Independence Day- Venezuelan Style

Happy Independence Day to all of my Venezuelan friends!  Maybe you read yesterday's blog and thought there was nothing I like about Venezuela.  That's not true, so in honor of Venezuelan Independence Day, here's my top favorite things about Venezuela:
Pavbellion- a delicious dish consisting of black beans, rice, shredded seasoned beef, and plantains.  yuuummm.
Arepas- kind of like corn bread stuffed with meat or cheese
Empanadas (not everyday, but good none the less)- fried dough stuffed with some sort of meat
Batidos- blended fruit drinks
Walking more places
Cheap, delicious bread at all the bakeries
A fantastic exchange rate, even if we do have to exchange on the black market...
No huge temperature fluctuations
Mountains
Beaches
Greeting everyone with a hug and kiss on the cheek
A great view from my apartment window
People who are willing to sit and talk to you about spiritual things for a long time
Speaking Spanish
Having friends from all over the world

Independence Day With a Twist

Happy Independence Day to all of my U.S. Friends!  We actually got the day off today because the Venezuelan government decided to give everyone an extra day off this week because tomorrow is the Venezuelan Independence Day.  I know many of us pause to remember the sacrafices people have made for our freedom, which is very right to do.  However, since I am celebrating this 4th of July outside of the U.S.A., I thought I would offer you a look at things that I enjoy about the U.S. that perhaps you may never have thought of:
Peanut butter-good, cheap, and sold in large quantities
Buying in bulk- not until you have to buy food three times a week for 30 people do you fully appreciate the bulk food aisle.
Wireless internet
Milk that is always, always sold cold
Long summer nights where the sun doesn't set until after 8:00 pm
Free refills
Dollar menus
Drinking water from the tap
Reliable power and water
Even sidewalks without gaping holes
Resturants that actually stock the items on their menus
Clean air
Cars
Being able to walk outside at night without being mugged
Absence of car alarms
100% Juice
Veggies and fruit
Punctuality
Food that does not come deep fried
Large trash cans
Large garbage bags that fit the trash cans
Regular pick up of garbage

Hope you're enjoying all that the grand ol' US of A has to offer!
Sarah