must admit, that of course we also enjoyed it very much.
*Luego entre preparativos llego el almuerzo, también la complacimos, ella quería perritos calientes o Hot Dogs. Un almuerzo atípico, pero ese día la cumpleañera era la que mandaba, jajaja…, pero debo reconocer, que por supuesto también lo disfrutamos mucho todos.*
After lunch, the next thing to do was to put up the decorations, my princess had chosen as her theme, blue ducklings and pink chicks. I know, it was an unusual choice, but that's the way she is, she doesn't like the ordinary. Although I think it's great, I have to admit, it has always put me in a bind, when I have to prepare her birthday decorations.
*Después del almuerzo, lo siguiente era armar la decoración, mi princesa había elegido como tema, patitos azules y pollitos rosados. Lo sé, era una elección poco común, pero así es ella, no le gusta lo común. Aunque me parece genial, debo reconocer, que siempre me ha puesto en aprietos, cuando debo preparan la decoración de sus cumpleaños.*
Of course, nowhere would I find them and well with the quarantine, the situation becomes more complicated. But, that wouldn't be an obstacle, I looked for images on the internet of ducks and chicks and set out to make them on cardboard.
*Por supuesto, en ningún lado los encontraría y bueno con la cuarentena, la situación se complica más. Pero, eso no sería un obstáculo, busqué imágenes en internet de patitos y pollitos y me dispuse a realizarlos en cartulina.*
Well, it was time to celebrate, everything was ready, the cake was delicious, it was vanilla and filled with an unsurpassed homemade strawberry jam. Jelly, chicken salad filled tartlets, pudding with caramel syrup and pizza, were the complements of a delicious birthday menu, which we shared to celebrate the eleven (11) years of my beautiful little princess.
Bueno, llego la hora de festejar, todo estaba listo, la torta quedo deliciosa, era de vainilla y rellena de una insuperable mermelada de fresa realizada en casa. Gelatina, tartaletas rellenas de ensalada de pollo, pudin con sirope de caramero y pizza, fueron los complementos de un delicioso menú cumpleañero, que compartimos para celebrar los once (11) añitos de mi linda princesita.
At the end of the day, thank God we achieved our goal, to make our firstborn girl have a wonderful birthday despite the quarantine. We must always remember, that despite the circumstances, we can never stop celebrating life. And in the case of children, that premise is much more important, even if it is with very little, but, make them feel that day like princes or princesses.
*Al final del día, gracias a Dios logramos nuestro objetivo, hacer que nuestra primogénita pasara un maravilloso cumpleaños a pesar de la cuarentena. Siempre debemos recordar, que a pesar de las circunstancias, nunca podemos dejar de celebrar la vida. Y en el caso de los niños, esa premisa es mucho más importante, aunque sea con muy poco, pero, hágales sentir ese día como príncipes o princesas.*
Content and photographs of my intellectual property
Technical information
Camera: Pentax * istDL
Lens: Pentax 18-55
Lighting: Natural Light
Location: Barcelona, Anzoátegui State, Venezuela
*Contenido y fotografías de mi propiedad intelectual*
*Información Técnica*
*Cámara: Pentax * istDL*
*Lente: Pentax 18-55*
*Iluminación: Luz Natural*
*Locación: Barcelona, Estado Anzoátegui, Venezuela*
Building a nice organizing portfolio *** Construyendo un lindo portafolio organizador
Well, as I have said many times, here in Venezuela, as a result of the pandemic, it has been up to us parents to educate our children at home. Of course, we are not adrift; the process has been guided by the teachers, who have sent us the assignments and instructions through various means of communication. WhatsApp, email, virtual classrooms, have been the tools we have used throughout this journey, which, by the way, has not been easy.
*Bueno, como ya he comentado en múltiples ocasiones, aquí en Venezuela, a consecuencia de la pandemia nos ha tocado a los padres educar a nuestros hijos en casa. Claro, no estamos a la deriva; el proceso ha sido guiado por las maestras, quienes nos han enviado las asignaciones e instrucciones por diversos medio de comunicación. WhatsApp, correo electrónico, aulas virtuales, han sido las herramientas que hemos utilizado en todo este transitar, que por cierto, no ha sido fácil.*
But, finally the school year came to an end and one of the requirements of the schools is that the children hand in an academic portfolio. The case is that the children had to elaborate an organizing folder, where the activities carried out could be placed in an orderly way. This folder should have divisions by subjects, in the case of my oldest daughter, it should have 4 divisions or separations.
*Pero, finalmente el año escolar llego a su final y uno de los requerimientos de los colegios, es que los niños entregaran una carpeta o portafolio académico. El caso es que los niños, debían elaborar una carpeta organizadora, donde se pudiera ubicar de forma ordenada las actividades realizadas. La misma, debía tener divisiones por asignaturas, en el caso de mi hija mayor, debía tener 4 divisiones o separaciones.*
As always, I decided to search on the Internet and found an option that I thought was the most practical and easy, to be carried out by my daughter, who by the way is in 5th grade of primary school. Besides, in terms of materials to be used, it was the best choice, given the current situation, we must evaluate all aspects. Well, I'll put the materials on it now.
*Como siempre, decidí indagar en internet y encontré una opción que me pareció la más práctica y fácil, para que la realizara mi hija, quien por cierto cursa 5to grado de primaria. A parte, en términos de materiales a utilizar, era la mejor elección, dada la situación actual, debemos evaluar todos los aspectos. Bueno, a continuación le coloco los materiales.*
Materials:
4 brown folders (This will depend on the number of divisions)
Cardboard sheets of various colors
Carton box
Fabric scraps of any kind
Contact Paper
Paste
Scissors
Plastic tape or pull
10 cm of elastic cord
One button
*Materiales:*
*4 carpetas marrones (Esto dependerá del número de divisiones)*
*Hojas de Cartulina tamaño carta de variados colores*
*Cartón de caja*
*Retazos de tela de cualquier tipo*
*Papel Contac*
*Pega*
*Tijera*
*Cinta plástica o tirro*
*10 cm de cordón elástico*
*Un botón*
Step 1:
The first thing that was done was to put the folders together, put glue on the covers and then glue cover to cover, placing them one after the other, as shown in the picture.
*Paso 1:*
*Lo primero que se realizo fue unir las carpetas, se colocó pega en las portadas y se fue pegando portada con portada, colocándola una detrás de la otra, como se muestra en la fotografía.*
Step 2:
Then, a sheet of cardboard was taken, at the level of the longest side, and folds of 2 cm wide were made and with this a kind of fan was obtained. Four fans were made, each one divided exactly in half, that is, 8 narrower ones were made.
*Paso 2:*
*Luego se tomó una hoja de cartulina tamaño carta, a nivel del lado más largo, y se realizaron dobleces de 2 cm de ancho y con ello se obtuvo una especie de abanico. Se elaboraron 4 abanicos, cada uno de ellos se dividió exactamente por la mitad, o sea, que con ello se tenían 8 más angostos.*
Step 3:
Next, each fan was taken and pasted on the sides of the folders, to join them and close the sides of what would be the portfolio. Adhesive tape was also placed on the joints to reinforce the joints. Then the tabs were placed, with different colors for each separation. The name of the subject was written on each tab and finally, plastic tape was placed over it to protect it.
*Paso 3:*
*Seguidamente se tomó cada abanico y se pegó en los lados de las carpetas, para ir uniéndolas y cerrando los costados de lo que sería el portafolio. En las uniones se le colocó además cinta adhesiva para reforzar las uniones. Luego se colocaron las pestañas, con colores distintos para cada separación. En cada pestaña se escribió el respectivo nombre de la asignatura y finalmente para protegerla se le coloco cinta plástica encima.*
Step 4:
To build what would be the cover of the portfolio, 3 pieces were cut from cardboard, one measuring 30 x 11 cm, another 30 x 5 cm and a last one 30 x 6 cm. These pieces were joined with the pieces of cloth, leaving a separation of approximately 0.5 cm between them, as shown in the image.
*Paso 4:*
*Para construir lo que sería la tapa del portafolio, en cartón se cortaron 3 piezas, una de 30 x 11 cm, otra de 30 x 5 cm. y una última de 30 x 6 cm. Las piezas, se unieron con los retazos de tela, dejando entre ellas una separación de aproximadamente 0,5 cm, tal como se muestra en la imagen.*
Step 5:
With glue and another piece of cloth, the cover was glued to the briefcase and then the cover was lined with purple contact paper. And a piece of cardboard was placed on the inside to cover the imperfections, which could not be covered with the contact paper.
*Paso 5:*
*Con pega y otro trozo de tela, se pegó la tapa al portafolio y seguidamente se forro la tapa con papel contac de color morado. Y se colocó un pedazo de cartulina en la parte interna para tapar las imperfecciones, que no se lograron tapar con el papel contac.*
Step 6:
The briefcase was already assembled, all that remained was to decorate the exterior, both the front and back of the briefcase were lined with cardboard. In the back part a ribbon was placed and cut in cardboard with a special cutter. But you can use whatever you have at hand, a nice ribbon, a lace, a strip of cardboard of another color, in short, it is a matter of letting your creativity fly.
*Paso 6:*
*Ya el portafolio estaba armado, solo restaba decorar el exterior, tanto la parte frontal como posterior del portafolio se forro con cartulina. En la parte de atrás se colocó una cinta que se cortó en cartulina con un cortador especial. Pero usted, puede utilizar lo que tenga a la mano, una cinta bonita un encaje, una tira de cartulina de otro color, en fin, es cuestión dejar que su creatividad vuele.*
Step 7:
The decoration of the front of the portfolio is also a matter of taste, but in our case, we had already made a nice blue duck, in cardboard. Basically, the image was glued and in the borders also was placed, the same tape in cardboard, that was used for the back.
*Paso 7:*
*La decoración de la parte frontal del portafolio también es cuestión de gusto, pero en nuestro caso, ya habíamos realizado un lindo patito azul, en cartulina. Básicamente, se pegó la imagen y en los bordes también se le coloco, la misma cinta en cartulina, que se utilizó para la parte posterior.*
Step 8:
Finally, a small hole was opened in the lid, through which an elastic cord was passed and secured to form a small ring. On the front, a small button was sewn by hand that would serve as a pin, it would hold the elastic ring of the lid, and thus achieved the closing mechanism of the portfolio.
*Paso 8:*
*Para finalizar, en la tapa se abrió un pequeño agujero por el que se pasó un cordón elástico y se aseguró formando un pequeño anillo. En la parte frontal, de se cosió a mano un pequeño botón que serviría de pasador, en él se sujetaría el anillo elástico de la tapa, y con ello se logró el mecanismo de cierre del portafolio.*
*That was the whole process, I hope you like it and try to do it at some point, use what you have available, let your creativity fly free and above all have fun, it is an excellent project to do with your children.*
Eso fue todo el proceso, espero les gustara e intenten realizarla en algún momento, utilicen lo que tengan a disposición, dejen que su creatividad vuele libre y sobre todo diviértanse, es un excelente proyecto para hacer con sus niños.
Content and photographs of my intellectual property
Technical information
Camera: Pentax * istDL
Lens: Pentax 18-55
Lighting: Natural Light
Location: Barcelona, Anzoátegui State, Venezuela
*Contenido y fotografías de mi propiedad intelectual*
*Información Técnica*
*Cámara: Pentax * istDL*
*Lente: Pentax 18-55*
*Iluminación: Luz Natural*
*Locación: Barcelona, Estado Anzoátegui, Venezuela*
Beautiful Young Times!!! *** ¡¡¡ Hermosos Tiempos de Juventud !!!
My school years were wonderful times, without worries just living and discovering, there are many memories that when evoked a smile comes from my lips. The high school years were a great time and one that I treasure in a very special place in my heart. All the years I spent with my friends were unforgettable, our last year of school was special.
