1
00:00:08,320 --> 00:00:10,320
MICHAEL PALIN: 'After a long flight,
the drive from the airport
2
00:00:10,360 --> 00:00:12,360
MICHAEL PALIN: 'After a long flight,
the drive from the airport
3
00:00:12,400 --> 00:00:12,920
MICHAEL PALIN: 'After a long flight,
the drive from the airport
4
00:00:12,960 --> 00:00:14,960
'gives me my first glimpse
of Caracas.'
5
00:00:15,000 --> 00:00:16,920
'gives me my first glimpse
of Caracas.'
6
00:00:16,960 --> 00:00:18,960
The thing about Venezuela is that
I know very, very little about it.
7
00:00:19,000 --> 00:00:20,160
The thing about Venezuela is that
I know very, very little about it.
8
00:00:20,200 --> 00:00:22,200
Apart from the fact that, you know,
9
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Apart from the fact that, you know,
10
00:00:22,880 --> 00:00:24,880
it's had a sort of
bad reputation recently
11
00:00:24,920 --> 00:00:25,160
it's had a sort of
bad reputation recently
12
00:00:25,200 --> 00:00:27,200
as being sort of corrupted, crime,
13
00:00:27,240 --> 00:00:27,480
as being sort of corrupted, crime,
14
00:00:27,520 --> 00:00:29,520
some quite serious
dodgy things happening.
15
00:00:29,560 --> 00:00:31,400
some quite serious
dodgy things happening.
16
00:00:31,440 --> 00:00:33,440
'Venezuela is still reeling
from the controversial re-election
17
00:00:33,480 --> 00:00:35,480
'Venezuela is still reeling
from the controversial re-election
18
00:00:35,520 --> 00:00:35,760
'Venezuela is still reeling
from the controversial re-election
19
00:00:35,800 --> 00:00:37,560
'of Nicolas Maduro as President -
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00:00:37,600 --> 00:00:39,600
'an election
many observers say he lost.'
21
00:00:39,640 --> 00:00:40,640
'an election
many observers say he lost.'
22
00:00:41,760 --> 00:00:43,760
Wow, up there!
It's Mr Maduro up there,
23
00:00:43,800 --> 00:00:45,800
Wow, up there!
It's Mr Maduro up there,
24
00:00:45,840 --> 00:00:46,440
Wow, up there!
It's Mr Maduro up there,
25
00:00:46,480 --> 00:00:48,480
smiling with his moustache,
looking reassuring.
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00:00:48,520 --> 00:00:49,400
smiling with his moustache,
looking reassuring.
27
00:00:50,800 --> 00:00:52,800
'With astronomically high crime
and murder rates,
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00:00:52,840 --> 00:00:54,360
'With astronomically high crime
and murder rates,
29
00:00:54,400 --> 00:00:56,400
'Caracas has been called
the most deadly city in the world.
30
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'Caracas has been called
the most deadly city in the world.
31
00:00:58,480 --> 00:00:59,040
'Caracas has been called
the most deadly city in the world.
32
00:00:59,080 --> 00:01:01,080
'Many people told us
not to travel here,
33
00:01:01,120 --> 00:01:01,440
'Many people told us
not to travel here,
34
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'but for the next few days,
it's home.
35
00:01:03,520 --> 00:01:04,800
'but for the next few days,
it's home.
36
00:01:09,320 --> 00:01:11,320
'Venezuela -
a country plagued by bad news.
37
00:01:11,360 --> 00:01:13,360
'Venezuela -
a country plagued by bad news.
38
00:01:13,400 --> 00:01:13,600
'Venezuela -
a country plagued by bad news.
39
00:01:15,080 --> 00:01:17,080
'It's often described as being
the most dangerous in South America.
40
00:01:17,120 --> 00:01:19,120
'It's often described as being
the most dangerous in South America.
41
00:01:19,160 --> 00:01:19,400
'It's often described as being
the most dangerous in South America.
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00:01:19,440 --> 00:01:21,440
'Ruled by an authoritarian leader,
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00:01:21,480 --> 00:01:21,800
'Ruled by an authoritarian leader,
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'its economy has collapsed -
45
00:01:23,880 --> 00:01:24,560
'its economy has collapsed -
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00:01:24,600 --> 00:01:26,600
'leading to eight million people
fleeing the country.
47
00:01:26,640 --> 00:01:27,960
'leading to eight million people
fleeing the country.
48
00:01:29,080 --> 00:01:30,160
'But Venezuela...'
49
00:01:30,200 --> 00:01:31,680
Whoa!
50
00:01:31,720 --> 00:01:33,720
'..is also a paradise.'
51
00:01:33,760 --> 00:01:34,480
'..is also a paradise.'
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00:01:34,520 --> 00:01:36,080
Absolutely beautiful.
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00:01:37,440 --> 00:01:39,440
'From the Andes Mountains
to the Amazon rainforest,
54
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'From the Andes Mountains
to the Amazon rainforest,
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00:01:41,280 --> 00:01:43,280
'it contains almost
every landscape imaginable.'
56
00:01:43,320 --> 00:01:44,280
'it contains almost
every landscape imaginable.'
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00:01:47,080 --> 00:01:48,720
I've seen it all now!
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00:01:48,760 --> 00:01:50,240
'And its people...'
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00:01:50,280 --> 00:01:52,200
And your dress.
Oh!
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00:01:52,240 --> 00:01:53,440
I mean, wow!
You like my dress?
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00:01:53,480 --> 00:01:54,560
That is colour.
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00:01:54,600 --> 00:01:56,600
'..are some of the friendliest
in the world.'
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00:01:56,640 --> 00:01:56,880
'..are some of the friendliest
in the world.'
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00:01:56,920 --> 00:01:58,680
I love to be talking with you
65
00:01:58,720 --> 00:02:00,720
because you ask me things
that I have never been asked.
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00:02:00,760 --> 00:02:01,600
because you ask me things
that I have never been asked.
67
00:02:01,640 --> 00:02:03,640
'My journey promises
to be full of adventure.'
68
00:02:03,680 --> 00:02:04,480
'My journey promises
to be full of adventure.'
69
00:02:04,520 --> 00:02:06,520
I'm 81! I shouldn't be here!
70
00:02:06,560 --> 00:02:07,880
I'm 81! I shouldn't be here!
71
00:02:07,920 --> 00:02:09,920
'But as I will discover...'
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00:02:09,960 --> 00:02:10,160
'But as I will discover...'
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00:02:10,200 --> 00:02:12,200
SIRENS BLARE
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00:02:12,240 --> 00:02:12,400
SIRENS BLARE
75
00:02:14,720 --> 00:02:16,720
'..there are very real risks
in visiting a dystopian paradise.'
76
00:02:16,760 --> 00:02:18,760
'..there are very real risks
in visiting a dystopian paradise.'
77
00:02:18,800 --> 00:02:19,320
'..there are very real risks
in visiting a dystopian paradise.'
78
00:02:19,360 --> 00:02:21,360
We might be arrested or detained.
79
00:02:21,400 --> 00:02:22,120
We might be arrested or detained.
80
00:02:22,160 --> 00:02:23,720
They were threatening.
81
00:02:23,760 --> 00:02:25,760
There's an undercurrent of threat
which is quite sinister.
82
00:02:25,800 --> 00:02:27,800
There's an undercurrent of threat
which is quite sinister.
83
00:02:27,840 --> 00:02:28,680
There's an undercurrent of threat
which is quite sinister.
84
00:02:43,240 --> 00:02:44,360
'Caracas...
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00:02:46,160 --> 00:02:48,160
'..the capital city of Venezuela.
86
00:02:48,200 --> 00:02:49,000
'..the capital city of Venezuela.
87
00:02:51,920 --> 00:02:53,920
'Posters of President Maduro
are everywhere.
88
00:02:53,960 --> 00:02:54,640
'Posters of President Maduro
are everywhere.
89
00:02:56,440 --> 00:02:58,440
'His smiling face dominating
billboards across the city.
90
00:02:58,480 --> 00:03:00,280
'His smiling face dominating
billboards across the city.
91
00:03:04,400 --> 00:03:06,400
'I've arrived here six months
after his disputed election.
92
00:03:06,440 --> 00:03:08,440
'I've arrived here six months
after his disputed election.
93
00:03:08,480 --> 00:03:09,560
'I've arrived here six months
after his disputed election.
94
00:03:09,600 --> 00:03:11,600
'In the days that followed,
there were huge protests,
95
00:03:11,640 --> 00:03:13,320
'In the days that followed,
there were huge protests,
96
00:03:13,360 --> 00:03:15,360
'and the authority's response
was swift and brutal.
97
00:03:15,400 --> 00:03:17,400
'and the authority's response
was swift and brutal.
98
00:03:17,440 --> 00:03:17,720
'and the authority's response
was swift and brutal.
99
00:03:17,760 --> 00:03:19,760
'But evidence has shown that
the government stole the election.
100
00:03:19,800 --> 00:03:20,880
'But evidence has shown that
the government stole the election.
101
00:03:26,560 --> 00:03:28,560
'All of this has created
an atmosphere of fear and menace
102
00:03:28,600 --> 00:03:30,600
'All of this has created
an atmosphere of fear and menace
103
00:03:30,640 --> 00:03:31,360
'All of this has created
an atmosphere of fear and menace
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00:03:31,400 --> 00:03:33,040
'on the streets of the capital.'
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00:03:33,080 --> 00:03:35,080
Venezuela is not sort of
on the English curriculum, really.
106
00:03:35,120 --> 00:03:37,120
Venezuela is not sort of
on the English curriculum, really.
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00:03:37,160 --> 00:03:37,960
Venezuela is not sort of
on the English curriculum, really.
108
00:03:38,000 --> 00:03:40,000
'I'm meeting investigative
journalist Ana Vanessa Herrero.'
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00:03:40,040 --> 00:03:42,040
'I'm meeting investigative
journalist Ana Vanessa Herrero.'
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00:03:42,080 --> 00:03:42,520
'I'm meeting investigative
journalist Ana Vanessa Herrero.'
111
00:03:42,560 --> 00:03:44,560
As a foreigner,
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00:03:44,600 --> 00:03:44,840
As a foreigner,
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00:03:44,880 --> 00:03:46,880
you need to always think that
there's always someone watching.
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00:03:46,920 --> 00:03:48,840
you need to always think that
there's always someone watching.
115
00:03:52,120 --> 00:03:53,760
The opposition did prove,
116
00:03:53,800 --> 00:03:55,800
the opposite did win
on a landslide, basically.
117
00:03:55,840 --> 00:03:57,840
the opposite did win
on a landslide, basically.
118
00:03:57,880 --> 00:03:58,880
the opposite did win
on a landslide, basically.
119
00:03:58,920 --> 00:04:00,920
And the government just...
ignored that fact,
120
00:04:00,960 --> 00:04:02,880
And the government just...
ignored that fact,
121
00:04:02,920 --> 00:04:04,920
and they just declared themselves
as the winners.
122
00:04:04,960 --> 00:04:05,520
and they just declared themselves
as the winners.
123
00:04:05,560 --> 00:04:07,560
After the election, I interviewed
people who were here, actually.
124
00:04:07,600 --> 00:04:09,600
After the election, I interviewed
people who were here, actually.
125
00:04:09,640 --> 00:04:10,840
After the election, I interviewed
people who were here, actually.
126
00:04:10,880 --> 00:04:12,480
They flooded the streets.
127
00:04:12,520 --> 00:04:14,520
They were just walking
and trying to tell the government,
128
00:04:14,560 --> 00:04:15,440
They were just walking
and trying to tell the government,
129
00:04:15,480 --> 00:04:16,600
"No, no, you didn't win.
130
00:04:16,640 --> 00:04:18,640
"And if you did,
you need to show me the numbers."
131
00:04:18,680 --> 00:04:18,920
"And if you did,
you need to show me the numbers."
132
00:04:18,960 --> 00:04:20,040
So this was a big...
133
00:04:20,080 --> 00:04:22,080
These were big demonstrations.
A huge demonstration.
134
00:04:22,120 --> 00:04:22,360
These were big demonstrations.
A huge demonstration.
135
00:04:22,400 --> 00:04:23,680
But what happened after that
136
00:04:23,720 --> 00:04:25,720
was that the government
started persecuting
137
00:04:25,760 --> 00:04:27,080
was that the government
started persecuting
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00:04:27,120 --> 00:04:29,120
pretty much anyone
that they would see on the street,
139
00:04:29,160 --> 00:04:29,760
pretty much anyone
that they would see on the street,
140
00:04:29,800 --> 00:04:31,800
and they ended up jailing 2,000
people in just a week-and-a-half.
141
00:04:31,840 --> 00:04:33,840
and they ended up jailing 2,000
people in just a week-and-a-half.
142
00:04:33,880 --> 00:04:35,200
and they ended up jailing 2,000
people in just a week-and-a-half.
143
00:04:35,240 --> 00:04:37,240
So, I mean, you look around,
144
00:04:37,280 --> 00:04:37,720
So, I mean, you look around,
145
00:04:37,760 --> 00:04:39,760
and it looks like any other city
going about its business,
146
00:04:39,800 --> 00:04:40,840
and it looks like any other city
going about its business,
147
00:04:40,880 --> 00:04:42,880
I mean, is he hoping that
this will be seen as normal?
148
00:04:42,920 --> 00:04:44,280
I mean, is he hoping that
this will be seen as normal?
149
00:04:44,320 --> 00:04:46,320
Is it now seen as normal?
150
00:04:46,360 --> 00:04:46,600
Is it now seen as normal?
151
00:04:46,640 --> 00:04:48,640
I mean, if normal
is high rates of poverty,
152
00:04:48,680 --> 00:04:50,680
I mean, if normal
is high rates of poverty,
153
00:04:50,720 --> 00:04:52,040
I mean, if normal
is high rates of poverty,
154
00:04:52,080 --> 00:04:54,080
people fleeing
by millions each year,
155
00:04:54,120 --> 00:04:55,920
people fleeing
by millions each year,
156
00:04:55,960 --> 00:04:57,960
I don't think
there's anything normal here.
157
00:04:58,000 --> 00:04:58,360
I don't think
there's anything normal here.
158
00:05:00,280 --> 00:05:02,280
'Not wanting to stay
in one place too long,
159
00:05:02,320 --> 00:05:03,560
'Not wanting to stay
in one place too long,
160
00:05:03,600 --> 00:05:05,600
'we decide to travel by metro
to the centre of the city.'
161
00:05:05,640 --> 00:05:06,720
'we decide to travel by metro
to the centre of the city.'
162
00:05:06,760 --> 00:05:07,920
ANA SPEAKS SPANISH
163
00:05:16,760 --> 00:05:18,760
Do you find if you speak out here
164
00:05:18,800 --> 00:05:19,640
Do you find if you speak out here
165
00:05:19,680 --> 00:05:21,680
and make your feelings felt,
like you have, erm,
166
00:05:21,720 --> 00:05:23,720
and make your feelings felt,
like you have, erm,
167
00:05:23,760 --> 00:05:24,000
and make your feelings felt,
like you have, erm,
168
00:05:24,040 --> 00:05:25,080
would that be dangerous?
169
00:05:25,120 --> 00:05:27,120
Most people wouldn't do that.
Most people wouldn't do that.
