The New Statesman
Hugo Chavez may be a self-proclaimed feminist, but Venezuela still has a shocking record on domestic violence. Article available on the New Statesman website:
Chavez is failing women
You are currently browsing the archives for September, 2009.
Back in London
I have been back for two weeks, and I still haven’t been able to shake the reflex of compulsively checking my handbag to make sure my wallet is still inside-even if it does happen to be empty.
Its strange coming back to the spotlessly clean London sidewalks and the tidy tube stations, where commuters politely cue on the left side of the escalator so other passengers can walk down the right. Not like the Caracas metro-where you would surely have to be in labour with a gunshot wound to the head before anyone would let you through. In Caracas there is no sense of urgency; people stand nonchalantly waiting for the escalator to move them forward. The concept of rushing to work or racing to meet someone on time is unheard of. And you would hardly be commended for such efforts.
After 20 minutes of excitement over being able to communicate without wild hand gestures and the accompanying blank stares, I was soon tired of the sterile buildings, rushing commuters; and disgruntled TfL workers. While the UK feels safer, and yes, I can take money out of the ATM and even get a cup of coffee that is larger than a thimble, I am nostalgic for the haphazardness of Caracas, and the slow paced rhythm of life in Venezuela.