*Mis años de escuela fueron tiempos maravillosos, sin preocupaciones solo vivir y descubrir, son muchos los recuerdos que al evocarlos una sonrisa brota de mis labios. La época del bachillerato fue una etapa genial y que atesoro en un lugar muy especial de mi corazón. Todos los años que pase junto a mis amigos fueron inolvidables nuestro último año de escuela fue especial.*
The 5th year, 1991 - 1992, was a very active school year, the different activities to raise funds for our graduation party, captured our attention. Soon we would graduate from high school, and we would begin a new period of formation but now at the university level.
*Cursábamos el 5 año, 1991 - 1992, fue un año escolar muy activo, las distintas actividades para recolectar fondos para nuestra fiesta de graduación, captaban nuestra atención. Pronto nos graduaríamos de bachilleres, e iniciaríamos un nuevo período de formación pero ahora a nivel universitario.*
After so many years, together our paths would finally part, leaving behind a path full of laughter, complicity and mischief. Many of us had to leave our beloved city and the comfort of our homes. Far from home, we would pursue our dreams, work hard for a new goal, a college degree.
*Después de tantos años, juntos finalmente nuestros caminos se separarían, dejando atrás un recorrido lleno de carcajadas, complicidades y travesuras. Muchos, debíamos abandonar nuestra querida ciudad y la comodidad de nuestros hogares. Lejos de casas, perseguiríamos nuestros sueños, trabajaríamos duro por una nueva meta, un título universitario.*
We studied at the José Francisco Bermúdez High School in the city of Carúpano, Sucre State, Venezuela. From that last year in my dear high school, I remember one afternoon in particular, we had finished painting a mural on one of the walls overlooking the sports field. That was our graduation project, a kind of tangible trace of our passage through their classrooms.
*Estudiábamos en el Liceo José Francisco Bermúdez, en la ciudad de Carúpano, estado Sucre, Venezuela. De ese último año en mi querido liceo, recuerdo una tarde en particular, habíamos terminado de pintar un mural en una de las paredes que daban a la cancha deportiva. Ese era nuestro proyecto de graduación, una especie de huella tangible de nuestro paso por sus aulas.*
It's a public high school, but at that time it was one of the best educational institutions in my city. For my comfort, it was in the same urbanization where I lived, so I could go and return to my house on foot. Often in the company of some of my friends, who were also my close neighbors.
*Es un liceo público, pero, para esa época se distinguía, por ser una de las mejores instituciones educativas de mi ciudad. Para mi comodidad, quedaba en la misma urbanización donde vivía, así que, podía ir y regresar a mi casa caminando. A menudo en compañía de alguna de mis amigas, que además, eran mis vecinas cercana.*
Looking at those old photographs again, by the way, taken with those now obsolete, analog roll camera. I can only see that, in spite of the tiredness in our faces, they radiated a warm happiness. We were full of illusions and expectations, our life would take a big turn, we had to separate to look for our future.
*Al mirar nuevamente esas viejas fotografías, por cierto, tomadas con esas ya obsoletas, cámara analógica de rollo. Solo puedo ver, que a pesar del cansancio en nuestras caritas, irradiaban una cálida felicidad. Estábamos llenos de ilusiones y expectativas, nuestra vida daría un gran vuelco, debíamos separarnos para buscar nuestro futuro.*
Today, looking back on those happy days, we surely had not yet understood that we would soon be separated, at least physically. There were very few of us who stayed to study and make a living in our town, Carúpano.
*Hoy día, rememorando aquellos felices días, seguramente aun no habíamos entendido, que pronto nos separaríamos, al menos físicamente. Fueron muy pocos, los que se quedaron a estudiar e hicieron su vida en nuestro pueblo, Carúpano.*
However, in spite of the distances, we have not lost touch with each other yet. Christmas and the New Year were the perfect excuse for a reunion. Hours and hours of chatting, remembering funny anecdotes, some not so funny. But in the end, unforgettable chapters of a beautiful story, sweetened by the innocence and joy of youth.
*Sin embargo, a pesar de las distancias el contacto aun no lo hemos perdido, siempre se mantuvo, navidad y año nuevo, eran la excusa perfecta para el reencuentro. Horas y horas charlando, rememorando anécdotas graciosas, algunas no tanto. Pero al fin y al cabo, capítulos inolvidables de una historia hermosa, endulzada por la inocencia y alegría de la juventud.*
*Nowadays, it's already more difficult to return to the land you've been longing for, some of them even being part of those Venezuelans spread around the world. However, despite the distances and time, the friendship remains unbroken. Social networks, our best allies, a chat on WhatsApp, the ideal meeting place, silent witness of our daily conversation updating us.*
En la actualidad, ya es más difícil regresar al terruño añorado, algunos incluso, son parte de esos venezolanos regados por el mundo. Sin embargo, a pesar de las distancias y el tiempo, la amistad se mantiene imperturbable. Las redes sociales, nuestras mejores aliadas, un chat en WhatsApp, el sitio ideal de reunión, testigo silencioso de nuestro diario conversar actualizándonos.
*We may never be together physically again, but one thing I am sure of, our souls will always be part of one feeling. And our hearts will beat even stronger when evoking those experiences of those beautiful times of youth.*
Quizás, nunca más volvamos a estar juntos físicamente, pero de algo estoy segura, nuestras almas siempre formaran parte de un solo sentir. Y nuestros corazones, latirán aún más fuertes al evocar esas vivencias de aquellos hermosos tiempos de juventud.
Content and photographs of my intellectual property
Technical information
Camera: Traditional analog
Lens: ----------
Lighting: Natural Light
Location: Carúpano, Sucre state, Venezuela
*Contenido y fotografías de mi propiedad intelectual*
*Información Técnica*
*Cámara: Analógica tradicional*
*Lente: ---------*
*Iluminación: Luz Natural*
*Locación: Carúpano, Estado Sucre, Venezuela*
Small Objects, Great Meanings *** Pequeños Objetos, Grandes Significados
hat a pleasure to have you visiting again, today cleaning some drawers in my room, I was thinking, that surely we all have belongings that transcend their material value and become emotionally valuable. Those are our favorite possessions and they are so for different reasons, in my case, they are because somehow they represent a reminder of events that define me.
*Que gusto de tenerlos nuevamente de visita, hoy limpiando unas gavetas en mi cuarto, estuve pensando, que seguramente todos poseemos pertenencias que transcienden su valor material y pasan a tener un valor emocional. Esas son nuestras posesiones favoritas y lo son por diferentes motivos, en mi caso, lo son porque de alguna forma representan un recordatorio de eventos que me definen.*
In my particular case I have several objects or possessions that I treasure because of the meaning they have in my life. To tell you about the first ones, come with me on a little trip about 45 years ago, you may wonder why. I will simply tell you about the objects that have accompanied me all my life, since they were a gift from my birth, back in March 1975.
*En mi caso particular tengo varios objetos o posesiones que atesoro por el significado que tienen en mi vida. Para hablarles de las primeras, acompáñenme a un pequeño viaje 45 años atrás aproximadamente, ¿ustedes se preguntarán, el por qué?. Sencillo los objetos de los cuales les hablaré, me han acompañado toda mi vida, ya que fueron un regalo por mi nacimiento, por allá en marzo de 1975.*
They are, a fork, a spoon, and two beautiful medals. The small cutlery was a gift from my godmother Dianora, who I loved and admired very much.
*Se tratan, de un tenedor, una cuchara, y dos hermosas medallas. Los pequeños cubiertos, fueron un regalo de mi madrina Dianora, que en paz descansé, la quise y admiré mucho.*
The medal of the Virgin Mary was a gift from my dear godfather Memena, who is an exceptional being, super fun and very affectionate. The fourth object, is a medal with the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, it is very curious, because it was carved by hand. It was given to me by one of my grandmother's two sisters, Aunt Evangelia. I have very nice memories of my childhood with them, and in one way or another, they influenced what I am today.
*La medalla de la Virgen María, me la obsequió, mi querido padrino Memena, es un ser excepcional, super divertido y muy cariñoso. El cuarto objeto, es una medalla con la imagen del Sagrado Corazón de Jesús, es muy curiosa, porque fue tallada a mano. Me la regaló una de las dos hermanas de mi abuela, la tía Evangelia. Tengo muy lindos recuerdos de mi niñez junto a ellos, y de una u otra forma, influyeron en lo que soy hoy día.*
The love of a couple, are reflected in the following objects of which I will speak to you, that love that has kept my husband and me together for 17 years. Sublime sentiment, that in front of God on August 16, 2003, we swore would be the pillar and the light that would guide our newly initiated family.
*El amor de pareja, están reflejado en los siguientes objetos de los cuales les hablaré, ese amor que nos ha mantenido unidos a mi esposo y a mi durante 17 años. Sublime sentimiento que frente a Dios un 16 de agosto de 2003 juramos sería el pilar y la luz que guiaría nuestra familia, recién iniciada.*
The first of these is a small steel jewelry box, which on our wedding day carried the symbol of our union, the wedding rings, and which also has our names engraved on its lid. The second, also had a participation in our marriage ceremony, is a tiny and delicate tray, which carried the wedding arras.
*El primero de ellos, es un pequeñito joyero de acero, que el día de nuestra boda portaba el símbolo de nuestra unión, los aros de matrimonio y que además, lleva nuestros nombres gravados en su tapa. El segundo, también tuvo una participación en nuestra ceremonia de matrimonio, se trata de una diminuta y delicada bandejita, que portaba las arras matrimoniales.*
Finally, there is my beautiful and beloved musical carousel, which is extremely special to me, was the first gift, which my husband gave me, during our honeymoon.
*Por último, esta mi querido y hermoso carrusel musical, el cual, es sumamente especial para mí, fue el primer regalo, que me dio mi esposo, durante nuestra luna de miel.*
Being a mother, is perhaps the most important facet in my life, and the objects of which I will now speak are treasured in a very special way. They somehow represent this wonderful stage of my life.
*El ser madre, es quizás la faceta más importante en mi vida, y los objetos de los cuales hablaré ahora los atesoro de forma muy especial. Ellos de alguna manera, representan esta maravillosa etapa de mi vida.*
When I was 7 months pregnant with my first daughter, for my birthday, my dear mother-in-law, God rest her soul, gave me a beautiful jewelry box that is also a musical box. When I opened it and listened to the melody, it was great because it is "Para Elisa", one of my favorite songs, composed by the German composer Ludwig Van Beethoven.
*Cuando tenía 7 meses de embarazo de mi primera hija, para mi cumpleaños, mi querida suegra, que en paz descanse me regalo un hermoso joyero que además, es caja de musical. Al abrirla y escuchar la melodía, fue genial porque se trata de “Para Elisa”, una de mis canciones favoritas, compuesta por el compositor alemán Ludwig Van Beethoven.*
The other object, is a beautiful medal, which was given to me two months later, for Mother's Day, by my beloved husband. It is a kind of cameo, where you can see the image of a family, daddy, mommy and the little baby that was still on the way.
*El otro objeto, es una hermosa medalla, que me regalo dos meses después, para el día de las madres, mi adorado esposo. Es una especie de camafeo, donde se puede apreciar la imagen de una familia, papá, mamá y la bebita que para ese momento aun venia en camino.*
The last item, which I cannot fail to mention, was also a gift, from our best man, my dear camera, it is already old, but I still love it. As I have already told you, on many occasions, she is the instrument that allows me to stop time. Through her lens, I can encapsulate those little moments of my life, to which I can then return just by looking at my photographs. Moreover, it has been the vehicle that has allowed me to have the pleasure of reaching you, and to share a little of that wonderful world that surrounds me.