170
00:05:27,160 --> 00:05:27,440
Most people wouldn't do that.
Most people wouldn't do that.
171
00:05:29,320 --> 00:05:31,320
'With state surveillance
on the rise,
172
00:05:31,360 --> 00:05:32,000
'With state surveillance
on the rise,
173
00:05:32,040 --> 00:05:34,040
'Venezuelans find themselves
not sure who they trust
174
00:05:34,080 --> 00:05:36,080
'Venezuelans find themselves
not sure who they trust
175
00:05:36,120 --> 00:05:36,520
'Venezuelans find themselves
not sure who they trust
176
00:05:36,560 --> 00:05:38,560
'and who might report them
to the government.'
177
00:05:38,600 --> 00:05:38,800
'and who might report them
to the government.'
178
00:05:43,720 --> 00:05:45,520
Do you ever feel that
this is the sort of place
179
00:05:45,560 --> 00:05:47,560
where you'd be being watched,
somebody would be...
180
00:05:47,600 --> 00:05:47,880
where you'd be being watched,
somebody would be...
181
00:05:47,920 --> 00:05:49,480
somebody would be observing you?
182
00:05:51,000 --> 00:05:53,000
Every Venezuelan needs
to be careful now on what they say,
183
00:05:53,040 --> 00:05:54,640
Every Venezuelan needs
to be careful now on what they say,
184
00:05:54,680 --> 00:05:56,520
where, to whom,
185
00:05:56,560 --> 00:05:58,560
um, because there's a lot
of criminalisation
186
00:05:58,600 --> 00:06:00,600
um, because there's a lot
of criminalisation
187
00:06:00,640 --> 00:06:01,000
um, because there's a lot
of criminalisation
188
00:06:01,040 --> 00:06:03,040
against speaking badly or against...
189
00:06:03,080 --> 00:06:05,040
against speaking badly or against...
190
00:06:05,080 --> 00:06:07,080
against the government, yeah.
191
00:06:07,120 --> 00:06:08,600
against the government, yeah.
192
00:06:13,960 --> 00:06:15,960
'Under President Maduro,
Venezuela has recently experienced
193
00:06:16,000 --> 00:06:17,760
'Under President Maduro,
Venezuela has recently experienced
194
00:06:17,800 --> 00:06:19,800
'one of the worst
economic collapses ever seen.'
195
00:06:19,840 --> 00:06:20,800
'one of the worst
economic collapses ever seen.'
196
00:06:23,600 --> 00:06:25,600
The country has been
sort of dollarised, the economy.
197
00:06:25,640 --> 00:06:26,560
The country has been
sort of dollarised, the economy.
198
00:06:26,600 --> 00:06:28,600
'Thanks to economic mismanagement,
199
00:06:28,640 --> 00:06:29,000
'Thanks to economic mismanagement,
200
00:06:29,040 --> 00:06:31,040
'inflation reached an eye-watering
130,000% in 2018,
201
00:06:31,080 --> 00:06:33,080
'inflation reached an eye-watering
130,000% in 2018,
202
00:06:33,120 --> 00:06:35,120
'inflation reached an eye-watering
130,000% in 2018,
203
00:06:35,160 --> 00:06:35,440
'inflation reached an eye-watering
130,000% in 2018,
204
00:06:35,480 --> 00:06:37,480
'and its own currency,
the bolivar, became worthless.
205
00:06:37,520 --> 00:06:39,520
'and its own currency,
the bolivar, became worthless.
206
00:06:39,560 --> 00:06:40,000
'and its own currency,
the bolivar, became worthless.
207
00:06:40,040 --> 00:06:42,040
'Adopting the US dollar
helped to stabilise things.'
208
00:06:42,080 --> 00:06:43,600
'Adopting the US dollar
helped to stabilise things.'
209
00:06:43,640 --> 00:06:45,320
That was a very,
very complicated time.
210
00:06:45,360 --> 00:06:47,360
A lot of teachers, the elderly,
211
00:06:47,400 --> 00:06:49,200
A lot of teachers, the elderly,
212
00:06:49,240 --> 00:06:51,240
they had their savings in bolivares,
and then this started happening.
213
00:06:51,280 --> 00:06:53,120
they had their savings in bolivares,
and then this started happening.
214
00:06:53,160 --> 00:06:55,160
'The economic crisis was so bad
215
00:06:55,200 --> 00:06:55,880
'The economic crisis was so bad
216
00:06:55,920 --> 00:06:57,920
'that around
eight million Venezuelans
217
00:06:57,960 --> 00:06:58,400
'that around
eight million Venezuelans
218
00:06:58,440 --> 00:07:00,440
'fled their home country.'
219
00:07:00,480 --> 00:07:00,720
'fled their home country.'
220
00:07:00,760 --> 00:07:02,760
But during the worst that we faced,
you know,
221
00:07:02,800 --> 00:07:03,640
But during the worst that we faced,
you know,
222
00:07:03,680 --> 00:07:05,680
millions left, fled the country.
223
00:07:05,720 --> 00:07:06,000
millions left, fled the country.
224
00:07:06,040 --> 00:07:08,040
They run to other countries
just to look for food. Yeah.
225
00:07:08,080 --> 00:07:09,920
They run to other countries
just to look for food. Yeah.
226
00:07:09,960 --> 00:07:11,960
So... Because they couldn't afford
to eat here.
227
00:07:12,000 --> 00:07:12,600
So... Because they couldn't afford
to eat here.
228
00:07:12,640 --> 00:07:14,520
They couldn't afford to eat here.
It's that bad.
229
00:07:14,560 --> 00:07:15,840
They couldn't find food either.
230
00:07:16,960 --> 00:07:18,960
'Things have now improved slightly,
231
00:07:19,000 --> 00:07:20,000
'Things have now improved slightly,
232
00:07:20,040 --> 00:07:22,040
'but by most accounts,
Maduro has been in charge
233
00:07:22,080 --> 00:07:23,840
'but by most accounts,
Maduro has been in charge
234
00:07:23,880 --> 00:07:25,880
'during one of the worst periods
of Venezuela's history.
235
00:07:25,920 --> 00:07:27,200
'during one of the worst periods
of Venezuela's history.
236
00:07:31,600 --> 00:07:33,480
'But back at my hotel,
237
00:07:33,520 --> 00:07:35,520
'El Presidente is all smiles
on his weekly TV show.'
238
00:07:35,560 --> 00:07:37,440
'El Presidente is all smiles
on his weekly TV show.'
239
00:07:39,560 --> 00:07:41,400
MADURO LAUGHS
240
00:07:45,760 --> 00:07:47,760
'Maduro even refers
to his recent inauguration.'
241
00:07:47,800 --> 00:07:49,760
'Maduro even refers
to his recent inauguration.'
242
00:07:49,800 --> 00:07:51,800
IN SPANISH:
243
00:07:51,840 --> 00:07:52,120
IN SPANISH:
244
00:07:54,920 --> 00:07:56,920
"One month ago,
I swore myself into power."
245
00:07:56,960 --> 00:07:58,160
"One month ago,
I swore myself into power."
246
00:07:59,960 --> 00:08:01,800
I bet you didn't mean to say that.
247
00:08:01,840 --> 00:08:03,840
'With carnival celebrations
only a few weeks away,
248
00:08:03,880 --> 00:08:05,880
'With carnival celebrations
only a few weeks away,
249
00:08:05,920 --> 00:08:06,200
'With carnival celebrations
only a few weeks away,
250
00:08:06,240 --> 00:08:08,240
'he seems keen to get everyone
in the mood to party.'
251
00:08:08,280 --> 00:08:08,800
'he seems keen to get everyone
in the mood to party.'
252
00:08:10,560 --> 00:08:12,560
Probably time to stop, but, no,
his people are happy.
253
00:08:12,600 --> 00:08:14,600
Probably time to stop, but, no,
his people are happy.
254
00:08:14,640 --> 00:08:15,400
Probably time to stop, but, no,
his people are happy.
255
00:08:15,440 --> 00:08:17,440
'It's one of the most bizarre things
I've ever seen.
256
00:08:17,480 --> 00:08:19,360
'It's one of the most bizarre things
I've ever seen.
257
00:08:33,880 --> 00:08:35,880
'My first impressions of Caracas
258
00:08:35,920 --> 00:08:36,160
'My first impressions of Caracas
259
00:08:36,200 --> 00:08:38,200
'have been
of a surprisingly modern city.
260
00:08:38,240 --> 00:08:38,840
'have been
of a surprisingly modern city.
261
00:08:42,240 --> 00:08:44,240
'But look beyond the tower blocks,
and you see the endless rows
262
00:08:44,280 --> 00:08:45,800
'But look beyond the tower blocks,
and you see the endless rows
263
00:08:45,840 --> 00:08:47,840
'of the city's
notoriously violent slums.
264
00:08:47,880 --> 00:08:49,040
'of the city's
notoriously violent slums.
265
00:08:50,960 --> 00:08:52,960
'Home to warring gangs,
there are concerns for our safety
266
00:08:53,000 --> 00:08:55,000
'Home to warring gangs,
there are concerns for our safety
267
00:08:55,040 --> 00:08:55,920
'Home to warring gangs,
there are concerns for our safety
268
00:08:55,960 --> 00:08:57,960
'as we attempt to visit
the biggest of them called Petare.'
269
00:08:58,000 --> 00:08:59,560
'as we attempt to visit
the biggest of them called Petare.'
270
00:09:01,040 --> 00:09:03,040
We're waiting for the guy
who's inside,
271
00:09:03,080 --> 00:09:05,000
We're waiting for the guy
who's inside,
272
00:09:05,040 --> 00:09:07,040
who's gonna come out and say
it's OK to go in.
273
00:09:07,080 --> 00:09:08,160
who's gonna come out and say
it's OK to go in.
274
00:09:08,200 --> 00:09:10,200
So we can't just drive in ourselves.
275
00:09:10,240 --> 00:09:10,920
So we can't just drive in ourselves.
276
00:09:10,960 --> 00:09:12,960
THEY SPEAK SPANISH
277
00:09:13,000 --> 00:09:13,320
THEY SPEAK SPANISH
278
00:09:17,680 --> 00:09:19,680
'We cautiously
follow the motorbike.'
279
00:09:19,720 --> 00:09:20,000
'We cautiously
follow the motorbike.'
280
00:09:24,000 --> 00:09:26,000
SPANISH ON RADIO
281
00:09:26,040 --> 00:09:26,200
SPANISH ON RADIO
282
00:09:29,280 --> 00:09:31,280
'Home to around a million people...
283
00:09:31,320 --> 00:09:32,680
'Home to around a million people...
284
00:09:34,360 --> 00:09:36,360
'..Petare is known as the most
dangerous slum in South America,
285
00:09:36,400 --> 00:09:38,400
'..Petare is known as the most
dangerous slum in South America,
286
00:09:38,440 --> 00:09:38,800
'..Petare is known as the most
dangerous slum in South America,
287
00:09:38,840 --> 00:09:40,840
'with hundreds
of murders each year.
288
00:09:40,880 --> 00:09:41,480
'with hundreds
of murders each year.
289
00:09:43,080 --> 00:09:45,080
'These vast and sprawling
neighbourhoods
290
00:09:45,120 --> 00:09:45,840
'These vast and sprawling
neighbourhoods
291
00:09:45,880 --> 00:09:47,880
'are outside the jurisdiction
of the authorities.'
292
00:09:47,920 --> 00:09:49,560
'are outside the jurisdiction
of the authorities.'
293
00:09:49,600 --> 00:09:51,600
Really, sort of houses
packed together.
294
00:09:51,640 --> 00:09:53,640
Really, sort of houses
packed together.
295
00:09:53,680 --> 00:09:53,880
Really, sort of houses
packed together.
296
00:09:55,520 --> 00:09:57,520
Different shapes and sizes
either side of the road.
297
00:09:57,560 --> 00:09:58,520
Different shapes and sizes
either side of the road.
298
00:09:58,560 --> 00:10:00,560
Motorbikes everywhere,
roaring about.
299
00:10:00,600 --> 00:10:01,880
Motorbikes everywhere,
roaring about.
300
00:10:03,640 --> 00:10:05,640
'Known as barrios, they grew rapidly
in the 20th century,
301
00:10:05,680 --> 00:10:07,680
'Known as barrios, they grew rapidly
in the 20th century,
302
00:10:07,720 --> 00:10:09,000
'Known as barrios, they grew rapidly
in the 20th century,
303
00:10:09,040 --> 00:10:11,040
'but despite
their intimidating reputation,
304
00:10:11,080 --> 00:10:12,360
'but despite
their intimidating reputation,
305
00:10:12,400 --> 00:10:13,960
'my first thought
306
00:10:14,000 --> 00:10:16,000
'is that there's something
rather ingenious about them.'
307
00:10:16,040 --> 00:10:16,360
'is that there's something
rather ingenious about them.'
308
00:10:24,800 --> 00:10:26,360
Very steep, as you can see now.
309
00:10:29,080 --> 00:10:31,080
Houses built, you know,
extensions built,
310
00:10:31,120 --> 00:10:32,040
Houses built, you know,
extensions built,
311
00:10:32,080 --> 00:10:34,040
one on top of the other.
312
00:10:34,080 --> 00:10:36,080
'We arrive in a neighbourhood
of Petare called San Blas.'
313
00:10:36,120 --> 00:10:38,120
'We arrive in a neighbourhood
of Petare called San Blas.'
314
00:10:38,160 --> 00:10:38,680
'We arrive in a neighbourhood
of Petare called San Blas.'
315
00:10:38,720 --> 00:10:40,040
DOG BARKS
316
00:10:42,880 --> 00:10:44,880
I love the way they've done murals
on the walls, very bright.
317
00:10:44,920 --> 00:10:46,720
I love the way they've done murals
on the walls, very bright.
318
00:10:46,760 --> 00:10:48,760
There's real pride in this place.
319
00:10:48,800 --> 00:10:48,960
There's real pride in this place.
320
00:10:51,960 --> 00:10:53,960
It feels, oddly enough,
a million miles from Caracas.
321
00:10:54,000 --> 00:10:55,000
It feels, oddly enough,
a million miles from Caracas.
322
00:10:56,760 --> 00:10:58,720
It's its own little world here.
323
00:11:02,440 --> 00:11:04,440
I mean, up there,
quite extraordinary.
324
00:11:04,480 --> 00:11:05,160
I mean, up there,
quite extraordinary.
325
00:11:07,080 --> 00:11:09,080
Each storey is built
overhanging the one below.
326
00:11:09,120 --> 00:11:10,680
Each storey is built
overhanging the one below.
327
00:11:10,720 --> 00:11:12,720
And this is earthquake country,
you know, I mean, that's...
328
00:11:12,760 --> 00:11:14,000
And this is earthquake country,
you know, I mean, that's...
329
00:11:14,040 --> 00:11:16,040
How do you get someone
to put an extension up like that?
330
00:11:16,080 --> 00:11:16,800
How do you get someone
to put an extension up like that?
331
00:11:16,840 --> 00:11:18,840
But this is the remorseless way
these places grow.
332
00:11:18,880 --> 00:11:20,120
But this is the remorseless way
these places grow.
