Thanks so much, @syllem! I appreciate the kind thoughts. We supposedly have one of the most advanced banking systems in the world here in South Africa...at least that's what the banks tell us! 😉
And please forgive an intrusive personal question (you're welcome to not answer if it's too personal) - we currently hear really scary things about the Venezuelan economy, about availability of food, basic necessities, medicines, etc. Is it exaggerated, or is it true? And if it's true, how are you and your family coping?
Thank you so much for stopping in and reading.😊😊
Venezuela is a wonderful country, with many riches, both natural and in its inhabitants. Certainly today we are experiencing a strong economic and value crisis. In the economic aspect, we changed from a system in which we all lived with almost everything subsidized by the State (due to the bonanza of the oil rent) and additionally everything imported, because in general we are not producers; to a system in which the products that the government provides at a preferential price, mainly food and medicine, are not obtained, so many of them cannot be acquired, if you earn a minimum wage.
This situation has worsened the quality of life of Venezuelans, so it is very true that there are many people who are going through work to eat and get medicine, but it is no less true that many others have found alternatives to face this crisis and move forward. Personally, I think we are learning to break the dependence. In many homes we have returned to healthy eating, eating more vegetables and vegetables because processed carbohydrates (rice, flour, spaghetti) are expensive. Many people are complementing their incomes by planting vegetables, others importing food for sale, others dedicating themselves to cryptomonedas, there are a significant number of entrepreneurs, many leave the country... In short, with the passage of time everyone, according to their ability, will find the best way to grow. But the truth is that we have too much in our country to starve to death. Our lands are fertile, our climate is blessed, basic services are almost free, as well as fuel. There are also many things that at the moment cannot be purchased like cars, appliances, everything imported is very expensive.
In general terms, to give you an idea, I can tell you that there are many countries that are much worse off than us and do not have as much publicity. The world is only seeing one side of the coin from us.
My husband and I are of the mind, that the best way to face the problems we are living, is with ideas and always moving forward with God.
Humbly, with these statements, I hope I have contributed to your question. Greetings
Thank you so much, @syllem - I know how South Africa often gets misrepresented or a distorted picture of crime and violence is presented without the other dimensions getting equal time in the international media, so I really appreciate your balancing views. It's actually wonderful to hear that people have gone back to growing their own food. I'm sure they'll be healthier because of it.
I've wanted to visit Venezuela for many years, and if I do finally make it to South America then it will definitely be on my list. It has always sounded like such a rich (in the broadest sense of the word) country - in terms of natural history/capital, culture, food...and you've confirmed what I suspected.
Blessings to you and your family 😊😊