*El último objeto y que no puedo dejar de mencionar, también fue un regalo, de parte de nuestro padrino de bodas, mi querida cámara, ya está viejita, pero igual la adoro. Como ya les he comentado, en múltiples ocasiones, ella es el instrumento que me permite detener el tiempo. A través de su lente, puedo encapsular esos pequeños instantes de mi vida, a los que puedo luego volver solo con mirar mis fotografías. Además, ha sido el vehículo que me ha permitido, tener el placer de llegar hasta ustedes, y compartir un poco de ese maravilloso mundo que me rodea.*
Content and photographs of my intellectual property
Technical information
Camera: Pentax *istDL & Kodak EasyShare Z740
Lens: Pentax 18-55 & Kodak Retinat Aspheric AF 10X Optical
Lighting: Natural Light
Location: Barcelona, Anzoátegui state, Venezuela
*Contenido y fotografías de mi propiedad intelectual*
*Información Técnica*
*Cámara: Pentax *istDL y Kodak EasyShare Z740*
*Lente: Pentax 18-55 y Kodak Retinat Aspheric AF 10X Optical*
*Iluminación: Luz Natural*
*Locación: Barcelona, Estado Anzoátegui, Venezuela*
Pets, an unconditional love*** Mascotas, un amor incondicional
I must admit that I am very lucky, throughout the course of my life several pets have been present. I have had them of all types and colors, cats, dogs, rabbits, parrots, lovebirds, Australian parakeets, hamsters, fish and morrocoy. Until I even had a couple of Chinese chicks, the most comical, by the way, it seemed that they had pants, and how to forget my dear Espatillin, a goat, which my grandmother once gave me.
*Debo reconocer que tengo mucha suerte, durante todo el transcurrir de mi vida han estado presentes varias mascotas. Las he tenido de todos los tipos y colores, gatos, perros, conejos, loros, agapornis, periquitos australianos, hámster, peces y morrocoy. Hasta llegue a tener una pareja de pollitos chinos, de lo más cómicos, por cierto, parecía que tenían pantalones, y como olvidar a mi querido Espatillin, un chivo, que me regalo en una oportunidad mi abuelita.*
Of all those pets, I have fond memories, some occupying a very special place in my heart. Fifo, for example, a beautiful lead-grey cat, who died of old age. At the end of his days, he became a vegetarian, just to compete for my affection, with a rabbit called Ciao. I also loved that rabbit so much that when it died, I cried for more than three days, I think, that until that moment I had not felt such great pain, in my little girl's heart.
*De todas esas mascotas, tengo lindos recuerdos, algunos ocupan un lugar muy especial en mi corazón. Fifo, por ejemplo, un hermoso gato gris plomo, que murió de viejito. Al final de sus días, se volvió vegetariano, solo por competir por mi cariño, con un conejo que se llamaba Ciao. También adoraba a ese conejo, tanto así, que cuando murió, llore por más de tres días, creo, que hasta ese momento no había sentido un dolor tan grande, en mi pequeño corazón de niña.*
But, today I come to tell you a little more recent history, although not so recent, in fact, because it has been 11 years since that day. It was exactly on January 14 of this year, at which time I was approximately 7 months pregnant with my first child. But it turns out I wasn't the only pregnant one in the house, SHARON our beloved champagne-colored Poodle was expecting puppies from her husband OZZY, our other puppy.
*Pero, hoy vengo a contarles una historia un poco más reciente, aunque no tanto, a decir verdad, porque ya han pasado 11 años desde ese día. Se cumplió exactamente el 14 de enero de este año, para ese momento, yo tenía aproximadamente 7 meses de embarazo de mi primera hija. Pero resulta que no era la única embarazada en casa, SHARON nuestra querida perrita Poodle, color champaña, estaba esperando perritos de su esposo OZZY, nuestro otro perrito.*
It was the first time, that I had a pregnant dog at home, and although we always took her to the vet for her check-ups. Actually, we were not sure when her puppies would arrive, it turns out that on the morning of that January 14, 2009, Sharon was very restless. She was digging in every corner, going around and around, we didn't understand why, but she wasn't complaining. After noon, the surprise came, we were resting, when suddenly I began to hear, what initially seemed to me a meow, but very close. As we had no cats, the sound made me curious, and I went out to the garden to see what it was about.
*Era la primera vez, que tenía en casa una perrita embarazada, y aunque siempre la llevábamos al veterinario para sus chequeos. Realmente, no teníamos muy claro, cuando llegarían sus cachorros, resulta que la mañana de ese 14 de enero de 2009, Sharon estaba muy inquieta. Escarbaba en todos los rincones, daba vueltas y vuelta, no entendíamos el por qué, pero no se quejaba. Después del mediodía, llego la sorpresa, estábamos descansando, cuando de repente empecé a oír, lo que inicialmente me pareció unos maullidos, pero muy cerca. Como no teníamos gatos, el sonido me causo curiosidad, y salí al jardín a ver de qué se trataba.*
The surprise was great, when I saw a little white dog, and immediately another chocolate color came out. I began to scream, what a soap opera, run, run come and see, the only thing I missed, was to say, bring towels, hot water and a pair of scissors, hahaha. But to my amazement, that scene didn't disgust me, far from it, the first thing I did, was to sit on the floor, and help my dear Sharon. One by one, each of her eight (8) puppies came out, YES, you read right, she had eight puppies. She behaved beautifully, her dog came out, and she very sweetly performed her cleansing ritual. Then, she would let me finish cleaning it, while I was in the process of getting the next dog. It was several hours of labor, my husband, my mother-in-law and I, we wondered, how long would the puppies come out and above all... what would we do with so many, hahahaha, what madness!
*La sorpresa fue grande, cuando vi un pequeño perrito de color blanco, e inmediatamente salió otro color chocolate. Empecé a gritar, cual telenovelas, corran, corran vengan a ver, lo único que me falto, fue decir, traigan toallas, agua caliente y unas tijeras, jajajaja. Pero para mi asombro, aquella escena no me causo asco, ni mucho menos, lo primero que hice, fue sentarme en el piso, y ayudar a mi querida Sharon. Uno a uno, fue saliendo cada uno de sus 8 (ocho) perritos, SI, leyeron bien, tuvo ocho perritos. Se portó maravillosamente, salía su perrito, y ella muy dulcemente realizaba su ritual de limpieza. Luego, me permitía que yo lo terminara de limpiar, mientras, estaba en el proceso que saliera el siguiente perrito. Fueron varias horas de trabajo de parto, mi esposo, mi suegra y yo, nos preguntábamos, hasta cuando saldrán perritos y sobre todo… ¿qué haríamos con tantos?, jajajaja, ¡que locura!.*
When, about 3 hours had passed, and 7 puppies were already out, we thought it was all over. Well, we decided, to move to the new mother and her puppies, for a more comfortable and safe place, inside the house. To our surprise, once, we had moved them, Sharon, went into labor again, of course the "ñapa", the little pearl, was missing to close with a golden clasp, she finished with another little white dog. That's funny, the first dog to come out was white and the last one was also white, only this last one was half the size of the first one.
*Cuando, ya habían pasado más o menos unas 3 horas, y 7 perritos ya estaban fuera, pensábamos que ya todo había terminado. Bueno, decidimos, pasar a la nueva mamá y sus cachorros, para un lugar más cómodo y seguro, dentro de la casa. Para nuestra sorpresa, una vez, los habíamos mudado, Sharon, entro en trabajo de parto nuevamente, claro faltaba la "ñapa", la pequeña perlita, para cerrar con broche de oro, finalizo con otra perrita blanca. Qué curioso, la primera perrita en salir, fue blanca y la última también fue blanca, solo que esta última, tenia la mitad del tamaño de la primera.*
At the end, we had a very varied litter of puppies, the potatoes couldn't complain, they were all beautiful. The first and last puppy, Blondy and Perlita, were white with champagne, identical to their mother, and four puppies, 3 males and 1 female, were black like their father. But since, not only can extremes exist, it turns out that life is full of nuances. Two of the puppies, Iggy and Sasha, were born with a beautiful and strange chocolate color, at least, I had never seen one of that color.
*A la final, teníamos una camada de perritos muy variada, los papas no podían quejarse, todos eran hermosos. La primera y la última perrita, Blondy y Perlita, eran blancas con champaña, idénticas a su mamá, y cuatro cachorros, 3 machos y 1 hembrita, eran color negro como el papá. Pero como, no solo pueden existir los extremos, resulta que la vida está llena de matices. Dos de los perritos, Iggy y Sasha, nacieron con un hermoso y extraño color chocolate, al menos, yo nunca había visto uno de ese color.*
From that day on, I started my odyssey, because it turned out that there was a problem, there were 8 puppies and the mother could only breastfeed 6 puppies at a time. Two were left, with no place to eat, and of course some were bigger and more clever than others. The first 4 puppies were much bigger than the other 4, which were born last. The thing is, I wouldn't let any of them go without food, so, check with my doctor, if you drink it you run some risk by handling the puppies. Because remember, I was also pregnant, for that moment, the doctor told me that while the baby was in my belly, there was no problem, and then, I would have to see, because of the allergies.
*Desde ese día, inicio mi odisea, porque resulto que había un problema, eran 8 perritos y la mamá solo podía amamantar 6 perritos a la vez. Dos quedaban, sin lugar donde comer, y por supuesto unos eran más grandes y avispados que otros. Los primeros 4 cachorros eran bastante más grandes, que los otros 4, que nacieron de último. El caso es, que yo no permitiría que ninguno se quedara sin comer, así que, consulte a mi doctor, sí la bebe corría algún riesgo por manipular a los perritos. Porque recuerden, yo también estaba embarazada, para ese momento, el Dr. me dijo, que mientras estuviera la bebe en mi barriga, no había problema, ya luego, tendría que ver, por aquello de las alergias.*
Well, don't worry, because my baby wasn't in any danger. I dedicated myself, along with Sharon, to bringing up the eight puppies. I was always aware that every time the mother sat down to breastfeed her dogs. I also sat next to them, making sure they all had an equal chance to eat. I would alternate between them until everyone was satisfied. It was a great job, but I enjoyed it very much. My greatest reward was that they were all saved and developed very quickly, and in the blink of an eye they were eating special puppy food. I remember, that because it was a little hard, we moistened it with a little water to soften it.
*Bueno, ya tranquila, porque mi bebe no corría peligro, me dedique junto a Sharon, a sacar adelante a los 8 cachorros. Siempre estaba pendiente, que cada vez, que la mamá se sentaba a darles pecho, a sus perritos. Yo también me sentaba junto a ellos, a asegurarme que todos, tuvieran la misma oportunidad de comer. Los iba alternando, hasta que todos quedaran satisfechos, fue un gran trabajo, pero lo disfruté mucho. Mi mayor premio fue, que todos se salvaron y se desarrollaron rapidísimo, en un abrir y cerrar de ojos ya estaban comiendo alimento especial para cachorros. Recuerdo, que como era un poco duro, se lo humedecíamos con un poco de agua para ablandarlo.*
When the 40 days were over, we had to come back to reality, we couldn't keep all of them, at most, we could keep one. We had to decide what to do with the other 7 dogs that were left, and there we began our search for suitable homes for each one. Luckily, among our friends and acquaintances we found a home for each one of them. And the best thing was that our friends always told us about their ideas and how they were developing.
*Cuando se cumplieron los 40 días, nos tocó volver a la realidad, no nos podíamos quedar con todos, cuando mucho, podíamos quedarnos con uno. Debíamos decidir que hace, con los otros 7 perritos restantes, allí inicio, nuestra búsqueda de hogares adecuados para cada uno. Por suerte, entre nuestros amigos y conocidos le encontramos hogar a cada uno de ellos. Y lo mejor, era que nuestros amigos, siempre nos contaban de sus ocurrencias y como se iban desarrollando.*
We were left with one of the two chocolate puppies, the male, which we named Iggy. So, we had all the colors, Sharon white with champagne, Ozzy black and his son the mixture of both, with a beautiful and bright chocolate color. I hope you liked my story and enjoyed the pictures.
