In many ways, Venezuela is two worlds: Caracas and everywhere else. A full third of Venezuela's 25 million reside in the bustling, and times bursting capital. It is a stark contrast to the rest of the country, one of the most diverse both culturally and geographically. With deserts, oceans, the world's highest waterfalls, mountains, plains, coral reefs, and tropical islands, Venezuela has it all. The country is home to scores of ethnic groups, a mix of Indigenous, Spanish and African peoples. In Caracas, all of these groups, and more live together, virtually one upon another.

first glance, the city looks like any other metropolis, overloaded with traffic, pollution, and street crime. The daily bumper to bumper grind at rush hour is exacerbated by the thick black fumes of 1970s era Chevy Chevettes and Dodge Darts. It is a city not friendly to asthmatics. Caracas is also a city that is becoming more and more Los Angeles-like: sprawling suburbs, and in love with television. E!, CNN, ESPN, UNI, and virtually every US network is down here, and Venezuelans are buying it up, from the latest fashion trends to the hit CDs of Natalie Umbruglia and Mariah Carey. From satellite television to a modern subway, Caracas is trying its best to race towards the 21st century.