Greetings, everyone,
This post was originally written in spanish for a challenge organized by 
Lake Bloomington. Photograph from personal files. Spring 2008
I have not traveled much in my life. I do not even know all the states of Venezuela, but from the local and foreign that I have had the opportunity to visit, I stay with these places:
5. Mochima.
One of the most beautiful beaches in Venezuela. Calling it “beach” is not exactly correct, since Mochima is a whole National Park formed by a small population in the state of Sucre that serves as a port and a series of islands, each of which has lovely beaches. The whole journey, first by land, then by boat, is an adventure with dreamy landscapes that remain in your mind forever.
My daughter, Vivian in 2009. With a—now extinct—cart of Tio Rico ice creams.
4. La Llovizna.
La Llovizna Park is part of the natural parks of Ciudad Guayana, in the state of Bolívar. The Orinoco and Caroní rivers adorn the state's landscape and are an eye-opening preamble for all the majesty of that state. I would like to return to Guyana because my little daughter Anna lives there now and I haven't seen her for many months. I would like to return with resources to take her to visit this and many other beautiful places that we have not had the opportunity to enjoy.
3. Normal, Illinois.
In this Mid-West town I attended graduate school and my daughter Anna was born. When we returned to Venezuela, Anna was just a few months old. She has no memories of this experience, of the weather, of the flowers, fruits, smells and beautiful people who welcomed us for 5 years and where we left good friends. I want to walk the university campus again and have my daughters see what I saw and experience first hand the most enriching cultural contact I have ever had.
View of the Illinois State University campus from Watterson Towers, one of the tallest buildings in the area; a student residence building! In the background the Red Bird Arena.
The Red Bird Arena from within. Vivian enjoying a game of the Red Birds
2. Athens, Ohio.
My son, José Andrés, when he was about 9 years old. Dragged by my academic plans, he had to learn English on the go when he was 8 years old. It was a difficult first few months, but before long he didn't want to speak Spanish.
This beautiful Mid-West town was my first station in my graduate studies and my first daughter, Vivian, was born there in 2002. We moved when Vivian was one year old and she doesn't remember much except for all the photos and videos I took of her. .
We returned for a visit in 2004. Athens is the home of Ohio University, one of the most beautiful college campuses I could ever see. It was a super cozy town, with friendly, helpful and very tolerant people and open to cultural differences. Thanks to that environment, my experience as a graduate student was excellent. I don't have a single unpleasant memory of those two years we spent there, except for the farewell. I would like to return with all my children someday.
In front of Ellis Hall, where the English Department is located
1 Chicago, Illinois.
One of the most impressive cities in the United States. Very close to Normal-Bloomington. We visited it many times, but always in consular proceedings; always on the run. We could not enjoy all its attractions. I wish someday to visit it and you walk its streets, parks and historical and recreational sites. The little we could see impressed me to such an extent that I always dream that I am there. I see myself driving its super crowded and fast avenues, lost in some street that did not appear on the map, or looking at it from the Sears Tower.
In front of the U.S. Cellular Field, home of the White Sox, in 2005. Oswaldo Guillén made history and led them to the championship, the first since 1917
With little Anna, shortly before we returned to Venezuela