333
00:11:22,440 --> 00:11:24,440
I mean, I'm assuming we're OK
and nobody is sort of keeping an eye
334
00:11:24,480 --> 00:11:26,360
I mean, I'm assuming we're OK
and nobody is sort of keeping an eye
335
00:11:26,400 --> 00:11:28,400
and nudging somebody and making
a phone call and saying, well,
336
00:11:28,440 --> 00:11:29,840
and nudging somebody and making
a phone call and saying, well,
337
00:11:29,880 --> 00:11:31,400
"Foreigners there."
338
00:11:31,440 --> 00:11:32,600
Here we go.
BUS BEEPS
339
00:11:32,640 --> 00:11:34,280
Here's the number 37.
340
00:11:39,160 --> 00:11:41,160
God.
HE CHUCKLES
341
00:11:41,200 --> 00:11:42,320
God.
HE CHUCKLES
342
00:11:42,360 --> 00:11:44,360
Deserve your money
being a bus driver up here.
343
00:11:44,400 --> 00:11:45,400
Deserve your money
being a bus driver up here.
344
00:11:47,720 --> 00:11:49,720
'Petare might not be as scary
as it's made out to be,
345
00:11:49,760 --> 00:11:51,760
'Petare might not be as scary
as it's made out to be,
346
00:11:51,800 --> 00:11:53,800
'but it has been hit badly
by the migration crisis.
347
00:11:53,840 --> 00:11:54,920
'but it has been hit badly
by the migration crisis.
348
00:11:56,440 --> 00:11:58,440
'Millions of people across
the country found themselves unable
349
00:11:58,480 --> 00:11:59,760
'Millions of people across
the country found themselves unable
350
00:11:59,800 --> 00:12:01,800
'to afford food and left
to find work in other countries,
351
00:12:01,840 --> 00:12:03,840
'to afford food and left
to find work in other countries,
352
00:12:03,880 --> 00:12:04,760
'to afford food and left
to find work in other countries,
353
00:12:04,800 --> 00:12:06,800
'sometimes leaving
their children behind.
354
00:12:06,840 --> 00:12:07,520
'sometimes leaving
their children behind.
355
00:12:08,880 --> 00:12:10,880
'I'm visiting the home
of a woman called Yaya,
356
00:12:10,920 --> 00:12:11,880
'I'm visiting the home
of a woman called Yaya,
357
00:12:11,920 --> 00:12:13,920
'whose sister, Yesenia,
left Venezuela
358
00:12:13,960 --> 00:12:15,600
'whose sister, Yesenia,
left Venezuela
359
00:12:15,640 --> 00:12:17,640
'and her baby son two years ago.'
360
00:12:17,680 --> 00:12:18,360
'and her baby son two years ago.'
361
00:12:20,440 --> 00:12:21,640
Hola.
Hola, hola.
362
00:12:21,680 --> 00:12:23,680
I'm Michael. Hello, hello.
It's very nice to see you.
363
00:12:23,720 --> 00:12:25,720
I'm Michael. Hello, hello.
It's very nice to see you.
364
00:12:25,760 --> 00:12:26,240
I'm Michael. Hello, hello.
It's very nice to see you.
365
00:12:26,280 --> 00:12:28,280
What you got there, Aleph?
SHE SPEAKS SPANISH
366
00:12:28,320 --> 00:12:29,120
What you got there, Aleph?
SHE SPEAKS SPANISH
367
00:12:29,160 --> 00:12:31,160
I've got little grandchildren
about your age.
368
00:12:31,200 --> 00:12:32,800
I've got little grandchildren
about your age.
369
00:12:32,840 --> 00:12:34,840
Oh, look at that. Can I have a go?
370
00:12:34,880 --> 00:12:35,360
Oh, look at that. Can I have a go?
371
00:12:35,400 --> 00:12:36,960
THEY CHUCKLE
372
00:12:37,000 --> 00:12:39,000
SHE SPEAKS SPANISH
373
00:12:39,040 --> 00:12:39,720
SHE SPEAKS SPANISH
374
00:12:39,760 --> 00:12:41,760
You see, I got the wrong side.
Nothing at all. But...
375
00:12:41,800 --> 00:12:43,520
You see, I got the wrong side.
Nothing at all. But...
376
00:12:43,560 --> 00:12:45,560
PLAYS JOLLY TUNE
377
00:12:45,600 --> 00:12:45,760
PLAYS JOLLY TUNE
378
00:12:48,440 --> 00:12:50,120
That's all I know on the harmonica.
379
00:12:50,160 --> 00:12:52,160
'Aleph has not had physical contact
with his mother for over two years.'
380
00:12:52,200 --> 00:12:54,200
'Aleph has not had physical contact
with his mother for over two years.'
381
00:12:54,240 --> 00:12:55,400
'Aleph has not had physical contact
with his mother for over two years.'
382
00:12:55,440 --> 00:12:57,440
How did Aleph come to be here
with you, er, without his mother?
383
00:12:57,480 --> 00:12:59,480
How did Aleph come to be here
with you, er, without his mother?
384
00:12:59,520 --> 00:13:00,600
How did Aleph come to be here
with you, er, without his mother?
385
00:13:00,640 --> 00:13:02,480
IN SPANISH:
386
00:13:19,280 --> 00:13:21,280
'Yaya's sister's journey
took her through the Darien Gap,
387
00:13:21,320 --> 00:13:23,320
'Yaya's sister's journey
took her through the Darien Gap,
388
00:13:23,360 --> 00:13:23,760
'Yaya's sister's journey
took her through the Darien Gap,
389
00:13:23,800 --> 00:13:25,800
'a notoriously treacherous area
of forest
390
00:13:25,840 --> 00:13:26,920
'a notoriously treacherous area
of forest
391
00:13:26,960 --> 00:13:28,960
'that connects Panama and Colombia.'
392
00:13:29,000 --> 00:13:30,280
'that connects Panama and Colombia.'
393
00:13:30,320 --> 00:13:32,320
It's one of the wildest parts
of the world,
394
00:13:32,360 --> 00:13:32,920
It's one of the wildest parts
of the world,
395
00:13:32,960 --> 00:13:34,960
that little connection
between South and North America.
396
00:13:35,000 --> 00:13:36,680
that little connection
between South and North America.
397
00:13:36,720 --> 00:13:38,720
Is it...? Erm, she survived,
398
00:13:38,760 --> 00:13:39,320
Is it...? Erm, she survived,
399
00:13:39,360 --> 00:13:41,360
but was it very, very difficult
to get through the Darien Gap?
400
00:13:41,400 --> 00:13:42,800
but was it very, very difficult
to get through the Darien Gap?
401
00:13:51,760 --> 00:13:53,040
Where is she now?
402
00:13:54,680 --> 00:13:56,680
So, she... What will she do
in the next few years?
403
00:13:56,720 --> 00:13:58,280
So, she... What will she do
in the next few years?
404
00:13:58,320 --> 00:14:00,320
Will she stay there?
Will Aleph go to see her?
405
00:14:00,360 --> 00:14:02,360
Will she stay there?
Will Aleph go to see her?
406
00:14:02,400 --> 00:14:03,000
Will she stay there?
Will Aleph go to see her?
407
00:14:12,680 --> 00:14:14,680
Thankfully,
Aleph can still contact his mother.
408
00:14:14,720 --> 00:14:16,720
Thankfully,
Aleph can still contact his mother.
409
00:14:16,760 --> 00:14:16,960
Thankfully,
Aleph can still contact his mother.
410
00:14:21,800 --> 00:14:23,200
YESENIA:
411
00:14:26,160 --> 00:14:28,160
Hello. There are some strangers
in your house.
412
00:14:28,200 --> 00:14:30,200
Hello. There are some strangers
in your house.
413
00:14:30,240 --> 00:14:30,920
Hello. There are some strangers
in your house.
414
00:14:30,960 --> 00:14:32,960
SHE LAUGHS
415
00:14:33,000 --> 00:14:33,160
SHE LAUGHS
416
00:14:41,760 --> 00:14:43,760
SHE LAUGHS
417
00:14:43,800 --> 00:14:44,000
SHE LAUGHS
418
00:14:44,040 --> 00:14:45,840
Bye, then. Bye-bye.
419
00:14:45,880 --> 00:14:47,880
Ciao.
YESENIA:'Ciao.'
420
00:14:47,920 --> 00:14:48,160
Ciao.
YESENIA:'Ciao.'
421
00:14:49,520 --> 00:14:51,520
Aw. She's very bubbly.
422
00:14:51,560 --> 00:14:52,000
Aw. She's very bubbly.
423
00:14:53,640 --> 00:14:55,640
Like you, she's got a lot of energy.
424
00:14:55,680 --> 00:14:56,320
Like you, she's got a lot of energy.
425
00:14:58,880 --> 00:15:00,200
Thank you very much.
426
00:15:00,240 --> 00:15:02,240
And I should say goodbye to Aleph.
427
00:15:02,280 --> 00:15:03,000
And I should say goodbye to Aleph.
428
00:15:03,040 --> 00:15:04,840
Oh, he's in bed, is he?
429
00:15:04,880 --> 00:15:06,880
Aleph, time for harmonica practise.
430
00:15:06,920 --> 00:15:07,760
Aleph, time for harmonica practise.
431
00:15:07,800 --> 00:15:09,520
Adios, you're very good.
432
00:15:11,200 --> 00:15:13,200
Now you're a film star.
SHE LAUGHS
433
00:15:13,240 --> 00:15:14,080
Now you're a film star.
SHE LAUGHS
434
00:15:14,120 --> 00:15:16,120
You're a film star in England.
435
00:15:16,160 --> 00:15:16,400
You're a film star in England.
436
00:15:16,440 --> 00:15:18,440
MICHAEL LAUGHS
Yes.
437
00:15:18,480 --> 00:15:18,720
MICHAEL LAUGHS
Yes.
438
00:15:18,760 --> 00:15:20,760
'Outside, I talk to Emi,
439
00:15:20,800 --> 00:15:21,280
'Outside, I talk to Emi,
440
00:15:21,320 --> 00:15:23,320
'a Venezuelan member
of our production team,
441
00:15:23,360 --> 00:15:24,040
'a Venezuelan member
of our production team,
442
00:15:24,080 --> 00:15:26,080
'who herself
left the country aged 17.'
443
00:15:26,120 --> 00:15:28,120
'who herself
left the country aged 17.'
444
00:15:28,160 --> 00:15:28,440
'who herself
left the country aged 17.'
445
00:15:28,480 --> 00:15:30,480
I mean, things were really bad,
and they still are,
446
00:15:30,520 --> 00:15:31,400
I mean, things were really bad,
and they still are,
447
00:15:31,440 --> 00:15:33,440
but we had a huge food crisis,
shortages,
448
00:15:33,480 --> 00:15:35,240
but we had a huge food crisis,
shortages,
449
00:15:35,280 --> 00:15:37,280
you could not find food to eat,
you could not find toilet paper.
450
00:15:37,320 --> 00:15:39,160
you could not find food to eat,
you could not find toilet paper.
451
00:15:39,200 --> 00:15:41,200
I mean, it was extremely,
extremely bad
452
00:15:41,240 --> 00:15:41,520
I mean, it was extremely,
extremely bad
453
00:15:41,560 --> 00:15:43,000
to the point
that people were starving,
454
00:15:43,040 --> 00:15:44,320
looking in the trash for food.
455
00:15:44,360 --> 00:15:46,160
I mean, I saw it with my own eyes.
456
00:15:46,200 --> 00:15:48,200
And just forced to migrate
and leave their families behind
457
00:15:48,240 --> 00:15:50,160
And just forced to migrate
and leave their families behind
458
00:15:50,200 --> 00:15:52,200
because it was the only way,
really, to move forward.
459
00:15:52,240 --> 00:15:52,840
because it was the only way,
really, to move forward.
460
00:15:52,880 --> 00:15:54,880
But, I mean,
it affected you as well, didn't it?
461
00:15:54,920 --> 00:15:55,160
But, I mean,
it affected you as well, didn't it?
462
00:15:55,200 --> 00:15:57,200
Yes. I left the country back in 2014
463
00:15:57,240 --> 00:15:59,240
Yes. I left the country back in 2014
464
00:15:59,280 --> 00:15:59,640
Yes. I left the country back in 2014
465
00:15:59,680 --> 00:16:01,680
in a much more privileged position
466
00:16:01,720 --> 00:16:01,960
in a much more privileged position
467
00:16:02,000 --> 00:16:04,000
that many people
in the country have.
468
00:16:04,040 --> 00:16:04,600
that many people
in the country have.
469
00:16:04,640 --> 00:16:06,520
I was lucky
to have education abroad,
470
00:16:06,560 --> 00:16:08,560
but I did not want to stay abroad.
471
00:16:08,600 --> 00:16:09,280
but I did not want to stay abroad.
472
00:16:09,320 --> 00:16:11,320
I'm currently living outside
of my home.
473
00:16:11,360 --> 00:16:11,600
I'm currently living outside
of my home.
474
00:16:11,640 --> 00:16:13,480
My whole family lives here.
475
00:16:13,520 --> 00:16:15,080
Um, it's hard.
476
00:16:15,120 --> 00:16:16,520
Yeah.
Yeah.
477
00:16:16,560 --> 00:16:18,560
'Aleph and Emi's stories are just
two of those from millions of people
478
00:16:18,600 --> 00:16:20,600
'Aleph and Emi's stories are just
two of those from millions of people
479
00:16:20,640 --> 00:16:22,280
'Aleph and Emi's stories are just
two of those from millions of people
480
00:16:22,320 --> 00:16:24,320
'whose families have been shattered
by Venezuela's migration crisis.'
481
00:16:24,360 --> 00:16:26,360
'whose families have been shattered
by Venezuela's migration crisis.'
482
00:16:26,400 --> 00:16:26,600
'whose families have been shattered
by Venezuela's migration crisis.'
483
00:16:28,720 --> 00:16:30,720
Things must have been really,
really bad
484
00:16:30,760 --> 00:16:31,760
Things must have been really,
really bad
485
00:16:31,800 --> 00:16:33,800
for people to take these risks
and to leave the country.
486
00:16:33,840 --> 00:16:35,200
for people to take these risks
and to leave the country.
487
00:16:36,680 --> 00:16:38,680
You know, you just try
and project it onto your own family
488
00:16:38,720 --> 00:16:39,280
You know, you just try
and project it onto your own family
489
00:16:39,320 --> 00:16:40,880
or your own children.
490
00:16:40,920 --> 00:16:42,560
You just may not see them again.
491
00:16:44,600 --> 00:16:46,600
It's, er, pretty intolerable,
really.
492
00:16:46,640 --> 00:16:47,960
It's, er, pretty intolerable,
really.
493
00:16:48,000 --> 00:16:50,000
'All of this is a far cry
from Venezuela's decades of glory,
494
00:16:50,040 --> 00:16:52,000
'All of this is a far cry
from Venezuela's decades of glory,
495
00:16:52,040 --> 00:16:54,040
'when this oil-rich country
was celebrated
496
00:16:54,080 --> 00:16:54,480
'when this oil-rich country
was celebrated
497
00:16:54,520 --> 00:16:56,520
'as the most successful
in South America.
498
00:16:56,560 --> 00:16:57,680
'as the most successful
in South America.