*Nosotros nos quedamos a la final, con uno, de los dos cachorros color chocolate, el macho, al que nombramos Iggy. Así, teníamos todos los colores, Sharon blanco con champaña, Ozzy de color negro y su hijo la mezcla de ambos, con un hermoso y brillante color chocolate. Espero que les gustara mi historia y a la par disfrutaran de las fotografías.*
Content and photographs of my intellectual property
Technical information
Camera: Pentax *istDL
Lens: Pentax 18-55
Lighting: Natural Light
Location: Barcelona, Anzoátegui state, Venezuela
*Contenido y fotografías de mi propiedad intelectual*
*Información Técnica*
*Cámara: Pentax *istDL*
*Lente: Pentax 18-55*
*Iluminación: Luz Natural*
*Locación: Barcelona, Estado Anzoátegui, Venezuela*
Illuminating the days of Quarantine with Flowers *** Iluminando con Flores los días de Cuarentena
*Friends, not everything in these days of social isolation, is receiving that bombardment of stressful and sad information, about the effects of Covid-19. Or in the case of those of us who have school-age children, to talk about the increasingly creative, homework and school activities. What do you think, if I will share with you some shots I took of the beautiful flowers, of one of my orchid plants. It is a Cattleya Trianae, and of course, as I have them accustomed, also, I will share with you, a few interesting facts about this beautiful plant.*
Amigos, no todo en estos días de aislamiento social, es recibir ese bombardeo de información estresante y triste, sobre los efectos del Covid-19. O en el caso, de los que tenemos hijos en edad escolar, hablar, de las cada vez más creativas, tareas y actividades escolares. Que les parece, les comparto unas tomas que realice, de las lindas flores, de una de mis plantas de orquídeas. Se trata, de una Cattleya Trianae, y por supuesto, cómo los tengo acostumbrados, además, compartiré con ustedes, unos cuantos datos interesantes sobre esta planta hermosa.
*I'll start by telling you a little about how this beautiful plant came to be in my little garden. It turns out, like most of my plants, it is a gift, in this case, from my husband's aunt. She lives in the city of Puerto Ordaz, Bolivar state, and when she comes to visit, she sometimes brings us some orchids. When she came home this Cattleya, it was a plant that had not yet developed, let's say, it was a baby plant, hahaha. It took a little while for it to adapt, and its development was really, really slow. Her first inflorescences, if I'm not mistaken, emerged 4 years after her arrival home. Yes, friends, with orchids you have to be patient to see the fruit of continuous care. Even, on some occasions, (more than you would wish), after so much effort and care, they do not manage to adapt and die.*
Iniciaré, contándoles un poco, sobre como llego esta hermosa planta a mi pequeño jardín. Resulta, que, como la mayoría de mis plantas, es un obsequio, en este caso, de parte de la tía de mi esposo. Ella vive en la ciudad de Puerto Ordaz, estado Bolívar, y cuando viene de visita, algunas veces nos trae alguna orquídea. Cuando llego a casa esta Cattleya, era una planta que aun no se había desarrollado, digamos, que era una planta bebe, jajaja. Le costo un poco adaptarse, y su desarrollo fue realmente, bastante lento. Sus primeras inflorescencias, si no me equivoco, emergieron 4 años después de su llegada a casa. Si amigos, con las orquídeas hay que armarse de paciencia, para ver el fruto, de los continuos cuidados. Incluso, en algunas ocasiones, (más de las que se desearían), después de tanto esfuerzo y cuidado, no logran adaptarse y mueren.
*As it turns out, while researching, I discovered that it is a very common plant among growers, because of its ease of cultivation. I imagine that this characteristic allowed it to adapt to my garden. Taking into account that I live in a very hot and dry area, those conditions are not the most suitable for the cultivation of this species of orchid, native to Colombia. Moreover, I tell you that the Cattleya Trianae, is the national flower of our neighboring country, Colombia, since November 1936. Among Colombians, it is popularly known by the names of Mayflower or Maylily. This name is attributed to the fact that its inflorescence period is between the months of April and May. Although I must confess, in the case of my garden, this is not always the case. It has even, on some occasions, rewarded us by blooming twice a year. Once in the first quarter and then in the third quarter of the year.*
Resulta, que mientras investigaba, descubrí que es una planta muy común entre los cultivadores, por su facilidad para cultivarla. Imagino, que esa característica, fue la que le permitió adaptarse, finalmente en mi jardín. Tomando en cuenta, vivo en una zona muy calurosa y seca, esas condiciones, no son las más adecuadas, para el cultivo de esta especie de orquídea, nativa de Colombia. Es más, les cuento que la Cattleya Trianae, es la flor nacional nuestro vecino país, Colombia, desde noviembre de 1936. Entre los colombianos, se le conoce popularmente por los nombres de Flor de Mayo o Lirio de Mayo. Atribuyéndose este nombre, a que su período de inflorescencia se da entre los meses de abril y mayo. Aunque debo confesarles, en el caso de mi jardín, no siempre sucede así, algunos años, se ha atrasado o adelantado. Incluso, en algunas ocasiones, nos ha premiado floreciendo dos veces al año. Una en el primer trimestre y luego en el tercer trimestre del año.
*This type of orchids, characterized by being epiphytic and having fleshy leaves, groups a great diversity of colors and forms. Its range of colors goes from the purest whites, through the scale of roses and lilacs, to even very intense and dark colours. Sadly, despite its ease of cultivation, due to the destruction of its natural habitat, this beautiful flower is in danger of becoming extinct. Despite the efforts being made to prevent this, the problem is, if we do not develop our ecological awareness. And we are determined to continue destroying everything that stands in our way, in our eternal quest to dominate nature. We will finally end up destroying it, finding ourselves, our end as a species with it. So, we should all take advantage of this situation to reflect on our actions so far. Analyze, if correct, how we have been relating and interacting with the world around us. Remember, planet Earth is our one and only home.*
Este tipo de orquídeas, caracterizadas por ser epífitas y de hojas carnosas, agrupa una gran diversidad de colores y formas. Su gama de color, recorre desde los blancos más puros, pasando, por la escala de los rosas y lilas, hasta alcanzar incluso colores muy intensos y oscuros. Tristemente, a pesar, de su facilidad de cultivo, debido a la destrucción de su hábitat natural, esta hermosa flor corre peligro de extinguirse. Pese a los esfuerzos que se están haciendo para evitarlo, el problema es, que si no desarrollamos nuestra conciencia ecológica. Y nos empeñamos en seguir destruyendo todo lo que se interpone en nuestro camino, en nuestro eterno afán de dominar la naturaleza. Terminaremos finalmente destruyéndola, encontrando nosotros mismos, nuestro fin como especie junto a ella. Así que, todos nosotros deberíamos aprovechar esta situación coyuntural, para reflexionar sobre nuestro proceder hasta ahora. Analizar, si en correcto, el cómo nos hemos venido relacionando e interactuando con ese mundo que nos rodea. Recuerden, el planeta tierra es nuestro único y gran hogar.
Reference
https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cattleya_trianae
Content and photographs of my intellectual property
Technical information
Camera: Pentax * istDL
Lens: Pentax 18-55
Lighting: Natural Light
Location: Barcelona, Anzoátegui State, Venezuela
Contenido y fotografías de mi propiedad intelectual
Información Técnica
Cámara: Pentax * istDL
Lente: Pentax 18-55
Iluminación: Luz Natural
Locación: Barcelona, Estado Anzoátegui, Venezuela
A Magic Corner in the Venezuelan East / Un Rincón Mágico en el Oriente Venezolano
There are many magnificent and interesting places that the northern part of the state of Anzoátegui offers, however, today I will show you only some of those offered by the sister cities of Lechería, Barcelona and Puerto La Cruz. So close to each other, that practically their limits merge. It is difficult to identify where one begins and the other ends, hahaha.
*Son muchos, los magníficos e interesantes lugares que ofrece la zona norte del estado Anzoátegui, sin embargo, hoy les mostrare solo algunos de los que nos ofrecen las hermanas ciudades de Lechería, Barcelona y Puerto La Cruz. Tan cercanas una de la otra, que prácticamente sus límites se funden. Resulta difícil identificar donde empieza una y termina la otra, jajajaja.*
I will start this unforgettable tour in the warm city of Puerto la Cruz, specifically in the Paseo Colón. In its restaurants it is possible to enjoy a wonderful view of the Venezuelan Caribbean Sea, while tasting a delicious breakfast.
*Iniciare este recorrido inolvidable en la cálida ciudad de Puerto la Cruz, específicamente en el Paseo Colón. En sus restaurantes es posible disfrutar una maravillosa vista del Mar Caribe Venezolano, mientras se degusta de un rico desayuno.*
Now, continuing with the tour, the Paseo Colón, not only allows us to take a walk by the sea. It also has a small dock, from which you can go for a fun boat ride.
*Ahora siguiendo con el recorrido, el Paseo Colón, no solo nos permite dar un paseo a orillas del mar. También posee un pequeño muelle, desde el cual se puede partir para realizar un divertido paseo en lancha.*
During the tour, you can enjoy beautiful bays, gulfs, deep blue water coasts, coral reefs, islands and islets and coves, as well as mountainous areas with lush vegetation. And if you are lucky you will also be able to enjoy the company of the beautiful and intelligent dolphins that live in these warm waters.
*Durante el paseo, se puede disfrutar de lindas bahías, golfos, costas de profundas aguas azules, arrecifes de coral, islas e islotes y ensenadas, además de zonas montañosas de exuberante vegetación. Y si se tiene suerte también podrán disfrutar de la compañía de los lindos e inteligentes delfines que habitan en estas cálidas aguas.*
On this tour it is possible to stop at one of the paradisiacal and idyllic white sand beaches, which are part of the Mochima National Park. Where it is possible to enjoy unforgettable hours, swimming in its delicious waters, or if you prefer, you can relax lying in the sun on its soft sands. Some of these islands even have facilities where you can enjoy a delicious lunch in pure oriental style. I assure you, you will taste the freshest and most delicious fish you have ever tasted.
*En este recorrido, es posible realizar una parada en alguna de las paradisiacas e idílicas playas de arena blanca, que forman parte del Parque Nacional Mochima. Donde es posible disfrutar de horas inolvidables, nadando en sus deliciosas aguas, o si prefieren, pueden relajarse tendidos al sol en sus suaves arenas. Incluso, algunas de estas islas tienen instalaciones donde podrán disfrutar, de un delicioso almuerzo al puro estilo oriental. Les aseguro, que degustaran el pescado más fresco y delicioso que nunca habrán probado.*
Back on solid ground, a good option is to visit the tourist city of Lecherías. It is a place with many options to enjoy with the family, with the couple or in a group. But one place, which is a symbol of the city, cannot be missed is "El Morro Hill".
*De regreso a tierra firme, una buena opción es visitar la turística ciudad de Lecherías. Es un lugar con muchas opciones para disfrutar en familia, con la pareja o en grupo. Pero un lugar, insigne y símbolo de la ciudad, el cual no puede dejar de visitar es El Cerro el Morro.*
In this beautiful place, you can enjoy the most beautiful views and the wonderful sea breeze in the company of our beloved Virgin of the Valley, patron saint of eastern Venezuela. If you have the opportunity, do not forget to climb to the top of the hill, its wide viewpoint, allows you to enjoy fully, the beautiful view of the Bay of Pozuelo and the whole city. Besides, you can appreciate part of the cities of Puerto La Cruz and Guanta.
*En este hermoso lugar, podrán disfrutar en de las más hermosas vistas y de la maravillosa briza marina en compañía de nuestra querida Virgen del Valle, patrona del oriente venezolano. Si tiene la oportunidad, no deje de subir a lo más alto del cerro, su amplio mirador, permite disfrutar a plenitud, de la hermosa vista de la Bahía de Pozuelo y de toda la ciudad. Además, se puede apreciar parte de las ciudades de Puerto La Cruz y Guanta.*
A beautiful place wrapped in an aura of mysticism, and that you cannot miss, is the Fortress of La Magdalena. This beautiful fortress in ruins, transport us to a memorable past and full of glory. Where some of the battles that our glorious independence heroes fought in the 17th century took place.
