User:Zurich9

Forty-five years ago at just 22, still a young man in preppy button downs, my adventure in Venezuela began - from 1958 to 1983 we lived in the hot tropical oil city of Maracaibo.

I enjoyed the unique privilege of being both part of the local community and also that of a “musiu” or “foreigner”. Being part of a large and extended Venezuelan family was a unique privilege and it was easy to build friendships that have lasted almost half a century.

A move to the suburb of Miami Lakes with our family of young adults and teenagers in the early 1980’s opened new opportunities to know the Caribbean and Central America that I have thoroughly enjoyed.

My vision is to help document the transformation that Venezuela experienced from 1958 to 1982. The importance of these dates will be found in the stories and documentation in pages I want to develop with the help of fellow Wikipedians.

Recent political happenings and struggles in Venezuela will also be of great importance and need to be documented but I leave that task to others. Once again the country is transforming political life, growth and survival of the people and their culture.

The day-to-day commentary and criticisms of today’s efforts and changes will be validated or vilified in the months and years to come. Dear reader always be secure in the knowledge that Venezuela and her people will move forward.

- Gloria al Bravo Pueblo.