499
00:16:57,720 --> 00:16:59,720
'But there's still an upscale side
to Caracas,
500
00:16:59,760 --> 00:17:01,520
'But there's still an upscale side
to Caracas,
501
00:17:01,560 --> 00:17:03,560
'and I'm heading to a place where,
for some, the party never ended.'
502
00:17:03,600 --> 00:17:05,480
'and I'm heading to a place where,
for some, the party never ended.'
503
00:17:15,240 --> 00:17:17,240
THEY SING IN SPANISH
504
00:17:17,280 --> 00:17:17,440
THEY SING IN SPANISH
505
00:17:20,840 --> 00:17:22,840
MICHAEL PALIN: 'In 1914,
oil was discovered in Venezuela,
506
00:17:22,880 --> 00:17:24,200
MICHAEL PALIN: 'In 1914,
oil was discovered in Venezuela,
507
00:17:24,240 --> 00:17:26,240
'and by the 1950s,
508
00:17:26,280 --> 00:17:26,600
'and by the 1950s,
509
00:17:26,640 --> 00:17:28,640
'it had become the richest country
in South America.
510
00:17:28,680 --> 00:17:30,040
'it had become the richest country
in South America.
511
00:17:31,160 --> 00:17:33,160
'Some of this wealth
was used to construct
512
00:17:33,200 --> 00:17:33,760
'Some of this wealth
was used to construct
513
00:17:33,800 --> 00:17:35,800
'grand architectural projects
across the capital.
514
00:17:35,840 --> 00:17:37,120
'grand architectural projects
across the capital.
515
00:17:37,160 --> 00:17:39,160
'And one of the most ambitious
516
00:17:39,200 --> 00:17:39,440
'And one of the most ambitious
517
00:17:39,480 --> 00:17:41,480
'was a hotel built on top
of the Avila mountain.'
518
00:17:41,520 --> 00:17:43,240
'was a hotel built on top
of the Avila mountain.'
519
00:17:43,280 --> 00:17:45,280
Hola. Un boleto, por favor.
520
00:17:45,320 --> 00:17:46,240
Hola. Un boleto, por favor.
521
00:17:46,280 --> 00:17:48,280
'It even has its own cable car.
522
00:17:48,320 --> 00:17:50,280
'It even has its own cable car.
523
00:17:52,920 --> 00:17:54,920
'And, of course, El Presidente
is here to welcome me.'
524
00:17:54,960 --> 00:17:56,200
'And, of course, El Presidente
is here to welcome me.'
525
00:17:59,480 --> 00:18:01,480
Up, up and away. Woohoo.
That's the exciting bit.
526
00:18:01,520 --> 00:18:03,520
Up, up and away. Woohoo.
That's the exciting bit.
527
00:18:03,560 --> 00:18:03,760
Up, up and away. Woohoo.
That's the exciting bit.
528
00:18:05,600 --> 00:18:07,600
'Climbing 2,000 metres,
529
00:18:07,640 --> 00:18:08,080
'Climbing 2,000 metres,
530
00:18:08,120 --> 00:18:10,120
'the cable car offers great views
of the city.'
531
00:18:10,160 --> 00:18:10,720
'the cable car offers great views
of the city.'
532
00:18:12,360 --> 00:18:13,760
Yes, that's fantastic.
533
00:18:17,560 --> 00:18:19,560
Wow. See the city settle
in the valley.
534
00:18:19,600 --> 00:18:20,560
Wow. See the city settle
in the valley.
535
00:18:24,000 --> 00:18:26,000
Size and scale of it
looks very impressive.
536
00:18:26,040 --> 00:18:26,520
Size and scale of it
looks very impressive.
537
00:18:28,080 --> 00:18:29,640
Especially from up here
in the heavens.
538
00:18:33,120 --> 00:18:35,120
'A few minutes' walk away
from the cable-car station
539
00:18:35,160 --> 00:18:37,040
'A few minutes' walk away
from the cable-car station
540
00:18:37,080 --> 00:18:39,080
'is a building that is something
of an icon in Venezuela.
541
00:18:39,120 --> 00:18:40,760
'is a building that is something
of an icon in Venezuela.
542
00:18:43,560 --> 00:18:45,560
'This is the Humboldt Hotel.
543
00:18:45,600 --> 00:18:45,760
'This is the Humboldt Hotel.
544
00:18:48,560 --> 00:18:50,560
'Opened in 1956,
it was intended to showcase
545
00:18:50,600 --> 00:18:52,400
'Opened in 1956,
it was intended to showcase
546
00:18:52,440 --> 00:18:54,440
'Venezuela's new oil-rich prosperity
to the world,
547
00:18:54,480 --> 00:18:56,360
'Venezuela's new oil-rich prosperity
to the world,
548
00:18:56,400 --> 00:18:58,400
'as well as the incredible views
from the Avila Mountain.
549
00:18:58,440 --> 00:19:00,440
'as well as the incredible views
from the Avila Mountain.
550
00:19:00,480 --> 00:19:00,680
'as well as the incredible views
from the Avila Mountain.
551
00:19:03,400 --> 00:19:05,400
'And walking inside,
I feel like I've been transported
552
00:19:05,440 --> 00:19:07,000
'And walking inside,
I feel like I've been transported
553
00:19:07,040 --> 00:19:09,040
'to a Venezuela from a bygone era.
554
00:19:09,080 --> 00:19:10,120
'to a Venezuela from a bygone era.
555
00:19:17,480 --> 00:19:19,480
'The Humboldt lay derelict
for decades
556
00:19:19,520 --> 00:19:20,240
'The Humboldt lay derelict
for decades
557
00:19:20,280 --> 00:19:22,280
'until Presidents Chavez and Maduro
558
00:19:22,320 --> 00:19:23,320
'until Presidents Chavez and Maduro
559
00:19:23,360 --> 00:19:25,360
'spent millions bringing this luxury
hotel back to life in 2018,
560
00:19:25,400 --> 00:19:27,400
'spent millions bringing this luxury
hotel back to life in 2018,
561
00:19:27,440 --> 00:19:29,440
'spent millions bringing this luxury
hotel back to life in 2018,
562
00:19:29,480 --> 00:19:29,760
'spent millions bringing this luxury
hotel back to life in 2018,
563
00:19:29,800 --> 00:19:31,800
'just as the country's economy
was imploding.'
564
00:19:31,840 --> 00:19:32,600
'just as the country's economy
was imploding.'
565
00:19:36,200 --> 00:19:38,200
I mean, this is... must be
quite expensive to stay here.
566
00:19:38,240 --> 00:19:40,240
I mean, this is... must be
quite expensive to stay here.
567
00:19:40,280 --> 00:19:42,280
Yeah.
How much is a room a night?
568
00:19:42,320 --> 00:19:42,600
Yeah.
How much is a room a night?
569
00:19:42,640 --> 00:19:44,640
I would say it's expensive
because it's a luxurious hotel.
570
00:19:44,680 --> 00:19:46,080
I would say it's expensive
because it's a luxurious hotel.
571
00:19:46,120 --> 00:19:48,120
But I'd say it is, in the realm
of luxurious hotels,
572
00:19:48,160 --> 00:19:48,760
But I'd say it is, in the realm
of luxurious hotels,
573
00:19:48,800 --> 00:19:50,560
I would say it's still affordable.
574
00:19:50,600 --> 00:19:52,400
A one-night stay is $340.
575
00:19:54,160 --> 00:19:56,160
'Alejandro Jimenez
works at the hotel.'
576
00:19:56,200 --> 00:19:57,800
'Alejandro Jimenez
works at the hotel.'
577
00:19:57,840 --> 00:19:59,840
So, it seems, you know,
at the moment
578
00:19:59,880 --> 00:20:00,400
So, it seems, you know,
at the moment
579
00:20:00,440 --> 00:20:02,440
that there's two sides
to Venezuela, really.Right.
580
00:20:02,480 --> 00:20:03,520
that there's two sides
to Venezuela, really.Right.
581
00:20:03,560 --> 00:20:05,560
What I'm beginning to find out...
Yeah.
582
00:20:05,600 --> 00:20:05,880
What I'm beginning to find out...
Yeah.
583
00:20:05,920 --> 00:20:07,920
..is that this very comfortable
sort of Western, affluent lifestyle
584
00:20:07,960 --> 00:20:09,960
..is that this very comfortable
sort of Western, affluent lifestyle
585
00:20:10,000 --> 00:20:11,440
..is that this very comfortable
sort of Western, affluent lifestyle
586
00:20:11,480 --> 00:20:13,480
alongside, you know, barrios,
587
00:20:13,520 --> 00:20:14,000
alongside, you know, barrios,
588
00:20:14,040 --> 00:20:16,040
where people live in one room
with three children.
589
00:20:16,080 --> 00:20:16,800
where people live in one room
with three children.
590
00:20:16,840 --> 00:20:18,840
Right. I think like anywhere
in the world,
591
00:20:18,880 --> 00:20:19,120
Right. I think like anywhere
in the world,
592
00:20:19,160 --> 00:20:21,160
it still has a lot to go forward,
593
00:20:21,200 --> 00:20:21,440
it still has a lot to go forward,
594
00:20:21,480 --> 00:20:23,480
it still needs to go forward
in a lot of ways.
595
00:20:23,520 --> 00:20:23,800
it still needs to go forward
in a lot of ways.
596
00:20:23,840 --> 00:20:25,840
But I would say, I mean,
I do say we're surviving.
597
00:20:25,880 --> 00:20:27,680
But I would say, I mean,
I do say we're surviving.
598
00:20:27,720 --> 00:20:29,720
Even though a lot
of people complain,
599
00:20:29,760 --> 00:20:30,040
Even though a lot
of people complain,
600
00:20:30,080 --> 00:20:32,080
a lot of people are living through
hard things, I'm not denying that,
601
00:20:32,120 --> 00:20:32,920
a lot of people are living through
hard things, I'm not denying that,
602
00:20:32,960 --> 00:20:34,960
but I would say we do...
we do have it good.
603
00:20:35,000 --> 00:20:35,440
but I would say we do...
we do have it good.
604
00:20:35,480 --> 00:20:37,480
'With the average wage
under $100 a month,
605
00:20:37,520 --> 00:20:39,520
'With the average wage
under $100 a month,
606
00:20:39,560 --> 00:20:41,560
'this hotel is very much
for the elite,
607
00:20:41,600 --> 00:20:42,240
'this hotel is very much
for the elite,
608
00:20:42,280 --> 00:20:44,280
'but it's also a reminder
609
00:20:44,320 --> 00:20:44,600
'but it's also a reminder
610
00:20:44,640 --> 00:20:46,640
'of the prosperous country Venezuela
has been and maybe can be again.
611
00:20:46,680 --> 00:20:48,680
'of the prosperous country Venezuela
has been and maybe can be again.
612
00:20:48,720 --> 00:20:49,320
'of the prosperous country Venezuela
has been and maybe can be again.
613
00:20:52,320 --> 00:20:54,320
'It's my last night in Caracas,
614
00:20:54,360 --> 00:20:55,600
'It's my last night in Caracas,
615
00:20:55,640 --> 00:20:57,640
'which also happens
to be the 14th of February.
616
00:20:57,680 --> 00:20:59,400
'which also happens
to be the 14th of February.
617
00:21:01,160 --> 00:21:03,160
'So I've come to the historical
neighbourhood of El Hatillo
618
00:21:03,200 --> 00:21:04,840
'So I've come to the historical
neighbourhood of El Hatillo
619
00:21:04,880 --> 00:21:06,880
'for a Venezuelan Valentine.'
620
00:21:06,920 --> 00:21:07,080
'for a Venezuelan Valentine.'
621
00:21:08,320 --> 00:21:10,320
Valentina, it's very nice
to be with you here.
622
00:21:10,360 --> 00:21:11,240
Valentina, it's very nice
to be with you here.
623
00:21:11,280 --> 00:21:13,280
Well, especially cos
it's Valentine's night,
624
00:21:13,320 --> 00:21:13,600
Well, especially cos
it's Valentine's night,
625
00:21:13,640 --> 00:21:15,400
and you're Valentina.
Yes.
626
00:21:15,440 --> 00:21:17,440
And I know that
you're a legend here.
627
00:21:17,480 --> 00:21:17,720
And I know that
you're a legend here.
628
00:21:17,760 --> 00:21:19,760
'I'm meeting Valentina Quintero,
629
00:21:19,800 --> 00:21:21,080
'I'm meeting Valentina Quintero,
630
00:21:21,120 --> 00:21:23,120
'who is one of the most famous
people in Venezuela.'
631
00:21:23,160 --> 00:21:24,120
'who is one of the most famous
people in Venezuela.'
632
00:21:24,160 --> 00:21:26,160
SHE SPEAKS SPANISH
633
00:21:26,200 --> 00:21:27,240
SHE SPEAKS SPANISH
634
00:21:27,280 --> 00:21:29,280
'Valentina is a writer,
traveller and broadcaster,
635
00:21:29,320 --> 00:21:31,040
'Valentina is a writer,
traveller and broadcaster,
636
00:21:31,080 --> 00:21:33,080
'and she's very passionate
about Venezuela.
637
00:21:33,120 --> 00:21:34,000
'and she's very passionate
about Venezuela.
638
00:21:34,040 --> 00:21:36,040
'And Venezuelans seem
equally enthusiastic about her.'
639
00:21:36,080 --> 00:21:37,800
'And Venezuelans seem
equally enthusiastic about her.'
640
00:21:37,840 --> 00:21:39,840
I feel like I'm your security man,
waiting here in case they mob you.
641
00:21:39,880 --> 00:21:41,880
I feel like I'm your security man,
waiting here in case they mob you.
642
00:21:41,920 --> 00:21:42,440
I feel like I'm your security man,
waiting here in case they mob you.
643
00:21:47,600 --> 00:21:48,720
OK, there you go.
644
00:21:50,080 --> 00:21:52,080
'The atmosphere here
feels celebratory,
645
00:21:52,120 --> 00:21:53,200
'The atmosphere here
feels celebratory,
646
00:21:53,240 --> 00:21:55,240
'which is quite heartening given
the challenges Venezuela is facing.'
647
00:21:55,280 --> 00:21:57,280
'which is quite heartening given
the challenges Venezuela is facing.'
648
00:21:57,320 --> 00:21:57,560
'which is quite heartening given
the challenges Venezuela is facing.'
649
00:21:57,600 --> 00:21:59,320
All these people here,
650
00:21:59,360 --> 00:22:01,360
they see someone like you,
who has achieved rather a lot,
651
00:22:01,400 --> 00:22:02,520
they see someone like you,
who has achieved rather a lot,
652
00:22:02,560 --> 00:22:04,560
you know, it's a great response.
653
00:22:04,600 --> 00:22:04,840
you know, it's a great response.
654
00:22:04,880 --> 00:22:06,120
People smile.
I know.
655
00:22:06,160 --> 00:22:07,720
It's lovely, you know.
I know.
656
00:22:07,760 --> 00:22:09,760
They're really pleased to be here,
despite all the problems.
657
00:22:09,800 --> 00:22:10,680
They're really pleased to be here,
despite all the problems.