*Un hermoso lugar envuelto en un aura de misticismo, y que no puede dejar de visitar, es el Fortín de la Magdalena. Esta hermosa fortaleza en ruinas, nos transportan a un pasado memorable y lleno de gloria. Donde se libraron en el siglo XVII, algunas de las batallas que protagonizaron nuestros gloriosos héroes independentistas.*
To round off this wonderful tour, there is nothing better than relaxing and enjoying the sunset. The sunsets from the hill "El Morro", are one of the most beautiful of the Venezuelan east. It is a wonderful experience, to see how the sun seems to fade little by little, while it sinks into the infinite sea. With such a magnificent spectacle, the arrival of the night begins, which slowly wraps us up in its mantle of darkness and mystery. It is the perfect preamble, to later enjoy a sky full of shining stars, eternal companions of the beautiful and romantic moon.
*Como broche de oro, para este recorrido maravilloso, nada mejor que relajarse y disfrutar como se oculta el sol. Los atardeceres desde el cerro el Morro, son unos de los más hermosos del oriente venezolano. Es una maravillosa experiencia, ver como el astro rey pareciera apagarse poco a poco, mientras se hunde en el infinito mar. Con tan magnífico espectáculo, se inicia la llegada de la noche, quien nos arropa lentamente, con su manto de oscuridad y misterio. Es el preámbulo perfecto, para luego disfrutar de un cielo repleto de estrellas fulgurantes, eternas acompañante de la hermosa y romántica luna.*
I hope you will enjoy this small opening, the wonders that the northern zone of Anzoátegui State has to offer, both to locals and visitors. In another opportunity, I will show you more beautiful places of this state that adopted me, as one more of your daughters.
*Espero disfrutaran de este pequeño abrebocas, de las maravillas, que ofrece la zona norte del estado Anzoátegui, a propios y visitantes. En otra oportunidad, les mostraré más lugares hermosos de este estado que me adopto, como una más de sus hijas.*
All the content is of my authorship
Photographs of my intellectual property except where the source is indicated
Technical information
Camera: Pentax *istDL
Lens: Pentax 18-55
Lighting: Natural Light
Location: Barcelona, Anzoátegui state, Venezuela
Todo el contenido es de mi autoría
Fotografías de mi propiedad intelectual excepto donde se indique la fuente
Información Técnica
Cámara: Pentax *istDL
Lente: Pentax 18-55
Iluminación: Luz Natural
Locación: Barcelona, Estado Anzoátegui, Venezuela
Mochima National Park, natural reserve *** Parque Nacional Mochima, reserva natural
Today I come to talk about a very special place, it is the Mochima National Park, other wonderful places that my beautiful country Venezuela has. This natural reserve is located in the north of the country, in the beautiful coastal area of eastern Venezuela.
*El día de hoy les vengo a hablar de un lugar muy especial, se trata del Parque Nacional Mochima, otros de los lugares maravillosos con que cuenta mi bello país Venezuela. Esta reserva natural, se encuentra ubicada al norte del país, en la hermosa zona costera del oriente Venezolano.*
This Park is distinguished by the diversity of its ecosystems, including in the coastal area the mangroves, magnificent reefs, jungle areas and of course a wide marine area. This biodiversity favors in Mochima the development of a also varied flora and fauna, both terrestrial and aquatic.
*Este Parque se distingue por la diversidad de sus ecosistemas, incluyendo en la zona costeras los manglares, magníficos arrecifes, zonas selváticas y por supuesto una amplia área marina. Esta biodiversidad favorece en Mochima el desarrollo de una también variada flora y fauna tanto terrestre como acuática.*
Within its rich variety of species, birds such as pelicans, guacharacas, conotos, paraulatas and gulls, to name a few, stand out. You can also find a great diversity of fish, as well as dolphins, herring whales, and sea turtles. Other inhabitants with the iguanas, black lizards, deer, limpets, jaguars, cachicamos, rabbits, capuchin monkeys and foxes.
*Dentro de su rica variedad de especies, destacan las aves como pelícanos, guacharacas, conotos, paraulatas y gaviotas, por nombrar algunas. También se encuentran una gran diversidad de peses, además de delfines, ballenas arenqueras, tortugas marinas. Otros de sus habitantes con las iguanas, lagartos negros, venados, lapas, jaguares, cachicamos, conejos, monos capuchinos y zorros.*
Mochima National Park is located between the eastern states of Sucre and Anzoátegui and was declared as such on December 19, 1973. It covers a total area of 94,935 hectares, 54% of which corresponds to marine area.
*El parque Nacional Mochima, se encuentra ubicado entre los estados orientales, Sucre y Anzoátegui y fue declarado como tal el 19 de diciembre de 1973. Abarca una superficie total de 94.935 hectáreas, donde el 54% corresponde a superficie marina.*
Formed by a group of islands, Mochima National Park includes magnificent scenery such as gulfs, cliffs, bays, deep water coasts, coral reefs, coves, and paradisiacal white sand beaches. In addition, its warm waters are ideal for water sports such as diving and sailing.
*Conformado por un grupo de islas el Parque Nacional Mochima incluye magníficos escenarios como, golfos, acantilados, bahías, costas de aguas profundas, arrecifes de coral, ensenadas, paradisiacas playas de arenas blancas. Además, sus cálidas aguas son ideales para la práctica de deportes acuáticos como submarinismo y velerismo.*
Among the group of islands that make up the park, the most outstanding are Islas Picudas, Quirica, Isla de Plata, Tigüitigüe, Cachicamo and Isla de Monos, located in the area of the state of Anzoátegui. While on the side of Sucre State, are Arapo, Isla Larga, Los Venados, Isla Redonda, Caracas and Santa Ana Islands.
*Dentro del grupo de islas que conforman el parque, entre las más destacadas se encuentran: Islas Picudas, Quirica, Isla de Plata, Tigüitigüe, Cachicamo e Isla de Monos, ubicadas en la zona del estado Anzoátegui. Mientras que del lado del estado Sucre, se encuentran Arapo, Isla Larga, Los Venados, Isla Redonda, Islas Caracas y Santa Ana.*
In addition to the beaches found on the various islands, it should be noted that the park also has a large number of beautiful beaches along the entire coastline. These can be accessed by road, of which the most visited by locals and tourists are: Beach Arapito and Beach Colorada.
*Además de las playas que se encuentran en las distintas islas, cabe destacar que el parque también cuenta con un gran número de hermosas playas a lo largo de toda la línea costera. A estas se les puede acceder por carretera, dentro de las cuales las más visitadas por propios y turistas son: Playa Arapito y Playa Colorada.*
So, my dear readers, if you ever visit the states of Anzoátegui or Sucre, I hope you will have the opportunity to get to know and enjoy this beautiful and paradisiacal natural reserve. But if you ever visit it, remember... the only traces that should remain are the beautiful memories in your memories, let's take care of our great home called planet.
*Así que, mis queridos lectores si algún día visitan los estados Anzoátegui o Sucre, espero que tengan la oportunidad de conocer y disfrutar de este hermosa y paradisiaca Reserva Natural. Pero eso sí, si algún día lo visitan, recuerden… las únicas huellas que deben quedar son los hermosos recuerdos en sus memorias, cuidemos nuestro gran hogar llamado planeta.*
Referencia - *Reference*
https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parque_nacional_Mochima
Content and photographs of my intellectual property
Technical information
Camera: Pentax * istDL
Lens: Pentax 18-55
Lighting: Natural Light
Location: Barcelona, Anzoátegui State, Venezuela
Contenido y fotografías de mi propiedad intelectual
Información Técnica
Cámara: Pentax * istDL
Lente: Pentax 18-55
Iluminación: Luz Natural
Locación: Barcelona, Estado Anzoátegui, Venezuela
Cachamay Park, an Paradise in the City *** Parque Cachamay un Paraiso en la Ciudad
The majestic Cachamay waterfall, gives its name to the park that I have the pleasure of showing you today through my photographs. Located on the banks of the Caroní River, its 52 hectares turn it into a wonderful natural vantage point that enables visitors to admire the exceptional rapids of the lower Caroní, as well as the spectacular Cachamay and La Llovizna Falls.
*El majestuoso salto Cachamay, le da nombre al parque que tengo el placer de mostrarles hoy a través de mis fotografías. Ubicado a orillas del río Caroní sus 52 hectareas lo convierten en un maravilloso mirador natural que permite admirar los excepcionales rápidos del bajo Caroní, además de los espectaculares saltos Cachamay y La Llovizna.*
Its beautiful vegetation, together with the impressive 800 meters wide Cachamay Falls, make it a natural spectacle worth admiring. I had the pleasure of visiting this amazing place at the beginning of 2010, my eldest daughter was barely 6 months old. It was a phenomenal family trip and of which I keep very fond memories, its spaces allow you to enjoy a special day.
*Su hermosa vegetación junto a los impresionante 800 metros de ancho del salto Cachamay, lo convierten en un espectáculo natural digno de admirar. Tuve el placer de conocer este sorprendente lugar a principios del año 2010, mi hija mayor apenas tenía 6 mesesitos de edad. Fue un viaje familiar fenomenal y del cual guardo muy gratos recuerdos, sus espacios permiten disfrutar de un día especial.*
According to what I could investigate this park is catalogued as a scenic park, and its creator was Rafael Mendoza Olavarría, who fell in love with the place and its waterfalls. He intervened its natural spaces to build hiking trails that would allow visitors to enjoy long walks through which they could observe the impressive force of nature, represented in the turbulent waters of the lower Caroní.
*Según lo que pude investigar este parque está catalogado como parque escénico, y su creador fue Rafael Mendoza Olavarría, quien se enamoró del lugar y sus saltos de agua. Intervino sus espacios naturales para construir caminerías, que permitieran disfrutar de extensos recorridos a través de los cuales, se puede observar la impresionante fuerza de la naturaleza, representadas en las turbulentas aguas del bajo Caroní.*
The beautiful natural landscapes that surround the natural spectacle produced by the wonderful waterfalls, represent a natural oasis in the middle of the city. It groups a good representation of the flora and fauna native to this type of forest. It even has an archaeological site considered one of the most important in the Lower Caroní, which must be specially cared for and preserved for future generations.
*Los hermosos paisajes naturales que rodean el espectáculo natural producido por los maravillosos saltos de agua, representan un oasis natural en medio de la ciudad. Agrupa una buena representación de la flora y la fauna autóctona de este tipo de bosques. Incluso, cuenta con un sitio arqueológico considerado uno de los más importantes del Bajo Caroní, que debe ser especialmente cuidado y conservado, para futuras generaciones.*
Referencia || *Reference*
https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parques_de_Ciudad_Guayana#Parque_Cachamay
https://www.facebook.com/enciclopediavenezuela/posts/817567144991431/
https://www.facilguia.com/venezuela/PST/parque-cachamay/
Content and photographs of my intellectual property
Technical information
Camera: Pentax * istDL
Lens: Pentax 18-55
Lighting: Natural Light
Location: Cachamay Park , Bolivar State, Venezuela
*Contenido y fotografías de mi propiedad intelectual*
*Información Técnica*
*Cámara: Pentax * istDL*
*Lente: Pentax 18-55*
*Iluminación: Luz Natural*
*Locación: Parque Cachamay, Estado Bolívar, Venezuela*
La Llovizna Park, a natural oasis *** Parque la Llovizna un oasis natural
Hello today I bring you a surprise I will show you images of a wonderful place, where the force of nature fills you with wonder. Located in the beautiful state of Bolivar, specifically in Ciudad Guayana, is this magical place that fills you with energy.
