It is a tradition in some Venezuelan cities that people visit seven temples or religious buildings during Moundy Thursday and Good Friday. We never did this in Cumaná, but this Easter (our first one in Caracas) 
I had nothing against the practice itself; it's just that I don't like crowds and have been quite sedentary lately (because of my kind of job). Caracas is a huge city, with more than a hundred churches. I knew this walking would take a toll on me.
The most famous churches in Caracas are not exactly near from one another, so we decided to go small and include less known little churches. We started in La Candelaria and walked around the seven closest churches in the área (finishing in San José church by Panteón Avenue).
It was a fun journey, even though we were all exhausted by church #4.
It was interesting to me to see so many people doing the same and so many full churches.
I can't help to be saddened by so much faith and so few results.
Millions of Venezuelans have been praying for change, justice, peace and prosperity all year long for over two decades now.
One need not be a skeptic to see that in the great scheme of things no prayer has been heard. Maybe people find solace in individual victories, but sooner or later the bigger problem hits us even harder.
I also noticed something I had not seen in other towns I had spent Easter: the commercial aspect of it.
Tons of streets vendors offering anything from religious-related clothes or artifacts to snacks, going through all kinds of natural products (leaves, roots, fruits, etc) to treat all kinds of aillments and diseases.
Ironically, many of the products being sold outside the churches are used for practices frown upon by the Catholic Church.
In any case, given the historic religious syncretism that has characterized Venezuelan Catholicism, I was not totally surprised. I had just never seen it like this.
I am glad we had the chance to do this. I know it means a lot for my wife and daughter. They have grown in their faith and I am happy if they are.