658
00:22:10,720 --> 00:22:12,720
Yes, we decided
about four years ago,
659
00:22:12,760 --> 00:22:13,040
Yes, we decided
about four years ago,
660
00:22:13,080 --> 00:22:15,080
"OK, we cannot
take the dictatorship out
661
00:22:15,120 --> 00:22:17,120
"OK, we cannot
take the dictatorship out
662
00:22:17,160 --> 00:22:18,080
"OK, we cannot
take the dictatorship out
663
00:22:18,120 --> 00:22:20,000
"because these people
doesn't wanna go,
664
00:22:20,040 --> 00:22:22,040
"because they don't have
any place to go."
665
00:22:22,080 --> 00:22:23,560
"because they don't have
any place to go."
666
00:22:23,600 --> 00:22:25,600
And we say, "OK, we are going
to make our life."
667
00:22:25,640 --> 00:22:27,480
And we say, "OK, we are going
to make our life."
668
00:22:27,520 --> 00:22:29,520
And what I feel is, like,
669
00:22:29,560 --> 00:22:30,160
And what I feel is, like,
670
00:22:30,200 --> 00:22:32,200
people in Venezuela
have this resilience.
671
00:22:32,240 --> 00:22:34,240
people in Venezuela
have this resilience.
672
00:22:34,280 --> 00:22:34,560
people in Venezuela
have this resilience.
673
00:22:34,600 --> 00:22:36,600
Resilience, yeah.
We decided to, erm...
674
00:22:36,640 --> 00:22:38,120
Resilience, yeah.
We decided to, erm...
675
00:22:38,160 --> 00:22:40,160
do what we have to do
and build the country now, OK?
676
00:22:40,200 --> 00:22:42,200
do what we have to do
and build the country now, OK?
677
00:22:42,240 --> 00:22:42,520
do what we have to do
and build the country now, OK?
678
00:22:42,560 --> 00:22:44,560
Yeah, good. Did you ever
in your wildest dreams
679
00:22:44,600 --> 00:22:46,320
Yeah, good. Did you ever
in your wildest dreams
680
00:22:46,360 --> 00:22:48,360
ever consider leaving
the country yourself?No, never.
681
00:22:48,400 --> 00:22:49,480
ever consider leaving
the country yourself?No, never.
682
00:22:49,520 --> 00:22:51,520
No, no, because see, what I feel,
this is my country, I was born here.
683
00:22:51,560 --> 00:22:53,560
No, no, because see, what I feel,
this is my country, I was born here.
684
00:22:53,600 --> 00:22:55,480
No, no, because see, what I feel,
this is my country, I was born here.
685
00:22:55,520 --> 00:22:57,520
Yeah.All what I have doing,
I have done it here,
686
00:22:57,560 --> 00:22:59,560
Yeah.All what I have doing,
I have done it here,
687
00:22:59,600 --> 00:23:01,600
Yeah.All what I have doing,
I have done it here,
688
00:23:01,640 --> 00:23:01,920
Yeah.All what I have doing,
I have done it here,
689
00:23:01,960 --> 00:23:03,960
and I say,
"If I love my country well,
690
00:23:04,000 --> 00:23:04,880
and I say,
"If I love my country well,
691
00:23:04,920 --> 00:23:06,920
"if I really love my country,
I care about my country,
692
00:23:06,960 --> 00:23:08,360
"if I really love my country,
I care about my country,
693
00:23:08,400 --> 00:23:10,400
"why am I going to leave?"
694
00:23:10,440 --> 00:23:11,080
"why am I going to leave?"
695
00:23:11,120 --> 00:23:13,120
The ones who have to leave
are the people,
696
00:23:13,160 --> 00:23:14,400
The ones who have to leave
are the people,
697
00:23:14,440 --> 00:23:16,440
the dictatorship, not me,
because I love the country.
698
00:23:16,480 --> 00:23:17,600
the dictatorship, not me,
because I love the country.
699
00:23:17,640 --> 00:23:19,000
I care about the country.
700
00:23:19,040 --> 00:23:20,960
You love the country.
I fight for the country.
701
00:23:21,000 --> 00:23:22,760
That's more important
to you than...?Yes.
702
00:23:22,800 --> 00:23:24,800
I love a lot, because you know
why I love my country?
703
00:23:24,840 --> 00:23:26,080
I love a lot, because you know
why I love my country?
704
00:23:26,120 --> 00:23:27,440
Because I know my country.
705
00:23:27,480 --> 00:23:29,480
'Venezuelans might not be able
to change the political situation,
706
00:23:29,520 --> 00:23:31,520
'Venezuelans might not be able
to change the political situation,
707
00:23:31,560 --> 00:23:32,560
'Venezuelans might not be able
to change the political situation,
708
00:23:32,600 --> 00:23:34,600
'but they seem determined
to carry on with their lives.'
709
00:23:34,640 --> 00:23:36,520
'but they seem determined
to carry on with their lives.'
710
00:23:36,560 --> 00:23:38,560
People in Venezuela like to drink.
They like to drink.
711
00:23:38,600 --> 00:23:39,760
People in Venezuela like to drink.
They like to drink.
712
00:23:39,800 --> 00:23:41,800
Yes, they like to drink.
They like to drink with the meal.
713
00:23:41,840 --> 00:23:43,840
Yes, they like to drink.
They like to drink with the meal.
714
00:23:43,880 --> 00:23:44,720
Yes, they like to drink.
They like to drink with the meal.
715
00:23:44,760 --> 00:23:46,680
They like to drink without meal.
716
00:23:46,720 --> 00:23:48,720
They like to drink to celebrate,
whatever. They like to drink.
717
00:23:48,760 --> 00:23:50,200
They like to drink to celebrate,
whatever. They like to drink.
718
00:23:50,240 --> 00:23:52,240
People in Venezuela like to drink.
Cheers.
719
00:23:52,280 --> 00:23:52,520
People in Venezuela like to drink.
Cheers.
720
00:23:52,560 --> 00:23:54,560
Oh. OK. Cheers.
721
00:23:54,600 --> 00:23:54,760
Oh. OK. Cheers.
722
00:23:57,600 --> 00:23:59,600
Should we eat something
to start with?
723
00:23:59,640 --> 00:23:59,880
Should we eat something
to start with?
724
00:23:59,920 --> 00:24:01,920
We should have tequenos.
725
00:24:01,960 --> 00:24:02,200
We should have tequenos.
726
00:24:02,240 --> 00:24:03,960
Tequenos, yeah.
Tequenos.
727
00:24:04,000 --> 00:24:06,000
'Tequenos are deep-fried
sticks of cheese
728
00:24:06,040 --> 00:24:07,000
'Tequenos are deep-fried
sticks of cheese
729
00:24:07,040 --> 00:24:09,040
'and are a national institution.'
730
00:24:09,080 --> 00:24:09,640
'and are a national institution.'
731
00:24:16,920 --> 00:24:18,920
That's really nice,
I mean, because it's...
732
00:24:18,960 --> 00:24:19,680
That's really nice,
I mean, because it's...
733
00:24:19,720 --> 00:24:21,720
the sort of batter around it
is well-fried.
734
00:24:21,760 --> 00:24:22,160
the sort of batter around it
is well-fried.
735
00:24:22,200 --> 00:24:24,000
Also, it's cheese, it's not...
736
00:24:24,040 --> 00:24:26,040
it's not a strong cheese,
but it's just right.
737
00:24:26,080 --> 00:24:26,520
it's not a strong cheese,
but it's just right.
738
00:24:30,840 --> 00:24:32,560
It's Valentine's night.
739
00:24:32,600 --> 00:24:34,600
I mean, are Venezuelans good lovers?
740
00:24:34,640 --> 00:24:35,160
I mean, are Venezuelans good lovers?
741
00:24:37,960 --> 00:24:39,960
HE LAUGHS
742
00:24:40,000 --> 00:24:40,360
HE LAUGHS
743
00:24:41,360 --> 00:24:43,360
We like to be loved.
744
00:24:43,400 --> 00:24:44,600
We like to be loved.
745
00:24:44,640 --> 00:24:46,640
Oh, yes.
And people are romantic.
746
00:24:46,680 --> 00:24:46,920
Oh, yes.
And people are romantic.
747
00:24:46,960 --> 00:24:48,960
I love to be talking with you
748
00:24:49,000 --> 00:24:49,240
I love to be talking with you
749
00:24:49,280 --> 00:24:51,280
because you ask me things
that I have never been asked.
750
00:24:51,320 --> 00:24:53,320
because you ask me things
that I have never been asked.
751
00:24:53,360 --> 00:24:53,720
because you ask me things
that I have never been asked.
752
00:24:53,760 --> 00:24:55,760
You said to me earlier that
the great thing about travelling
753
00:24:55,800 --> 00:24:56,600
You said to me earlier that
the great thing about travelling
754
00:24:56,640 --> 00:24:58,640
is you learn things about yourself
that you didn't know.
755
00:24:58,680 --> 00:24:59,760
is you learn things about yourself
that you didn't know.
756
00:24:59,800 --> 00:25:00,920
And I love travelling
757
00:25:00,960 --> 00:25:02,960
cos I probably wouldn't ask
that question of people in England
758
00:25:03,000 --> 00:25:03,640
cos I probably wouldn't ask
that question of people in England
759
00:25:03,680 --> 00:25:05,440
unless I knew them very well.
760
00:25:05,480 --> 00:25:07,480
But here, I'm a dummy foreigner,
they can say anything they want.
761
00:25:07,520 --> 00:25:09,520
But here, I'm a dummy foreigner,
they can say anything they want.
762
00:25:09,560 --> 00:25:10,560
But here, I'm a dummy foreigner,
they can say anything they want.
763
00:25:10,600 --> 00:25:12,600
'I've enjoyed my time in Caracas,
but Venezuela's real appeal
764
00:25:12,640 --> 00:25:14,640
'I've enjoyed my time in Caracas,
but Venezuela's real appeal
765
00:25:14,680 --> 00:25:15,240
'I've enjoyed my time in Caracas,
but Venezuela's real appeal
766
00:25:15,280 --> 00:25:17,280
'lies outside its capital,
and it's time to explore.'
767
00:25:17,320 --> 00:25:19,320
'lies outside its capital,
and it's time to explore.'
768
00:25:19,360 --> 00:25:20,080
'lies outside its capital,
and it's time to explore.'
769
00:25:20,120 --> 00:25:22,120
TANNOY CHIMES
770
00:25:22,160 --> 00:25:22,320
TANNOY CHIMES
771
00:25:23,520 --> 00:25:25,520
'And that means a very early start
at the airport.'
772
00:25:25,560 --> 00:25:27,000
'And that means a very early start
at the airport.'
773
00:25:30,120 --> 00:25:32,120
They're not letting us
take the lenses and the camera
774
00:25:32,160 --> 00:25:32,880
They're not letting us
take the lenses and the camera
775
00:25:32,920 --> 00:25:34,920
with us in the plane, so, no,
we're gonna figure it out,
776
00:25:34,960 --> 00:25:36,560
with us in the plane, so, no,
we're gonna figure it out,
777
00:25:36,600 --> 00:25:38,600
but these things,
in Venezuela, take a while.
778
00:25:38,640 --> 00:25:40,520
but these things,
in Venezuela, take a while.
779
00:25:40,560 --> 00:25:42,560
'I notice a poster in the terminal
780
00:25:42,600 --> 00:25:43,320
'I notice a poster in the terminal
781
00:25:43,360 --> 00:25:45,360
'offering a $100,000 reward
for the capture of Edmundo Gonzalez,
782
00:25:45,400 --> 00:25:47,400
'offering a $100,000 reward
for the capture of Edmundo Gonzalez,
783
00:25:47,440 --> 00:25:48,160
'offering a $100,000 reward
for the capture of Edmundo Gonzalez,
784
00:25:48,200 --> 00:25:50,200
'the opposition leader
who many say won the election
785
00:25:50,240 --> 00:25:51,760
'the opposition leader
who many say won the election
786
00:25:51,800 --> 00:25:53,800
'and is the rightful president
of Venezuela.
787
00:25:53,840 --> 00:25:54,200
'and is the rightful president
of Venezuela.
788
00:25:59,320 --> 00:26:00,480
'We're flying south-east,
789
00:26:00,520 --> 00:26:02,520
'into the heart
of the Amazon rainforest.
790
00:26:02,560 --> 00:26:02,960
'into the heart
of the Amazon rainforest.
791
00:26:05,360 --> 00:26:07,360
'Onboard is
a very glossy magazine...'
792
00:26:07,400 --> 00:26:09,240
'Onboard is
a very glossy magazine...'
793
00:26:09,280 --> 00:26:11,040
Oh, here he is again.
794
00:26:11,080 --> 00:26:12,920
'..devoted entirely
to Nicolas Maduro.
795
00:26:15,640 --> 00:26:17,640
'He even has his own comic strip.'
796
00:26:17,680 --> 00:26:19,080
'He even has his own comic strip.'
797
00:26:19,120 --> 00:26:21,120
They call him Superbigote.
CHUCKLES
798
00:26:21,160 --> 00:26:21,760
They call him Superbigote.
CHUCKLES
799
00:26:23,680 --> 00:26:25,680
Crushing all his... enemies.
800
00:26:25,720 --> 00:26:27,720
Crushing all his... enemies.
801
00:26:27,760 --> 00:26:28,240
Crushing all his... enemies.
802
00:26:28,280 --> 00:26:30,280
There are all his enemies.
America...
803
00:26:30,320 --> 00:26:30,640
There are all his enemies.
America...
804
00:26:32,440 --> 00:26:34,440
That's the opposition leader
who has "wanted" posters for him
805
00:26:34,480 --> 00:26:35,240
That's the opposition leader
who has "wanted" posters for him
806
00:26:35,280 --> 00:26:36,640
all over the country.
807
00:26:38,480 --> 00:26:40,320
It's all quite subtle stuff (!)
808
00:26:43,640 --> 00:26:45,640
Can't wait for page two
of Superbigote (!)
809
00:26:45,680 --> 00:26:47,000
Can't wait for page two
of Superbigote (!)
810
00:26:47,040 --> 00:26:49,040
'Despite Venezuela's
dangerous reputation,
811
00:26:49,080 --> 00:26:50,400
'Despite Venezuela's
dangerous reputation,
812
00:26:50,440 --> 00:26:52,440
'I'm looking forward to exploring
what some say is
813
00:26:52,480 --> 00:26:53,200
'I'm looking forward to exploring
what some say is
814
00:26:53,240 --> 00:26:55,240
'the most beautiful country
in the world.'
815
00:26:55,280 --> 00:26:56,120
'the most beautiful country
in the world.'
816
00:27:07,320 --> 00:27:09,320
MICHAEL PALIN:
'After a slightly heavy landing,
817
00:27:09,360 --> 00:27:10,000
MICHAEL PALIN:
'After a slightly heavy landing,
818
00:27:10,040 --> 00:27:12,040
'I walk onto the airstrip in a place
819
00:27:12,080 --> 00:27:13,080
'I walk onto the airstrip in a place
820
00:27:13,120 --> 00:27:14,880
'in the middle
of the Venezuelan Amazon,
821
00:27:14,920 --> 00:27:16,920
'known as Canaima.
822
00:27:16,960 --> 00:27:17,440
'known as Canaima.
823
00:27:17,480 --> 00:27:19,480
'And just a few minute's walk away
824
00:27:19,520 --> 00:27:21,520
'is a place called
the Canaima Lagoon.'