*Hola hoy les traigo una sorpresa les mostrare imágenes de un lugar maravilloso, donde la fuerza de la naturaleza te llena de asombro. Ubicado en el hermoso estado Bolívar, específicamente en Ciudad Guayana, se encuentra este mágico lugar que te llena de energía.*
I speak to you nothing more and nothing less than of the Park the Drizzle a place whose beautiful place, they take you still state of relaxation and connection with the indescribable nature. I visited it for the first time when I was 17, I had just graduated from high school and it was simply an extraordinary experience.
*Les hablo nada más y nada menos que del Parque la Llovizna un lugar cuyos hermoso paraje, te llevan aun estado de relajación y conexión con la naturaleza indescriptible. Yo lo visite por primera vez cuando tenía 17, me acababa de graduar de bachiller y fue una experiencia sencillamente extraordinaria.*
Many years later in 2010, I returned, this time already married and with my first princess at a few months old. And I confess that it was just as great or even more so than the first time. The photographs I will share with you today are from that second visit.
*Muchos años después en el año 2010, regrese, en esta oportunidad ya casada y con mi primera princesa con pocos meses de nacida. Y confieso que fue igual o más genial que la primera vez, las fotografías que hoy les compartiré corresponden a esa segunda visita.*
Believe it or not, this wonderful natural oasis, which covers a total area of 200 hectares and consists of numerous islands, waterfalls, trails and beautiful natural trails, is the product of human intervention. Its stormy waters come from the Caroní River, once it passes through the Macagua II Hydroelectric Complex.
*Aunque no lo crean, este maravilloso oasis natural, que abarca un área total de 200 hectáreas y que se conforma de numerosas islas, saltos de agua, cominerías y hermosos senderos naturales, es producto de la intervención humana. Sus tempestuosas aguas, provienen del río Caroní, una vez que pasa por el Complejo Hidroeléctrico Macagua II.*
A great diversity of wildlife species freely cohabits its wooded areas and green spaces, it is even possible to interact with some of them. It is an ideal place to visit with your family, since it offers a diversity of spaces and services that allow you to spend an excellent day. It even has an impressive and beautiful stone theatre and most importantly all the spaces are in complete harmony with nature.
*Una gran diversidad de especies de la fauna silvestre cohabita libremente sus áreas boscosas y espacios verdes, incluso es posible interactuar con algunas de ellas. Es un lugar idóneo para visitarlo en familia, ya que, ofrece diversidad de espacios y servicios que permite para pasar un excelente día. Incluso cuenta con un impresionante y hermoso teatro de piedra y lo más importante todos los espacios están en completa armonía con la naturaleza.*
The main attraction of this beautiful place is the "Salto La Llovizna", a waterfall that gives its name to the park. It is a waterfall of approximately 20 meters high, and the force of the water when falling generates a kind of mist or drizzle, which is what gives origin to the name of the place. It is really magical and invigorating to feel how the atmosphere is impregnated with that kind of cloud of sprayed water.
*La atracción principal de este hermoso lugar es el Salto La Llovizna, cascada que le da su nombre al parque. Es una caída de agua de aproximadamente 20 metros de altura, y la fuerza del agua al caer genera una especie de bruma o llovizna, que es lo que le da origen al nombre del lugar. Es realmente mágico y vigorizante sentir como se impregna el ambiente de esa especie de nube de agua pulverizada.*
Reference || Referencias
https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salto_la_Llovizna
https://www.eluniversal.com/guia-turistica/56583/parque-la-llovizna
Content and photographs of my intellectual property
Technical information
Camera: Pentax * istDL
Lens: Pentax 18-55
Lighting: Natural Light
Location: Barcelona, Anzoátegui State, Venezuela
*Contenido y fotografías de mi propiedad intelectual*
*Información Técnica*
*Cámara: Pentax * istDL*
*Lente: Pentax 18-55*
*Iluminación: Luz Natural*
*Locación: Barcelona, Estado Anzoátegui, Venezuela*
Grapes in my garden? (Macrophotography) *||* ¿Uvas en mi Jardín? (Macrofotografía)
When you see the first image with the naked eye you will surely think it is a bunch of grapes. But, although I would have liked to find bunches of grapes in my garden, in this case it is the fruit of the Lantana Trifolia Linnaeus plant.
*¿Uvas en mi jardín?... Al ver las dos primeras imagenes a simple vista, seguramente pensaran que es un racimo de uvas. Pero, aunque realmente me hubiese gustado encontrar mi fruta preferida en el jardín, lamentablemente en este caso se trata del fruto de la planta Lantana Trifolia Linnaeus.*
Known more popularly in my country as Cariaquito Morado, this is an extremely common shrub, which grows anywhere. In fact, two are growing in my garden and I didn't invite them to live there, which they don't seem to care about, hahaha.
*Conocida más popularmente en mi país como Cariaquito Morado, este es un arbusto sumamente común, que crece en cualquier lado. De hecho, en mi jardín están creciendo dos y yo no las invite a vivir allí, lo que a ellas parece no importarles, jajaja.*
Although, I must admit that its branches of beautiful and colorful flowers are really beautiful and brighten up the garden, on the other hand, its reputation for attracting good luck is another point in its favor, don't you think?
*Aunque, debo reconocer que sus ramitos de lindas y coloridas florecitas son realmente primorosos y alegran el jardín, por otro lado, su fama de atraer la buena suerte es otro punto a su favor, ¿no les parece?.*
For if, as you read, according to popular Venezuelan beliefs, this plant has the power to keep bad luck away from our lives. So much so, that there is a popular phrase about this plant that says "Bathe with Cariaquito Morado", it is used when a person has many unfortunate events, together.
*Pues si, como lo leen, según las creencias venezolanas populares, esta planta tiene el poder de alejar la mala suerte de nuestra vida. Tan es así, que existe una frase popular sobre esta planta que reza “Báñate con Cariaquito Morado”, se usa cuando una persona le acontece muchos sucesos desafortunados, juntos.*
For what I researched, the ritual involves bathing with a kind of infusion of the plant's leaves, and although you may not believe it, its reputation for attracting good luck, has such scope, that they even sell soaps and essences of this plant, to keep the "bad luck out of your life" ... crazy truth!
*Por lo que investigue, el ritual implica bañarse con una especie de infusión de las hojas de la planta, y aunque ustedes no lo crean, su fama de atraer la buena suerte, tiene tal alcance, que hasta venden jabones y esencias de esta planta, para alejar la “Mala suerte de su vida”… ¡una locura verdad!.*
Well, for now I say goodbye to you, I send you all my love and a shower of good vibes, but if that doesn't work, look for your little purple caryaquito plant, hahaha. You are loved and respected a lot.
*Bueno por ahora me despido de ustedes, les envío todo mi cariño y una lluvia de buenas vibras, pero si eso no funciona busquen su plantita de Cariaquito Morado, jajajaja. Se les quiere y respeta mucho.*
Content and photographs of my intellectual property
Technical information
Camera: Pentax * istDL
Lens: Pentax 18-55
Lighting: Natural Light
Location: City of Barcelona, Anzoátegui State, Venezuela
*Contenido y fotografías de mi propiedad intelectual*
*Información Técnica*
*Cámara: Pentax * istDL*
*Lente: Pentax 18-55*
*Iluminación: Luz Natural*
*Locación: Ciudad de Barcelona, Estado Anzoátegui, Venezuela*
A Charming and Delicate Cattleya Orchid *** Una Encantadora y Delicada Orquídea Cattleya
This beautiful Cattleya that I bring you today, is another of the orchid plants that my sister has in her collection. As I have already told you on another occasion, she lives in Maturín, in the state of Monagas.
*Esta hermosa Cattleya que les traigo hoy, es otra de las plantas de orquídeas que tiene en su colección mi hermana. Como ya les he comentado en otra ocasión ella vive en Maturín, estado Monagas.*
I took the pictures during my last visit to your house, unfortunately we cannot see each other as often as I would like, because we live in different states of the country. Here in Venezuela, since a few years ago it is very difficult to move from one place to another, due to the terrible economic crisis we are going through.
*Las fotografías las tomé durante mi última visita a su casa, lamentablemente no nos podemos ver con la frecuencia que me gustaría, porque vivimos en distintos estados del país. Aquí en Venezuela, desde unos años para acá es muy difícil trasladarse de un lugar a otro, debido a la terrible crisis económica que atravesamos.*
I made that trip a month before the quarantine started here in the country, I had a long time without seeing my parents, my sister and nephew. It was great because I was also able to see my younger brother, who arrived that same day from Chile, he and his family had to emigrate in search of a better future, because of the critical situation of the country.
*Ese viaje lo realice un mes antes de que iniciara la cuarentena aquí en el país, tenía mucho tiempo sin ver a mis padres, mi hermana y sobrino. Fue genial porque también pude ver a mi hermano menor, quien llego a ese mismo día de Chile, él junto a su familia, tuvieron que emigrar en búsqueda de un mejor futuro, a causa de la crítica situación del país.*
So, after a long time, my parents were finally able to have their three children together and it was great, we had some very beautiful moments remembering special moments in our childhood. Unfortunately, the grandchildren were not present, my daughters I could not bring, because of the lack of cash and my brother could not bring my nephew from Chile.
*Así que, después de mucho tiempo, mis padres al fin pudieron tener a sus tres hijos juntos y fue genial, pasamos momentos muy hermosos recordando momentos especiales en nuestra infancia. Lamentablemente, no estaban presentes los nietos, a mis hijas no las pude llevar, por la falta de efectivo y mi hermano no se podía traer a mi sobrino de Chile.*
When I arrived at my sister's house I was surprised by the beautiful bouquet of orchids that one of her plants had. Unfortunately, apart from knowing that it is a cattleya, neither my sister nor I know much more about that plant. I researched on the internet but could not find any information about what specific type of cattleya it is.
*Cuando llegué a la casa de mi hermana me sorprendió el hermoso ramo de orquídeas que tenía una de sus plantas. Lamentablemente, aparte de saber que es una cattleya, ni mi hermana ni yo sabemos mucho más de esa planta. Estuve investigando en internet pero no logre encontrar información sobre el tipo específico de cattleya que es.*
So, I just have to tell you that I hope you enjoy the images of this beautiful flower, if anyone knows your name and puts it in a comment I will be very grateful. For now, I'll say goodbye, but not before reminding you to take care of yourselves and your loved ones, putting into practice the biosecurity measures.
*Así que, no me queda más que decirle que espero disfruten de las imágenes de esta bellísima flor, si alguien sabe su nombre y lo coloca en un comentario les estaré muy agradecida. Por ahora, me despido, no sin antes recordarles que se cuiden y cuiden a los suyos, poniendo en práctica las medidas de bioseguridad.*
Content and photographs of my intellectual property
Technical information
Camera: Pentax * istDL
Lens: Pentax 18-55
Lighting: Natural Light
Location: Maturín, Monagas State, Venezuela
*Contenido y fotografías de mi propiedad intelectual*
*Información Técnica*
*Cámara: Pentax * istDL*
*Lente: Pentax 18-55*
*Iluminación: Luz Natural*
*Locación: Maturín, Estado Monagas, Venezuela*
Guayacán Flowers (Macrophotography) || Flores de Guayacán (Macrofotografía)
The images that I share with you today are very special, first because they remind me of my father, since they belong to the flowers of his favorite tree, which is the Guayacán. But also, that is the name of the urbanization located in the City of Carúpano, State of Sucre, where I grew up and lived until I moved to the State of Anzoátegui to study at the University.
