Mi Vida in Merida: Henrique Capriles Redonski Ralley/ Election Week

Since we got from Spring Break life in Merida has been crazy as we draw closer to the April Election on Sunday, the 14th. With the election of course the government is imposing a Ley Seca of closing all bars and halting halting liquor sales. So we took full advantage of last weekend going to concerts and a couple of clubs. I even was able to go to my first real soccer game on Sunday played at a gigantic stadium. It was electrifying and I never realized how passionate and fun a soccer game could be. Unfortunately I do not have pictures from that game. This week on Wednesday the Democratic (my opinion) party candidate came to Merida. He is the candidate that everyone living in Merida overwhelmingly loves and supports. I have mentioned Capriles Redonski before. He will probably win the election by votes and has more support of Venezuela as a whole than Maduro. It is too bad though because the government controls everything and will just say the voting ended with Maduro winning. This is a fierce election with there likely to be riots no matter what side wins or loses. It will be more dangerous though if Capriles wins because then Chavista's will attack Americans and blame us. I like the belief that so many citizens have that Capriles can and will win but it will be tough when the election is over. I think even if he wins by votes, Maduro will still be made the new president.

It is crazy to think how important of a historical event we are witnessing for the country of Venezuela along with socialist governments.

So on Wednesday I went with a group of friends to the Capriles rally in the Centro. This rally was ten times more crazy than Maduro and we all bought T-shirts the day before. All the teachers and students at VENUSA were supporting Capriles as well. The rally was packed and ruthlessly packed with people at times. Insane is an understatement of how crazy it was. People were constantly pushing to get closer. I saw many people get run over or fight with people around them for space. Everyone was constantly blowing whistles and horns if not singing and yelling Capriles chants. It also had to be incredibly humid and sunny out as well.