825
00:27:21,560 --> 00:27:23,080
'is a place called
the Canaima Lagoon.'
826
00:27:23,120 --> 00:27:25,120
Fantastic. I've got to see this.
827
00:27:25,160 --> 00:27:26,200
Fantastic. I've got to see this.
828
00:27:31,000 --> 00:27:33,000
Oh! This is...
829
00:27:33,040 --> 00:27:33,960
Oh! This is...
830
00:27:35,640 --> 00:27:36,640
Wow!
831
00:27:42,160 --> 00:27:44,160
It's just a marvellous sight.
Marvellous sight.
832
00:27:44,200 --> 00:27:44,760
It's just a marvellous sight.
Marvellous sight.
833
00:27:44,800 --> 00:27:46,800
I love waterfalls anyway.
I mean... Great stuff!
834
00:27:46,840 --> 00:27:48,520
I love waterfalls anyway.
I mean... Great stuff!
835
00:27:51,840 --> 00:27:53,840
One of the great views of the world,
really, I would say.
836
00:27:53,880 --> 00:27:55,200
One of the great views of the world,
really, I would say.
837
00:27:57,520 --> 00:27:59,520
I think this is the retirement
moment, isn't it, really?
838
00:27:59,560 --> 00:28:00,240
I think this is the retirement
moment, isn't it, really?
839
00:28:01,520 --> 00:28:03,040
I'm sorry we've got
a series to finish,
840
00:28:03,080 --> 00:28:04,200
but I'm not doing any more.
841
00:28:04,240 --> 00:28:06,240
I'm just going to retire now, here.
There's a nice seat. Just sit down.
842
00:28:06,280 --> 00:28:08,280
I'm just going to retire now, here.
There's a nice seat. Just sit down.
843
00:28:08,320 --> 00:28:08,800
I'm just going to retire now, here.
There's a nice seat. Just sit down.
844
00:28:10,600 --> 00:28:12,600
Ah, practise retirement. Oh!
CHUCKLES
845
00:28:12,640 --> 00:28:13,800
Ah, practise retirement. Oh!
CHUCKLES
846
00:28:13,840 --> 00:28:15,520
This is what it is! Oh!
847
00:28:18,600 --> 00:28:20,600
Nowhere better.
That is absolutely terrific.
848
00:28:20,640 --> 00:28:21,360
Nowhere better.
That is absolutely terrific.
849
00:28:21,400 --> 00:28:23,400
And the big mountains,
the tepuis in the background.
850
00:28:23,440 --> 00:28:25,240
And the big mountains,
the tepuis in the background.
851
00:28:29,160 --> 00:28:31,160
Can't believe it's all real.
Anyway, cheers. Um...
852
00:28:31,200 --> 00:28:33,200
Can't believe it's all real.
Anyway, cheers. Um...
853
00:28:33,240 --> 00:28:33,520
Can't believe it's all real.
Anyway, cheers. Um...
854
00:28:33,560 --> 00:28:35,560
I mean, you can get... Stop film.
Finish the thing. But, er...
855
00:28:35,600 --> 00:28:37,280
I mean, you can get... Stop film.
Finish the thing. But, er...
856
00:28:38,800 --> 00:28:40,240
Go on, bugger off.
857
00:28:42,840 --> 00:28:44,840
'Venezuela may have more than
its fair share of challenges,
858
00:28:44,880 --> 00:28:46,600
'Venezuela may have more than
its fair share of challenges,
859
00:28:46,640 --> 00:28:48,640
'but it is also a country blessed
with spectacular natural beauty.'
860
00:28:48,680 --> 00:28:49,880
'but it is also a country blessed
with spectacular natural beauty.'
861
00:28:54,440 --> 00:28:56,440
Well, I mean, I'm quite excited...
862
00:28:56,480 --> 00:28:58,480
Ah, yes. ..to go and see it,
touch it, you know?
863
00:28:58,520 --> 00:28:59,400
Ah, yes. ..to go and see it,
touch it, you know?
864
00:29:00,800 --> 00:29:02,800
'The waterfalls are so enticing that
I'm tempted to take a closer look.
865
00:29:02,840 --> 00:29:04,840
'The waterfalls are so enticing that
I'm tempted to take a closer look.
866
00:29:04,880 --> 00:29:05,880
'The waterfalls are so enticing that
I'm tempted to take a closer look.
867
00:29:07,960 --> 00:29:09,960
'Created from water
from the mighty Carrao river,
868
00:29:10,000 --> 00:29:11,120
'Created from water
from the mighty Carrao river,
869
00:29:11,160 --> 00:29:13,160
'these waterfalls
hold spiritual significance
870
00:29:13,200 --> 00:29:14,360
'these waterfalls
hold spiritual significance
871
00:29:14,400 --> 00:29:16,400
'for the local Pemon people.
872
00:29:16,440 --> 00:29:16,600
'for the local Pemon people.
873
00:29:21,840 --> 00:29:23,840
'They're also immensely powerful.'
874
00:29:23,880 --> 00:29:24,440
'They're also immensely powerful.'
875
00:29:28,040 --> 00:29:29,920
Now, this is...
LAUGHS
876
00:29:29,960 --> 00:29:31,960
Hope we're not going too close
because they're fierce.
877
00:29:32,000 --> 00:29:33,280
Hope we're not going too close
because they're fierce.
878
00:29:33,320 --> 00:29:34,680
This is real fierce water.
879
00:29:34,720 --> 00:29:36,720
I mean... it's not just
the speed of the water,
880
00:29:36,760 --> 00:29:37,920
I mean... it's not just
the speed of the water,
881
00:29:37,960 --> 00:29:39,960
the weight of that water,
it's like walls coming down.
882
00:29:40,000 --> 00:29:41,120
the weight of that water,
it's like walls coming down.
883
00:29:42,200 --> 00:29:44,200
I can feel water hitting
the side of my face now.
884
00:29:44,240 --> 00:29:44,440
I can feel water hitting
the side of my face now.
885
00:29:46,280 --> 00:29:48,280
'And then we stop off to get even
closer to the El Hacha waterfall.'
886
00:29:48,320 --> 00:29:50,320
'And then we stop off to get even
closer to the El Hacha waterfall.'
887
00:29:50,360 --> 00:29:51,960
'And then we stop off to get even
closer to the El Hacha waterfall.'
888
00:29:57,280 --> 00:29:59,280
Wow! That is incredible.
Oh, wow! Ha!
889
00:29:59,320 --> 00:30:01,320
Wow! That is incredible.
Oh, wow! Ha!
890
00:30:01,360 --> 00:30:02,200
Wow! That is incredible.
Oh, wow! Ha!
891
00:30:04,320 --> 00:30:06,320
Never, ever, ever seen anything
like that, well, so close.
892
00:30:06,360 --> 00:30:07,880
Never, ever, ever seen anything
like that, well, so close.
893
00:30:09,480 --> 00:30:11,480
Boy. It's like the whole world
is sort of collapsing.
894
00:30:11,520 --> 00:30:13,520
Boy. It's like the whole world
is sort of collapsing.
895
00:30:13,560 --> 00:30:13,760
Boy. It's like the whole world
is sort of collapsing.
896
00:30:18,560 --> 00:30:20,560
'I decide to do something
I've never done before...
897
00:30:20,600 --> 00:30:21,120
'I decide to do something
I've never done before...
898
00:30:23,520 --> 00:30:25,520
'..and walk into the waterfall.
899
00:30:25,560 --> 00:30:25,920
'..and walk into the waterfall.
900
00:30:30,280 --> 00:30:32,280
'I find myself
in a cave-like area,
901
00:30:32,320 --> 00:30:33,920
'I find myself
in a cave-like area,
902
00:30:33,960 --> 00:30:35,960
'its overhanging roof protecting me
from a torrent of cascading water.'
903
00:30:36,000 --> 00:30:38,000
'its overhanging roof protecting me
from a torrent of cascading water.'
904
00:30:38,040 --> 00:30:38,920
'its overhanging roof protecting me
from a torrent of cascading water.'
905
00:30:44,320 --> 00:30:45,320
Ahoy!
906
00:30:46,560 --> 00:30:48,000
It's just incredible.
907
00:30:48,040 --> 00:30:50,040
I mean, it's like being, well,
it's an avalanche of water,
908
00:30:50,080 --> 00:30:51,000
I mean, it's like being, well,
it's an avalanche of water,
909
00:30:51,040 --> 00:30:53,040
it's like this whole wall
coming down,
910
00:30:53,080 --> 00:30:53,720
it's like this whole wall
coming down,
911
00:30:53,760 --> 00:30:55,760
and the wind blowing,
and you feel mad!
912
00:30:55,800 --> 00:30:56,640
and the wind blowing,
and you feel mad!
913
00:30:56,680 --> 00:30:58,320
Mad with power!
914
00:31:03,800 --> 00:31:05,280
Nature at her best!
915
00:31:06,320 --> 00:31:07,280
Whoa!
916
00:31:13,960 --> 00:31:15,960
Water! Stop, water!
917
00:31:16,000 --> 00:31:17,280
Water! Stop, water!
918
00:31:22,640 --> 00:31:24,440
God, it's good.
919
00:31:30,200 --> 00:31:32,200
'The sheer volume, sound and speed
of the water is incredible.'
920
00:31:32,240 --> 00:31:34,240
'The sheer volume, sound and speed
of the water is incredible.'
921
00:31:34,280 --> 00:31:35,120
'The sheer volume, sound and speed
of the water is incredible.'
922
00:31:36,760 --> 00:31:38,440
Why am I doing this?
923
00:31:38,480 --> 00:31:40,480
I've never been near
to such colossal power,
924
00:31:40,520 --> 00:31:42,240
I've never been near
to such colossal power,
925
00:31:42,280 --> 00:31:43,720
that's all I can say.
926
00:31:43,760 --> 00:31:45,760
This is just absolutely majestic.
Whoa-ho!
927
00:31:45,800 --> 00:31:47,080
This is just absolutely majestic.
Whoa-ho!
928
00:31:47,120 --> 00:31:48,400
It reminds me every now and then
929
00:31:48,440 --> 00:31:50,440
that there is a lot of water
going down there. A lot of it.
930
00:31:50,480 --> 00:31:51,880
that there is a lot of water
going down there. A lot of it.
931
00:31:51,920 --> 00:31:53,920
And it's reasonably warm,
but it's just a few steps ahead.
932
00:31:53,960 --> 00:31:55,960
And it's reasonably warm,
but it's just a few steps ahead.
933
00:31:56,000 --> 00:31:56,400
And it's reasonably warm,
but it's just a few steps ahead.
934
00:31:56,440 --> 00:31:58,440
Wham, you go. It's really fierce.
935
00:31:58,480 --> 00:32:00,480
Wham, you go. It's really fierce.
936
00:32:00,520 --> 00:32:01,120
Wham, you go. It's really fierce.
937
00:32:02,600 --> 00:32:04,600
I'm 81, I shouldn't be here!
I should be in bed!
938
00:32:04,640 --> 00:32:06,640
I'm 81, I shouldn't be here!
I should be in bed!
939
00:32:06,680 --> 00:32:06,920
I'm 81, I shouldn't be here!
I should be in bed!
940
00:32:06,960 --> 00:32:08,400
LAUGHS
941
00:32:12,840 --> 00:32:14,840
'I'm starting to see
the real appeal of Venezuela.
942
00:32:14,880 --> 00:32:16,880
'I'm starting to see
the real appeal of Venezuela.
943
00:32:16,920 --> 00:32:17,200
'I'm starting to see
the real appeal of Venezuela.
944
00:32:17,240 --> 00:32:19,240
'It's a hidden treasure
waiting to be found.
945
00:32:19,280 --> 00:32:20,240
'It's a hidden treasure
waiting to be found.
946
00:32:26,200 --> 00:32:28,200
'Canaima is the land
of the Pemon people,
947
00:32:28,240 --> 00:32:29,400
'Canaima is the land
of the Pemon people,
948
00:32:29,440 --> 00:32:31,440
'one of the many
indigenous tribes in Venezuela
949
00:32:31,480 --> 00:32:32,080
'one of the many
indigenous tribes in Venezuela
950
00:32:32,120 --> 00:32:34,120
'that make up around 2%
of the population.
951
00:32:34,160 --> 00:32:35,360
'that make up around 2%
of the population.
952
00:32:37,080 --> 00:32:39,080
'I've come
to the village of Kamarata
953
00:32:39,120 --> 00:32:39,400
'I've come
to the village of Kamarata
954
00:32:39,440 --> 00:32:41,440
'to have lunch with a local
English teacher, Arturo Berti.'
955
00:32:41,480 --> 00:32:43,480
'to have lunch with a local
English teacher, Arturo Berti.'
956
00:32:43,520 --> 00:32:43,800
'to have lunch with a local
English teacher, Arturo Berti.'
957
00:32:43,840 --> 00:32:45,840
I'm ready for lunch.
Yeah.
958
00:32:45,880 --> 00:32:46,160
I'm ready for lunch.
Yeah.
959
00:32:46,200 --> 00:32:48,200
Welcome, and take a seat, please.
Where shall I go? Over here?
960
00:32:48,240 --> 00:32:48,800
Welcome, and take a seat, please.
Where shall I go? Over here?
961
00:32:48,840 --> 00:32:50,840
Yes, here, please.
Here? Lovely. OK, thank you. Whoa.
962
00:32:50,880 --> 00:32:52,880
Yes, here, please.
Here? Lovely. OK, thank you. Whoa.
963
00:32:52,920 --> 00:32:53,600
Yes, here, please.
Here? Lovely. OK, thank you. Whoa.
964
00:32:54,760 --> 00:32:56,320
This is Pemon food?
965
00:33:02,480 --> 00:33:03,440
What's in there? Yes.
966
00:33:09,080 --> 00:33:11,080
Hola.
My wife.
967
00:33:11,120 --> 00:33:13,120
Very nice to meet you, yeah.
SHE MUTTERS
968
00:33:13,160 --> 00:33:13,680
Very nice to meet you, yeah.
SHE MUTTERS
969
00:33:13,720 --> 00:33:15,720
'Arturo is keen for me to try
some local delicacies.'
970
00:33:15,760 --> 00:33:17,760
'Arturo is keen for me to try
some local delicacies.'
971
00:33:17,800 --> 00:33:18,000
'Arturo is keen for me to try
some local delicacies.'
972
00:33:21,600 --> 00:33:23,400
Worm from the palm tree?
Yeah.
973
00:33:23,440 --> 00:33:24,920
Please, taste.
I've never had them.
974
00:33:24,960 --> 00:33:26,840
So I will have, yeah.
Oh, good.
975
00:33:26,880 --> 00:33:28,880
Mm-hm. OK. You have to...
976
00:33:28,920 --> 00:33:30,800
Mm-hm. OK. You have to...
977
00:33:30,840 --> 00:33:31,840
Mmm.
Hm?
978
00:33:31,880 --> 00:33:33,720
CRUNCHING
Crunchy bit there.
979
00:33:33,760 --> 00:33:35,440
I don't know what that crunch is?
Mm-hm.
980
00:33:35,480 --> 00:33:37,480
It's like an eyeball,
but I know it isn't.
981
00:33:37,520 --> 00:33:37,760
It's like an eyeball,
but I know it isn't.