*Las imágenes que hoy les comparto son muy especiales, primero porque me recuerdan a mi papá, ya que, la pertenecen a las flores de su árbol preferido, que es el Guayacán. Pero además, ese es el nombre de la urbanización ubicada en la Ciudad de Carúpano, Estado Sucre, donde crecí y viví hasta que me mude a el estado Anzoátegui para estudiar en la Universidad.*
In some places it is known as Guayaco, although in the scientific field it is formally known as Guaiacum officinale L. Its beautiful inflorescences emerge grouped in small branches, which have the peculiarity of having delicate intermingled small white and blue flowers.
*En algunos lugares se le conoce con el nombre de Guayaco, aunque en el ámbito científico se le conoce formalmente como Guaiacum officinale L. Sus hermosas inflorescencias emergen agrupadas en pequeños ramos, que tienen la peculiaridad de tener entremezcladas delicadas y pequeñas flores de color blanco y azules.*
I grew up seeing that beautiful tree and its delicate and beautiful flowers around me, since in the urbanization where I lived most of my life, those trees were abundant. Not only could they be found in the green areas, but it was also common to see them in the gardens of the houses.
*Crecí viendo a mí alrededor ese hermoso árbol y sus delicadas y bellas flores, ya que en la urbanización donde viví gran parte de mi vida, abundaban esos árboles. No solo en las áreas verdes se podían encontrar, sino además, era común verlos en los jardines de las casa.*
*Their small yellowfruits, seeds covered by a carmine red wrapper, and their peculiar bouquets of delicate and beautiful inflorescences, in white and blue tones, contrasted wonderfully with the intense green of their leaves. In addition, the rounded shape of this tree, make it very attractive ornamentally speaking.*
Sus pequeños frutos amarillos, semillas cubiertas por una envoltura rojo carmín, y sus peculiares ramos de delicada y hermosa inflorescencias, en tonos blanco y azul contrastan maravillosamente con el verde intenso de sus hojas. Además, la forma redondeadas de este árbol, lo hacen muy atractivo ornamentalmente hablando.
*Other characteristics, of this own tree of dry forests, that makes them ideal to be planted in gardens, is that, in addition to being very resistant, it is of perennial leaves and of slow growth, only getting to reach between the 5 and 20 meters at the most, reason why it is a tree of shade par excellence.*
Otras características, de este árbol propio de bosques secos, que los hace ideal para ser plantados en jardines, es que, además de ser muy resistente, es de hojas perennes y de crecimiento lento, solo llegando a alcanzar entre los 5 y 20 metros como máximo, por lo que es un árbol de sombra por excelencia.
*Sources* || Referencia
https://ciudadverde.weebly.com/guayacan.html
https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guaiacum_officinale
Content and photographs of my intellectual property
Technical information
Camera: Pentax * istDL
Lens: Pentax 18-55
Lighting: Natural Light
Location: Barcelona, Anzoátegui State, Venezuela
*Contenido y fotografías de mi propiedad intelectual*
*Información Técnica*
*Cámara: Pentax * istDL*
*Lente: Pentax 18-55*
*Iluminación: Luz Natural*
*Locación: Barcelona, Lechería, Estado Anzoátegui, Venezuela*
Making Bao Bread
*We have recently adopted at home the habit of trying to prepare at weekends, the girls' favorite foods or try new recipes.*
*On this occasion I will share with you a new recipe that my husband found on the Internet, and that we decided to put into practice. It is about some peculiar rolls of Asian origin, which are steamed and called "Pan Bao".*
*They have an unusual texture, but they are really rich and fluffy, besides their peculiar shape allows you to fill them with whatever you want. In our case we fill it with some meat and vegetable fajitas, but today I will only explain how to make the breads. We will start with the ingredients.*
*Step 1: Preparation of the ferment*
*The first thing that must be prepared is the yeast, because, it is necessary to let it be activated, for it we mixed in half glass of warm water, 3 grs of dry yeast and a spoonful of sugar, it is necessary to wait until it forms enough foam, when it has doubled its volume, it will be ready.*
*Step 2:*
*The next step is to place all the dry ingredients in the mixer and then add the wet ingredients and the already fermented yeast.*
*Step 3:*
*When the dough is homogeneous, take it out of the bowl of the mixer. If you see that it is very wet or sticky, add wheat flour little by little until it dries. Then make a little ball and put it back in the bowl, but first put some flour in the bottom so that it doesn't stick. Cover it with a kitchen cloth and let it rise until it doubles in size.*
*Step 4:*
*When the dough has doubled in volume, it is taken out and separated into eight equal portions.*
*Step 5:*
*Then we take each ball and with the roller we stretch it giving it the shape of a disk, then we use a brush to varnish with oil, then fold it in half and flatten it again a little with the roller. They are reserved in a tray or floured surface, covering them with a cloth*
*Step 6:*
*Once you finish stretching and folding the last little ball, the first loaves of bread that were made will have risen a little. This is the moment to start placing them in the steamer basket, which we will then take to the fire*
*Step 7:*
*Before continuing with the explanation, I comment, that at home we have a bamboo steamer basket that we use to prepare Gyozas which is another dish of Asian origin, very rich too by the way. This is traditionally used to prepare Bao breads in a kind of Bain Marie. To do this, we must place a pot of water to be heated in advance so that it can be boiled when we need it*
*Step 8:*
*Now if we continue, it is time to place the Bao breads in the baskets. In our case, the basket has two levels, and two breads enter each level, so we cook in batches of four breads. The bottom of the basket should be varnished with a little oil before placing the bread, even if it is raw, so that it doesn't stick*
*Step 9:*
*After placing the breads in the steamer basket, we placed them on top of the pot that we had previously brought to a boil. After about 10 minutes, carefully remove the basket from the boiling pot. Wait about 3 minutes to open it and take out the bread, which are placed in the container and covered with a cloth to prevent them from drying out*
*Step 10:*
*Once they are ready you will notice that the oil you varnished before folding it does not allow the two halves to stick together, so you can open them and fill them with whatever you like*
*As I mentioned before, we fill them with fajitas of meat sautéed with onion and paprika. In addition, we boil some beets, chop them into sticks and season them with a simple vinaigrette and as a final touch chop avocado and season it with a little salt. But you decide the filling with what you have at home, a very traditional one is based on pork. Well, for now I say goodbye, hoping that you will like this new recipe that I share with you today and that you will try it at home.*
Content and photographs of my intellectual property
Technical information
Camera: Pentax *istDL
Lens: Pentax 18-55
Lighting: Natural Light
Location: Barcelona, Anzoátegui state, Venezuela
Calla lily symbol of purity
At the beginning of April 2011, I had the opportunity to visit Colonia Tovar for the second time. We had more or less a week away from home, it was like a small vacation, although the real reason was that my husband had to go to the city of Barquisimeto to present his doctoral thesis. On our way back, we decided to stop by Colonia Tovar, before returning to our home in the city of Barcelona, Anzoátegui state.
I had already visited Colonia Tovar once, but I didn't really remember much, since I was very young when it happened. So it was practically my first time as well, just like my husband and my little girl, who was not yet 2 years old.
We stayed at the beautiful Selva Negra Hotel, an almost paradisiacal place, with dreamlike gardens. Nature seemed to be at its best, everywhere I looked there were magnificent flowers, trees so green, it was just a wonderful feeling. I took lots of pictures and these in particular were taken in the gardens outside the building, where the reception and the restaurant are located.
I was struck by its simple and slender beauty, and its delicate white color stood out beautifully against the intense green. When I investigated, it turned out that this beautiful flower belongs to the Araceae family, and is known by several names, among them: Cala, Alcatraz, Ethiopian Calla, Ethiopian Hoop, Water Lily, Duck Flower or Pitcher Flower.
On the other hand, its scientific name is Zantedeschia aethiopica, and it is a perennial herbaceous plant, of South African origin. Its stem is fleshy and can reach more than one meter in height. Usually, from each plant bloom between 2 and 3 trumpet-shaped flowers that can measure between 5 or 6 centimeters long.
This striking, funnel-shaped flower does not go unnoticed by anyone, in addition, they give off a very attractive perfume, but both humans and animals should be careful, because both the flower and the rest of the plant are toxic. Symbolically speaking, calla lilies represent beauty. They are also considered a symbol of purity and compassion. In some places, they are even attributed with the property of bringing good luck.
Finally, as for their care, it is a very strong plant, however for them to develop in ideal conditions, they should be in the shade or semi-shade. The soil should be very humid, but it is necessary that it has a good drainage, in addition, it should always be nourished with organic fertilizer during the spring.
Content and photographs of my intellectual property https://read.cash/@francyrios75/nerium-oleander-the-most-poisonous-plant-in-the-world-29331591#content-and-photographs-of-my-intellectual-property
Technical information https://read.cash/@francyrios75/nerium-oleander-the-most-poisonous-plant-in-the-world-29331591#technical-information
Camera: Pentax * istDL
Lens: Pentax 18-55
Lighting: Natural Light
Location: Colonia Tovar, Aragua State, Venezuela
Basilica of the Christ of Joseph, a Symbol in Memory of the Cry Heard by the Traveling Christ
Today I come to show you images of a very special place for me and my family, even for several years it became a family tradition. We used to visit it during the first days of the year, to thank for the benefits received during the previous year and to ask for its protection and guidance for the new year. Unfortunately, due to the economic crisis and gasoline shortage that my beloved Venezuela is currently suffering, we have not been able to return for several years now. This beautiful place I am referring to is the Basilica del Cristo de Jose, also known as El Cristo de los Viajeros (Christ of the Travelers). It is located in the state of Anzoátegui-Venezuela, specifically on the coastal highway, on the stretch that connects Barcelona, capital of the state of Anzoátegui with the town of Puerto Píritu.
`Basilica of the Christ of Jose - Frontal perspective`
`Another perspective of the Basilica del Cristo de Jose.`
This religious building of the Catholic Church was built thanks to the initiative of a man from a wealthy family. This man, as the story goes, when he found himself in the difficult situation that the aircraft in which he was flying, was presenting engine failures, he cried out to the "Christ of the Travelers". He asked him with great fervor for the miracle that he could save him, the aircraft irremediably ended up crashing, in fact, the remains of the plane are still on the site. However, miraculously the man was saved, for this reason, in gratitude, the man promised to build a temple to the Traveling Christ in the same place of the accident. The temple built in the name of the so grateful man, was made with excellent materials. The idea was that it would last in time, so that the people living near the site would go to pray and pray in his name. The work was entrusted to the architect Alberto Parra Kadpa and the engineer José Borges.
`Remains of the wrecked aircraft`
This small but beautiful temple has the peculiarity of having no walls, as you can see in the pictures. Basically, it is made up of a large bronze-colored metallic dome, supported by six pillars. Inside it houses the image of the Christ of Jose, of which there are also countless legends about its origin, but I will leave that for another opportunity. Everything in this temple is made to stand the test of time, even the seats are built in marble and concrete.
`Internal view of the dome`
`Image of Christ of Jose`
This is a very special place for the catholic community of the cities of Puerto la Cruz, Barcelona, Lechería and Guanta, since it is a pilgrimage site. Every year on the eve of Holy Week, thousands of devotees to this Catholic tradition, simulate the path of Jesus Christ to Calvary. The route, which consists of approximately 33 kilometers, starts at dusk from a sector on the outskirts of the city of Barcelona, called La Ponderosa. The parishioners walk throughout the night and arrive at the Basilica in the early hours of the morning. This act of demonstration of fervent faith towards the son of God, culminates at dawn with the first morning mass.
`Internal perspective of the Basilica of the Christ of Joseph.`
When I was studying at the university, thanks to the invitation of a friend and a group of friends, I had the opportunity to live this experience by participating in the pilgrimage. Since my friend belonged to a youth group of one of the churches in the area, she and her group would attend. I was not the only one who was encouraged to participate, although not all my group of friends were encouraged, the closest ones did, in the end 7 of us were encouraged to participate. I must confess, although I am ashamed, that the experience was not entirely pleasant, because it is a very long and difficult route.