982
00:33:37,800 --> 00:33:39,800
Mmm. Fine, yeah, it's good.
983
00:33:39,840 --> 00:33:40,840
Mmm. Fine, yeah, it's good.
984
00:33:40,880 --> 00:33:42,880
But this is a sort of special dish?
This is special, yes.
985
00:33:42,920 --> 00:33:43,200
But this is a sort of special dish?
This is special, yes.
986
00:33:43,240 --> 00:33:45,240
Thank you very much.
I'm going to have a second worm.
987
00:33:45,280 --> 00:33:46,000
Thank you very much.
I'm going to have a second worm.
988
00:33:46,040 --> 00:33:48,040
I've never said that ever before.
Mmm.
989
00:33:48,080 --> 00:33:49,400
I've never said that ever before.
Mmm.
990
00:33:49,440 --> 00:33:50,400
Mm?
Mmm.
991
00:33:50,440 --> 00:33:52,440
'Pemon are traditionally farmers,
992
00:33:52,480 --> 00:33:53,600
'Pemon are traditionally farmers,
993
00:33:53,640 --> 00:33:55,640
'but in recent years,
many young people
994
00:33:55,680 --> 00:33:56,640
'but in recent years,
many young people
995
00:33:56,680 --> 00:33:58,680
'have been tempted to work
in illegal gold mines,
996
00:33:58,720 --> 00:34:00,240
'have been tempted to work
in illegal gold mines,
997
00:34:00,280 --> 00:34:02,280
'increasingly common
in this part of Venezuela
998
00:34:02,320 --> 00:34:02,840
'increasingly common
in this part of Venezuela
999
00:34:02,880 --> 00:34:04,880
'and having a devastating impact
on their land.'
1000
00:34:04,920 --> 00:34:06,200
'and having a devastating impact
on their land.'
1001
00:34:06,240 --> 00:34:08,240
Is gold mining
a big problem for you?
1002
00:34:08,280 --> 00:34:08,880
Is gold mining
a big problem for you?
1003
00:34:08,920 --> 00:34:10,800
Yeah, problem.
Yeah?
1004
00:34:12,800 --> 00:34:14,800
I hate the activities.
Yeah.
1005
00:34:14,840 --> 00:34:15,440
I hate the activities.
Yeah.
1006
00:34:15,480 --> 00:34:17,480
Do they make any money
from the gold, do you think?
1007
00:34:17,520 --> 00:34:18,200
Do they make any money
from the gold, do you think?
1008
00:34:20,160 --> 00:34:21,120
Yeah.
1009
00:34:23,560 --> 00:34:25,160
Oh, right. Yeah, yeah.
1010
00:34:26,800 --> 00:34:28,800
The problem with the gold mining,
the illegal gold mining,
1011
00:34:28,840 --> 00:34:29,120
The problem with the gold mining,
the illegal gold mining,
1012
00:34:29,160 --> 00:34:30,680
is people don't have any money.
1013
00:34:30,720 --> 00:34:31,880
They don't have...
1014
00:34:31,920 --> 00:34:33,920
They feel they've got no other
resources. Is that right?
1015
00:34:33,960 --> 00:34:35,400
They feel they've got no other
resources. Is that right?
1016
00:34:35,440 --> 00:34:37,440
It's sort of... This is just
helping them out of poverty.
1017
00:34:37,480 --> 00:34:39,240
It's sort of... This is just
helping them out of poverty.
1018
00:34:43,800 --> 00:34:45,800
Yeah, but do you have any sympathy
with the people who are gold miners?
1019
00:34:45,840 --> 00:34:47,840
Yeah, but do you have any sympathy
with the people who are gold miners?
1020
00:34:47,880 --> 00:34:49,360
Yeah, but do you have any sympathy
with the people who are gold miners?
1021
00:34:49,400 --> 00:34:51,400
No.
No, I can tell that.
1022
00:34:51,440 --> 00:34:51,720
No.
No, I can tell that.
1023
00:34:51,760 --> 00:34:53,760
That was a daft question.
Yeah.
1024
00:34:53,800 --> 00:34:54,240
That was a daft question.
Yeah.
1025
00:34:54,280 --> 00:34:56,280
'I sense this is an awkward subject
for Arturo.
1026
00:34:56,320 --> 00:34:58,200
'I sense this is an awkward subject
for Arturo.
1027
00:34:58,240 --> 00:35:00,240
'Gold mining is controversial
among the Pemon.
1028
00:35:00,280 --> 00:35:01,680
'Gold mining is controversial
among the Pemon.
1029
00:35:02,720 --> 00:35:04,720
'But these illegal mines
are becoming
1030
00:35:04,760 --> 00:35:05,040
'But these illegal mines
are becoming
1031
00:35:05,080 --> 00:35:07,080
'a huge environmental problem
in Venezuela,
1032
00:35:07,120 --> 00:35:07,840
'a huge environmental problem
in Venezuela,
1033
00:35:07,880 --> 00:35:09,880
'so I ask Freddy Vergara,
my local friend and fixer,
1034
00:35:09,920 --> 00:35:11,000
'so I ask Freddy Vergara,
my local friend and fixer,
1035
00:35:11,040 --> 00:35:12,760
'to show me one.
1036
00:35:12,800 --> 00:35:14,800
'And just a few miles
from the village of Kamarata...
1037
00:35:14,840 --> 00:35:15,640
'And just a few miles
from the village of Kamarata...
1038
00:35:17,640 --> 00:35:19,640
'..is a vast area
of polluted and now-barren land
1039
00:35:19,680 --> 00:35:21,200
'..is a vast area
of polluted and now-barren land
1040
00:35:21,240 --> 00:35:23,240
'that was once a gold mine.'
1041
00:35:23,280 --> 00:35:23,440
'that was once a gold mine.'
1042
00:35:24,680 --> 00:35:26,680
Considering, you know, we're in
the middle of a National Park...
1043
00:35:26,720 --> 00:35:27,760
Considering, you know, we're in
the middle of a National Park...
1044
00:35:27,800 --> 00:35:29,600
Yeah. And there's all this
lovely rainforest,
1045
00:35:29,640 --> 00:35:31,080
this is really a grim place.
1046
00:35:31,120 --> 00:35:33,120
Yeah. It's hot,
sun reflects off the sand.
1047
00:35:33,160 --> 00:35:34,360
Yeah. It's hot,
sun reflects off the sand.
1048
00:35:34,400 --> 00:35:36,200
I mean, what's...?
Why is it like this?
1049
00:35:36,240 --> 00:35:38,240
This used to be the rainforest.
1050
00:35:38,280 --> 00:35:39,200
This used to be the rainforest.
1051
00:35:39,240 --> 00:35:41,240
Yeah, it's been
not used for years,
1052
00:35:41,280 --> 00:35:41,800
Yeah, it's been
not used for years,
1053
00:35:41,840 --> 00:35:43,840
and you can see that it hasn't
recovered at all. Yeah.
1054
00:35:43,880 --> 00:35:44,560
and you can see that it hasn't
recovered at all. Yeah.
1055
00:35:44,600 --> 00:35:46,600
The trees never grow
because when they do the mining,
1056
00:35:46,640 --> 00:35:47,400
The trees never grow
because when they do the mining,
1057
00:35:47,440 --> 00:35:49,440
they just digging all trees out,
roots, everything.
1058
00:35:49,480 --> 00:35:51,480
they just digging all trees out,
roots, everything.
1059
00:35:51,520 --> 00:35:51,800
they just digging all trees out,
roots, everything.
1060
00:35:51,840 --> 00:35:53,760
So just taking everything away,
washing away.
1061
00:35:53,800 --> 00:35:55,800
That's... That's the results.
1062
00:35:55,840 --> 00:35:56,080
That's... That's the results.
1063
00:35:56,120 --> 00:35:57,920
I mean, what's
the government's view on this?
1064
00:35:57,960 --> 00:35:59,640
Do they have a view? Do they...?
1065
00:35:59,680 --> 00:36:01,680
There don't seem to be too many
security people around.No.
1066
00:36:01,720 --> 00:36:03,400
There don't seem to be too many
security people around.No.
1067
00:36:03,440 --> 00:36:05,440
It should be more, more security
around here, but it's not.
1068
00:36:05,480 --> 00:36:05,800
It should be more, more security
around here, but it's not.
1069
00:36:07,040 --> 00:36:09,040
'Some say the authorities
turn a blind eye
1070
00:36:09,080 --> 00:36:09,800
'Some say the authorities
turn a blind eye
1071
00:36:09,840 --> 00:36:11,840
'and even profit
from these illegal mines,
1072
00:36:11,880 --> 00:36:13,440
'and even profit
from these illegal mines,
1073
00:36:13,480 --> 00:36:15,480
'but it's local Pemon people
who often do the actual work.'
1074
00:36:15,520 --> 00:36:17,520
'but it's local Pemon people
who often do the actual work.'
1075
00:36:17,560 --> 00:36:17,840
'but it's local Pemon people
who often do the actual work.'
1076
00:36:17,880 --> 00:36:19,880
It's destroying a lot of their land,
isn't it?It's destroying, yeah.
1077
00:36:19,920 --> 00:36:20,640
It's destroying a lot of their land,
isn't it?It's destroying, yeah.
1078
00:36:20,680 --> 00:36:22,680
Poisoning their land.
They are very divided about it.
1079
00:36:22,720 --> 00:36:23,760
Poisoning their land.
They are very divided about it.
1080
00:36:23,800 --> 00:36:25,800
Yeah.Because actually,
when you get into the village,
1081
00:36:25,840 --> 00:36:27,240
Yeah.Because actually,
when you get into the village,
1082
00:36:27,280 --> 00:36:29,280
for example, and you ask to someone,
"Who is a gold miner?"
1083
00:36:29,320 --> 00:36:30,360
for example, and you ask to someone,
"Who is a gold miner?"
1084
00:36:30,400 --> 00:36:32,400
they'd never tell you,
because they feel shame.
1085
00:36:32,440 --> 00:36:32,800
they'd never tell you,
because they feel shame.
1086
00:36:32,840 --> 00:36:34,840
But this is never
going to grow again.
1087
00:36:34,880 --> 00:36:35,120
But this is never
going to grow again.
1088
00:36:35,160 --> 00:36:36,200
It's never gonna grow.
1089
00:36:36,240 --> 00:36:38,240
It's never going to become
rainforest.It's kind of weird.
1090
00:36:38,280 --> 00:36:38,840
It's never going to become
rainforest.It's kind of weird.
1091
00:36:38,880 --> 00:36:40,880
And then fairly polluted,
the soil, I suppose?
1092
00:36:40,920 --> 00:36:42,000
And then fairly polluted,
the soil, I suppose?
1093
00:36:42,040 --> 00:36:43,920
Cos they use a lot of minerals.
They use mercury.
1094
00:36:43,960 --> 00:36:45,000
They use mercury, yes.
1095
00:36:45,040 --> 00:36:47,040
So, the water,
the river's not far away, is it?
1096
00:36:47,080 --> 00:36:47,880
So, the water,
the river's not far away, is it?
1097
00:36:47,920 --> 00:36:49,920
No, the river is just there,
100m away. Yeah.
1098
00:36:49,960 --> 00:36:50,480
No, the river is just there,
100m away. Yeah.
1099
00:36:50,520 --> 00:36:52,520
And then the problem is
the mercury getting into the fish.
1100
00:36:52,560 --> 00:36:54,400
And then the problem is
the mercury getting into the fish.
1101
00:36:54,440 --> 00:36:55,920
The food chain.
Food chain, yeah.
1102
00:36:55,960 --> 00:36:57,960
That's a big deal.
It's pretty grim, really.
1103
00:36:58,000 --> 00:36:58,520
That's a big deal.
It's pretty grim, really.
1104
00:37:00,400 --> 00:37:02,400
'It's thought there are thousands
more illegal mines across Venezuela,
1105
00:37:02,440 --> 00:37:04,440
'It's thought there are thousands
more illegal mines across Venezuela,
1106
00:37:04,480 --> 00:37:05,240
'It's thought there are thousands
more illegal mines across Venezuela,
1107
00:37:05,280 --> 00:37:07,280
'causing environmental havoc
over an estimated
1108
00:37:07,320 --> 00:37:08,560
'causing environmental havoc
over an estimated
1109
00:37:08,600 --> 00:37:10,520
'three million acres of rainforest.
1110
00:37:12,560 --> 00:37:14,560
'But with Venezuelan gold
being worth
1111
00:37:14,600 --> 00:37:14,840
'But with Venezuelan gold
being worth
1112
00:37:14,880 --> 00:37:16,880
'an estimated $2 billion a year,
1113
00:37:16,920 --> 00:37:17,560
'an estimated $2 billion a year,
1114
00:37:17,600 --> 00:37:19,600
'the destruction
is unlikely to stop.'
1115
00:37:19,640 --> 00:37:20,120
'the destruction
is unlikely to stop.'
1116
00:37:22,720 --> 00:37:24,200
I suppose one thing,
of course, is...
1117
00:37:25,920 --> 00:37:27,400
..is why do we need gold?
1118
00:37:27,440 --> 00:37:29,440
I mean, people see
they want gold rings, and watches,
1119
00:37:29,480 --> 00:37:30,320
I mean, people see
they want gold rings, and watches,
1120
00:37:30,360 --> 00:37:32,360
and all that sort of thing,
and they want gold-plated cars,
1121
00:37:32,400 --> 00:37:32,960
and all that sort of thing,
and they want gold-plated cars,
1122
00:37:33,000 --> 00:37:34,240
and all that sort of stuff.
1123
00:37:34,280 --> 00:37:36,280
And yet no-one knows
where the gold's coming from.
1124
00:37:36,320 --> 00:37:37,120
And yet no-one knows
where the gold's coming from.
1125
00:37:37,160 --> 00:37:39,160
Exactly. Everyone wants gold,
I mean, since the ancient times.
1126
00:37:39,200 --> 00:37:40,400
Exactly. Everyone wants gold,
I mean, since the ancient times.
1127
00:37:40,440 --> 00:37:42,400
Yeah.
Gold is always, like, you know,
1128
00:37:42,440 --> 00:37:44,240
we're looking for El Dorado,
the city of gold.
1129
00:37:44,280 --> 00:37:46,280
But the truth is that this
is the cost of gold, you know.
1130
00:37:46,320 --> 00:37:46,920
But the truth is that this
is the cost of gold, you know.
1131
00:37:46,960 --> 00:37:48,960
It's not when you're paying
for a gram in a jewellery shop...
1132
00:37:49,000 --> 00:37:49,680
It's not when you're paying
for a gram in a jewellery shop...
1133
00:37:49,720 --> 00:37:51,640
Yeah.
..it's this, the real cost.
1134
00:37:51,680 --> 00:37:52,720
Yeah.
1135
00:37:52,760 --> 00:37:54,760
'Venezuela is a country
of jarring contrasts.
1136
00:37:54,800 --> 00:37:56,760
'Venezuela is a country
of jarring contrasts.
1137
00:37:56,800 --> 00:37:58,800
'One minute, you're surrounded
by natural beauty, the next,
1138
00:37:58,840 --> 00:38:00,120
'One minute, you're surrounded
by natural beauty, the next,
1139
00:38:00,160 --> 00:38:02,160
'facing environmental destruction,
1140
00:38:02,200 --> 00:38:03,040
'facing environmental destruction,
1141
00:38:03,080 --> 00:38:05,080
'but hopefully, things will take
a more positive turn tomorrow,
1142
00:38:05,120 --> 00:38:06,400
'but hopefully, things will take
a more positive turn tomorrow,
1143
00:38:06,440 --> 00:38:08,440
'as we try to get to
the world's tallest waterfall.'
1144
00:38:08,480 --> 00:38:09,800
'as we try to get to
the world's tallest waterfall.'
1145
00:38:18,840 --> 00:38:20,840
MICHAEL PALIN:
'It's my last day in Canaima.'
1146
00:38:20,880 --> 00:38:21,160
MICHAEL PALIN:
'It's my last day in Canaima.'
1147
00:38:21,200 --> 00:38:22,560
I can't think
of the way we wanna be.
1148
00:38:22,600 --> 00:38:24,600
Maybe you can sit in that window?
Over that side?
1149
00:38:24,640 --> 00:38:26,640
Over that side, yes.
'But we've saved the best for last.
1150
00:38:26,680 --> 00:38:27,840
Over that side, yes.
'But we've saved the best for last.
1151
00:38:28,920 --> 00:38:30,920
'The reason most people come here
1152
00:38:30,960 --> 00:38:31,200
'The reason most people come here
1153
00:38:31,240 --> 00:38:33,240
'is to see the ancient
tepuis rock formations,
1154
00:38:33,280 --> 00:38:35,240
'is to see the ancient
tepuis rock formations,
1155
00:38:35,280 --> 00:38:37,280
'and Angel Falls,
the world's tallest waterfall.'
1156
00:38:37,320 --> 00:38:38,240
'and Angel Falls,
the world's tallest waterfall.'
1157
00:38:42,960 --> 00:38:44,000
Well, here we go.
1158
00:38:44,040 --> 00:38:45,400
Here we go.
Yeah.
1159
00:38:48,120 --> 00:38:50,120
'After 30 minutes of flying along
the Carrao river,
1160
00:38:50,160 --> 00:38:52,160
'After 30 minutes of flying along
the Carrao river,
1161
00:38:52,200 --> 00:38:52,480
'After 30 minutes of flying along
the Carrao river,
1162
00:38:52,520 --> 00:38:54,520
'we enter the ancient world
of the tepuis.'
1163
00:38:54,560 --> 00:38:55,720
'we enter the ancient world
of the tepuis.'
1164
00:38:56,800 --> 00:38:58,200
They're just fantastic.
1165
00:38:58,240 --> 00:39:00,240
That one's the best. Yeah,
with a bit of cloud on the top.
1166
00:39:00,280 --> 00:39:00,680
That one's the best. Yeah,
with a bit of cloud on the top.
1167
00:39:00,720 --> 00:39:02,560
Yeah. It's very dramatic.
1168
00:39:02,600 --> 00:39:04,600
'The tepuis are around
two billion years old
1169
00:39:04,640 --> 00:39:06,640
'The tepuis are around
two billion years old
1170
00:39:06,680 --> 00:39:07,200
'The tepuis are around
two billion years old
1171
00:39:07,240 --> 00:39:09,240
'and are some of the oldest
geological formations on the Earth.'
1172
00:39:09,280 --> 00:39:11,120
'and are some of the oldest
geological formations on the Earth.'
1173
00:39:11,160 --> 00:39:12,800
How fantastic.
1174
00:39:13,960 --> 00:39:15,960
My geography teacher at school,
you know, if he could see me now...
1175
00:39:16,000 --> 00:39:17,320
My geography teacher at school,
you know, if he could see me now...
1176
00:39:17,360 --> 00:39:19,360
Yes.
..he would be very jealous.
1177
00:39:19,400 --> 00:39:20,040
Yes.
..he would be very jealous.
1178
00:39:20,080 --> 00:39:22,080
'Once a plateau,
this area is known as Auyan-tepui
1179
00:39:22,120 --> 00:39:24,120
'Once a plateau,
this area is known as Auyan-tepui
1180
00:39:24,160 --> 00:39:24,400
'Once a plateau,
this area is known as Auyan-tepui
1181
00:39:24,440 --> 00:39:26,440
'and covers over 270 square miles.'
1182
00:39:26,480 --> 00:39:28,200
'and covers over 270 square miles.'
1183
00:39:30,520 --> 00:39:32,360
Ooh, a lot of cloud coming down.
Cloudy now.
1184
00:39:33,600 --> 00:39:35,600
Hopefully, out of the clouds,
this great rock emerges.
1185
00:39:35,640 --> 00:39:37,120
Hopefully, out of the clouds,
this great rock emerges.
1186
00:39:39,240 --> 00:39:41,240
Oh, that's... that's something,
that's impressive.
1187
00:39:41,280 --> 00:39:42,240
Oh, that's... that's something,
that's impressive.
1188
00:39:42,280 --> 00:39:43,880
Very.
Oh, God.
1189
00:39:43,920 --> 00:39:45,440
CHUCKLES
1190
00:39:48,000 --> 00:39:50,000
'And as the clouds start to clear,
I get my first view of the falls.'
1191
00:39:50,040 --> 00:39:52,040
'And as the clouds start to clear,
I get my first view of the falls.'
1192
00:39:52,080 --> 00:39:53,320
'And as the clouds start to clear,
I get my first view of the falls.'
1193
00:39:54,760 --> 00:39:56,760
Wow, we're right alongside
the Angel Falls.
1194
00:39:56,800 --> 00:39:58,800
Wow, we're right alongside
the Angel Falls.
1195
00:39:58,840 --> 00:39:59,160
Wow, we're right alongside
the Angel Falls.
1196
00:39:59,200 --> 00:40:01,200
What a great view.
That is extraordinarily impressive.
1197
00:40:01,240 --> 00:40:03,240
What a great view.
That is extraordinarily impressive.
1198
00:40:03,280 --> 00:40:03,480
What a great view.
That is extraordinarily impressive.
1199
00:40:04,640 --> 00:40:05,600
Wow.
1200
00:40:06,760 --> 00:40:08,760
It's so close to it now,
you could reach out and touch it.
1201
00:40:08,800 --> 00:40:10,200
It's so close to it now,
you could reach out and touch it.
1202
00:40:13,120 --> 00:40:14,400
Where we're gonna land...
1203
00:40:14,440 --> 00:40:16,440
It looks as though we're going
straight into the falls itself.
1204
00:40:16,480 --> 00:40:16,960
It looks as though we're going
straight into the falls itself.
1205
00:40:18,480 --> 00:40:20,480
'Freddy had told me
we were going to try and land
1206
00:40:20,520 --> 00:40:21,120
'Freddy had told me
we were going to try and land
1207
00:40:21,160 --> 00:40:23,160
'close to Angel Falls
1208
00:40:23,200 --> 00:40:23,480
'close to Angel Falls
1209
00:40:23,520 --> 00:40:25,520
'but as we start to approach
and get lower and lower,
1210
00:40:25,560 --> 00:40:26,440
'but as we start to approach
and get lower and lower,
1211
00:40:26,480 --> 00:40:28,480
'I start to realise
we're not landing close to it,
1212
00:40:28,520 --> 00:40:29,680
'I start to realise
we're not landing close to it,
1213
00:40:29,720 --> 00:40:31,720
'we're actually landing
in the middle of it.'
1214
00:40:31,760 --> 00:40:33,240
'we're actually landing
in the middle of it.'
1215
00:40:33,280 --> 00:40:34,880
Wow, this is tight.
1216
00:40:39,400 --> 00:40:40,400
Wow.
1217
00:40:42,120 --> 00:40:44,120
Wow, wow, wow.
MICHAEL LAUGHS
1218
00:40:44,160 --> 00:40:45,320
Wow, wow, wow.
MICHAEL LAUGHS
1219
00:40:45,360 --> 00:40:47,360
What skill. Whoa. Whoa.
1220
00:40:47,400 --> 00:40:48,840
What skill. Whoa. Whoa.
1221
00:41:01,800 --> 00:41:03,800
'The landing spot is so confined
1222
00:41:03,840 --> 00:41:04,480
'The landing spot is so confined
1223
00:41:04,520 --> 00:41:06,520
'that the pilot keeps
the rotor blades whirring
1224
00:41:06,560 --> 00:41:08,200
'that the pilot keeps
the rotor blades whirring
1225
00:41:08,240 --> 00:41:10,240
'so the helicopter
doesn't fall backwards.
1226
00:41:10,280 --> 00:41:10,480
'so the helicopter
doesn't fall backwards.
1227
00:41:14,840 --> 00:41:16,840
'And then it takes off.
1228
00:41:16,880 --> 00:41:17,280
'And then it takes off.
1229
00:41:20,800 --> 00:41:22,800
'We suddenly find ourselves
all alone.'
1230
00:41:22,840 --> 00:41:24,840
'We suddenly find ourselves
all alone.'
1231
00:41:24,880 --> 00:41:25,080
'We suddenly find ourselves
all alone.'
1232
00:41:30,240 --> 00:41:31,440
ALL LAUGH
Oh, God.
1233
00:41:31,480 --> 00:41:33,480
I've seen it all.
I've seen it all now.
1234
00:41:33,520 --> 00:41:35,040
I've seen it all.
I've seen it all now.
1235
00:41:35,080 --> 00:41:37,080
HE LAUGHS
That's amazing.
1236
00:41:37,120 --> 00:41:38,720
HE LAUGHS
That's amazing.
1237
00:41:38,760 --> 00:41:40,760
It's amazing that they
can land here for a start.
1238
00:41:40,800 --> 00:41:41,800
It's amazing that they
can land here for a start.
1239
00:41:41,840 --> 00:41:43,840
And it's almost landing
in a sort of torrent of water.
1240
00:41:43,880 --> 00:41:44,760
And it's almost landing
in a sort of torrent of water.
1241
00:41:46,120 --> 00:41:48,120
But there we are. God.
We really are at the bottom of...
1242
00:41:48,160 --> 00:41:50,040
But there we are. God.
We really are at the bottom of...
1243
00:41:52,800 --> 00:41:54,240
..the Angel Falls.
1244
00:41:56,680 --> 00:41:58,680
Absolutely... extraordinary.
1245
00:41:58,720 --> 00:42:00,720
Absolutely... extraordinary.
1246
00:42:00,760 --> 00:42:00,920
Absolutely... extraordinary.
1247
00:42:05,760 --> 00:42:07,760
That's the longest
single drop of water on Earth.
1248
00:42:07,800 --> 00:42:09,720
That's the longest
single drop of water on Earth.
1249
00:42:09,760 --> 00:42:11,760
One of the watery wonders
of the world.
1250
00:42:11,800 --> 00:42:12,280
One of the watery wonders
of the world.
1251
00:42:16,040 --> 00:42:18,040
The boulders and everything
scattered around here,
1252
00:42:18,080 --> 00:42:18,520
The boulders and everything
scattered around here,
1253
00:42:18,560 --> 00:42:20,560
it's cataclysmic, really,
but it's also very, very beautiful.
1254
00:42:20,600 --> 00:42:22,040
it's cataclysmic, really,
but it's also very, very beautiful.
1255
00:42:23,680 --> 00:42:25,680
'This is amazing.
1256
00:42:25,720 --> 00:42:25,960
'This is amazing.
1257
00:42:27,480 --> 00:42:29,480
'Looking up, I can see the water
cascading over the top,
1258
00:42:29,520 --> 00:42:30,720
'Looking up, I can see the water
cascading over the top,
1259
00:42:30,760 --> 00:42:32,760
'almost a kilometre high.
1260
00:42:32,800 --> 00:42:33,000
'almost a kilometre high.
1261
00:42:36,080 --> 00:42:38,080
'And behind me,
the water keeps going...
1262
00:42:38,120 --> 00:42:38,720
'And behind me,
the water keeps going...
1263
00:42:40,000 --> 00:42:42,000
'..spilling over rocky ledges
until it meets the river below.
1264
00:42:42,040 --> 00:42:43,920
'..spilling over rocky ledges
until it meets the river below.
1265
00:42:46,360 --> 00:42:48,360
'Where I am now is normally
completely inaccessible.
1266
00:42:48,400 --> 00:42:50,200
'Where I am now is normally
completely inaccessible.
1267
00:42:54,760 --> 00:42:56,760
'And it's a huge privilege
to see it this close.'
1268
00:42:56,800 --> 00:42:58,160
'And it's a huge privilege
to see it this close.'
1269
00:43:06,360 --> 00:43:08,360
I don't think I've ever done
anything more dangerous in my life
1270
00:43:08,400 --> 00:43:08,880
I don't think I've ever done
anything more dangerous in my life
1271
00:43:08,920 --> 00:43:10,000
than coming here.
1272
00:43:11,200 --> 00:43:13,200
You do feel that you're...
you're really on the edge of nature.
1273
00:43:13,240 --> 00:43:14,200
You do feel that you're...
you're really on the edge of nature.
1274
00:43:16,000 --> 00:43:18,000
And it's actually spellbinding
to be here and to look at it.
1275
00:43:18,040 --> 00:43:19,760
And it's actually spellbinding
to be here and to look at it.
1276
00:43:24,080 --> 00:43:25,560
'Venezuela is one of the most
1277
00:43:25,600 --> 00:43:27,600
'stunning countries
I've ever been to,
1278
00:43:27,640 --> 00:43:28,440
'stunning countries
I've ever been to,
1279
00:43:28,480 --> 00:43:30,480
'and my journey's
only just beginning.
1280
00:43:30,520 --> 00:43:31,480
'and my journey's
only just beginning.
1281
00:43:31,520 --> 00:43:33,520
'But for all its natural beauty
and welcoming people,
1282
00:43:33,560 --> 00:43:35,560
'But for all its natural beauty
and welcoming people,
1283
00:43:35,600 --> 00:43:35,880
'But for all its natural beauty
and welcoming people,
1284
00:43:35,920 --> 00:43:37,920
'I know there's a darker,
dystopian side to this country.
1285
00:43:37,960 --> 00:43:39,640
'I know there's a darker,
dystopian side to this country.
1286
00:43:40,920 --> 00:43:42,920
'And while I am excited
about what is to come,
1287
00:43:42,960 --> 00:43:43,320
'And while I am excited
about what is to come,
1288
00:43:43,360 --> 00:43:45,360
'I also find myself feeling
somewhat uneasy.
1289
00:43:45,400 --> 00:43:47,280
'I also find myself feeling
somewhat uneasy.
1290
00:43:49,200 --> 00:43:51,200
'Next time, I go to paradise.
1291
00:43:51,240 --> 00:43:53,000
'Next time, I go to paradise.
1292
00:43:53,040 --> 00:43:55,040
'See how rugby is tackling
Venezuela's gang culture.
1293
00:43:55,080 --> 00:43:56,800
'See how rugby is tackling
Venezuela's gang culture.
1294
00:43:59,800 --> 00:44:01,800
'But then everything goes wrong.'
SIREN BLARING
1295
00:44:01,840 --> 00:44:02,680
'But then everything goes wrong.'
SIREN BLARING
1296
00:44:06,600 --> 00:44:08,600
From today, we are marked men.
1297
00:44:08,640 --> 00:44:09,920
From today, we are marked men.