Well, sadly, during the walk, we realized that our physical conditions were not the best, hahaha. Although our expectations were to complete the entire route, it was impossible to achieve it. When we were a few kilometers away from the temple, for our safety we had to get on one of the vehicles destined for people who were very tired to reach the destination. But, even though I did not manage to complete the tour, I am proud of the fact that I was just a few kilometers short of making it. To complete the experience, watching the sunrise in that place, while listening to the mass, was really very special and unforgettable.
Typical Orchestra of Lechería, more than 2 decades training integral musicians.
I hope you are enjoying an excellent day, today I want to touch again on the subject of music, some time ago, I published a post that dealt with how learning musical language and playing an instrument affects the cognitive and psycho-motor development of children. In that post among other things I commented that my oldest daughter has been studying music since she was 4 years old, today she is 11 years old and during all this time, she has learned to play the xylophone, the recorder, the piano and for 2 years she was training in the execution of the mandolin instrument, as part of the Typical Orchestra of Lechería. Today he is part of the National System of Orchestras and Youth and Children's Choirs of Venezuela, specifically in the Puerto la Cruz nucleus.
But today I want to share with you, some images of the closing concert at the end of the school year of the "Typical Orchestra Foundation of the Municipality of Urbaneja (Fortimur)", which was the music academy where by that time was being formed, my daughter, the event was held on July 4, 2018 at the "Hotel Maremare", located in the city of Lechería, Anzoátegui-Venezuela. In fact that was the first concert in which my daughter played with that wonderful musical group, all of us in the family were very proud, because with only 5 months studying the execution of the Mandolin, she had been selected to participate in the end of the year concert.
`Typical Orchestra of Lechería`
Sincerely, and without fear of being wrong, it was a wonderful night for all the assistants. And I am not just saying that because those who were participating were our little ones and not so little ones. The truth is that we were able to verify the level of excellence in musical performance that all the children and young people who were being trained in this excellent institution had reached up to that moment.
`In the panoramic view you can see, in the background, the "Typical Orchestra of Lechería", and in the foreground, part of the crowded attendance to the concert.`
An institution that, by the way, this same year celebrated its second decade of uninterrupted training of integral musicians from the initial stage to the professional level. Their work is truly extraordinary, since, with very few economic, infrastructure and personnel resources, they train children, not only in the playing of an instrument, but the children also learn the language of music. This hard work during these 20 years, was recognized by the mayor of the city of Lechería, who during an intermission in the concert, gave them a well-deserved recognition to the founders and main pillars of this foundation.
`Moment of the presentation of the recognition to the Director of the institution by the Mayor of the city of Lechería.`
Returning to tell you what I felt that night, I can only tell you that it was indescribable emotion, to see and hear my daughter playing the mandolin, with only 5 months of practice. Above all, for the fact of performing as part of the orchestra, that had not crossed my mind, because she was just starting. I thought that, of course, she would participate in the concert, but only with the recorder group, an instrument that she had already been playing for years, but for me, it was a surprise when her teacher informed me that due to her progress, she would play the mandolin with the orchestra.
`My little musician playing the mandolin with the "Typical Orchestra of Lechería".`
Looking back on all the work done by the teachers, the children and the young people before the concert, I can say that it was worth it. It is true, it was a difficult month, a month of hard work, even for us representatives. In the particular case of my husband, my youngest daughter and myself, as well as other parents, we had to wait for periods of up to 2 hours, while they rehearsed the different musical pieces. And of course, we had the best part, because the children, during that time, were practicing and practicing in search of perfection. Tireless work, which was transformed into a little more than two almost magical hours, in which we were able to enjoy an impeccable performance by these wonderful children and young people.
`On the right side of the image you can see the "Typical Orchestra of Lechería" and on the left side in the background, you can see the group of children belonging to the different professorships`.
It only remains for me to tell you that this humble and simple writing that I share with all of you today is the best way I have found to express my deep gratitude to all the personnel of the "Typical Orchestra Foundation of the Municipality of Urbaneja (Fortimur)", that day by day, puts its grain of sand in favor of the integral formation of many children and young people, that I am sure, in the future will be men and women that will put our beloved state of Anzoátegui, and of course Venezuela in the different fields in which they develop.
Content and photographs of my intellectual property https://read.cash/@francyrios75/beautiful-memories-of-a-reunion-under-the-warm-sun-of-santa-fe-f3ce9691#content-and-photographs-of-my-intellectual-property
Technical Information https://read.cash/@francyrios75/beautiful-memories-of-a-reunion-under-the-warm-sun-of-santa-fe-f3ce9691#technical-information
Camera: Pentax camera * istDL
Lens:Pentax 18-55
Lighting: Natural light
Location: Lechería, Anzoátegui state, Venezuela
Royal Fortress of San Carlos de Borromeo
Greetings Dear Readers
It is pleasant to share with you, a little bit of my memories, through images that I keep as one of my great treasures, since, they allow me to evoke unforgettable moments of my life, just by observing them, it is like having my own time machine. The site, to which I will dedicate my post today, is the Royal Fortress of San Carlos de Borromeo, located in the city of Pampatar, which is a city with a very particular charm on the island of Margarita, Venezuela.
The Castillo San Carlos de Borromeo, is a military construction dating from the seventeenth century, era of the Viceroyalty of New Spain, located in the Bay of Pampatar. It was a work designed by the military engineer Don Juan Betín. For a long time, it was considered as the most sophisticated and important military construction on the island, since it defended the strategic area of Pampatar, against constant attack by English, French and Dutch ships, as well as, of the many pirates and corsairs, who frequented the waters of the Caribbean.
Architecturally speaking, its structure corresponds to that of a castle of the "regular" type, which implies that its bastions and curtains have the same or similar dimension. It is characterized by having a base in the form of a star formed by 4 sentry boxes in the corners and 4 central curtains. The battery of guns was located in the front part, which faces the sea, in perfect alignment. In addition, it contains characteristic elements of strengths of this type, such as drawbridges, and even a pit that surrounds the entire fort.
The access to its interior, is through a lift bridge and as a curious fact, due to an architectural error on the part of the designer, the pit was built well above sea level, so it could never be filled with water, for that reason, it could not fulfill its function of protecting it mainly from assaults to feet, purpose for which it was built.
It is a building, which due to its strategic purpose, through its history was the victim of multiple attacks by pirates. Its construction began in 1622, taking approximately 20 years to complete. 40 years later, the castle was attacked by pirates and completely destroyed, so it was necessary to rebuild it, a process that began 2 years later and that only ended after 20 years in 1684. In the following years it was destroyed and rebuilt in many occasions.
`Dungeon where the heroine Luisa Cáceres de Arismendi was imprisoned`
The castle of Pampatar is the typical castle of the colonial period, however, it has a special historical interest, and this is due to the fact that in its dungeons the Margarita heroine, Luisa Cáceres de Arismendi, was imprisoned for a few days before be sent to La Guaira
Currently, this fortress is one of the best preserved of the colonial era and in which, the visitor can enjoy a wide panoramic view of the beautiful Bay of Pampatar and its surroundings, as well as a small museum inside the castle, where Valuable objects from the independence period, weapons, portraits and other objects are protected. Although it has had to be rebuilt and has already lost its vigilant and protective role, this historic monument is a tangible testimony to a revolutionary past and an invaluable part of the national heritage.
Reference
https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castillo_San_Carlos_de_Borromeo
https://www.venezuelatuya.com/margarita/pampatar.htm
http://www.explorandorutas.com/turismo/venezuela/castillo-san-carlos-borromeo/
http://www.venemia.com/Esp/EspHis/EspHis5.php
Content and photographs of my intellectual property
Technical Information
Camera:Pentax camera * istDL
Lens: Pentax 18-55
Lighting: Natural light
Location: Pampatar, Nueva Esparta state, Venezuela
Learning by doing, my experience with the care of an Orchid Cattleya Violacea
Greetings dear readers, today I want to show you this generous Orchid plant that embellishes and adorns our small garden with its beautiful flowers, at least twice a year. Its scientific name is Cattleya Violacea and its natural habitat is the entire Amazon region. Here in Venezuela it is known as "Cattleya Superba del Orinoco" and according to what I was able to investigate it was discovered around 1800, in the expedition made by Humboldt and Bonpland to the Orinoco River.
This plant that has been with us for about 5 years, came very small, it could be said that it was a baby plant, brought it to our house from Puerto Ordaz, my husband's aunt as a gift for my mother-in-law, he told us, he bought it in an exhibition of orchids that they made in that city.
`Referential image so that they have an idea of the size with which I arrive at home`
In our garden it adapted and evolved relatively well, despite being very hot and receiving direct sunlight, practically throughout the day, that is because this sub-type of orchids loves heat and light. solar, in fact, in its natural habitat, although it is found in the margin of the rivers, where it can take advantage of the humidity that is generated by the evaporation of the water, normally they are found climbing in the biggest trees, looking for the warmth and the sunlight.
Regarding the care, as I mentioned in my welcome post, I'm really empirical about it, the irrigation is usually in the early hours of the morning, at least, that the day has been very hot, in which case, I repeat Irrigation in the afternoon when the sun is already lowering. In this work my husband helped me a lot @amart29, since, due to the daily activities, I often did not have time or forgot to water them, then, some time ago (when it was economically feasible), he installed me in the garden , a semi-automatic irrigation system, consisting of many tiny sprinklers located at roof level, these spray water in the form of sprinkling during the time it is established, in a controller, connected to the water tap, this simulates a very rain , very soft, is more, I love to sit and watch while they are watering because it resembles the mist. https://hive.blog/@amart29
`Micro-Jet type sprinkler`
`A view of the location of the sprinklers in my garden`
With regard to fertilization, because like all Venezuelans, I have been very affected by the terrible crisis that hangs us, every day more, and that covers all levels, especially the economic, currently I am unattainable acquiring fertilizers, on the other hand, it is also almost impossible to find them in the Venezuelan market, for those reasons, what I have chosen, is to put what in Venezuela is called coffee eras, I explain, after preparing coffee the waste that remains in the filter of the coffee machine, I am placing it in a container and the days when I have gathered an amount that I consider sufficient, I sprinkle a little on each one of the plants, that has turned out to me, in fact, some plants that they had never bloomed, they already did, of course, I still have some that refuse to flourish, but at least they are still alive, and as the saying goes, "while there is life, there is hope".
The substrate, in the particular case of this plant, is a mixture of pieces of rotten logs, charcoal, clay balls and bits of anime, the idea is that the water drains quickly, but retaining some moisture, so use materials porous; What is not recommended, is that the water is left impoverished, because the roots will tend to rot.
Now, I want to share with you a recommendation, which I did when I started ... when planting an orchid plant, this should be well attached to the support, I usually tie them with pieces of copper wire, which I normally take from a piece of old electric cable, to hold them should be tight so that it does not move, but at the same time, they must be careful that the ties do not press the roots as much, because they can damage them.
My last recommendation is that they have a lot of patience, the orchids are extremely whimsical and to be able to prosper they must first go through a period of adaptation, which can last in some cases up to years, but one day they will reward your perseverance and take care of the wonderful gift of your flowers.
I hope you liked my story, however, I want to emphasize that I am not an expert, rather, I consider myself a neophyte in the subject, my intention is only to show you my experiences in the care of my orchid plants. For now I say goodbye to you, but it is only one until soon, as soon I will return to show you another of my plants and tell you how my experience with her has been.
Content and photographs of my intellectual property https://read.cash/@francyrios75/nerium-oleander-the-most-poisonous-plant-in-the-world-29331591#content-and-photographs-of-my-intellectual-property
Technical information https://read.cash/@francyrios75/nerium-oleander-the-most-poisonous-plant-in-the-world-29331591#technical-information
Camera Pentax * istDL
Lens * Pentax 18-55
Lighting Natural Light
Location Barcelona, Anzoátegui State, Venezuela
@francyrios75
