My children continue their preparations for a potentially different reality. The next step in the process is learning how to bathe with cold water. Assuming the generator will power the water pump that carries the vital liquid up to the apartment, a slightly cold shower may be the only option for an extended period. My youngest son has been told that it is part of an ongoing warrior test. This keeps him sufficiently motivated.
We witnessed a bad omen today in terms of general order and safety. While driving down Avenida Vollmer and crossing through a green light, we just barely missed running into a motorcycle cop from Policia Metropolitana who decided to run a red light on his way to nowhere. If the authorities behave so callously as representatives of law and order, it is clear that they will not be in any position to maintain order when the usual social norms completely break down. With literally thousands of motorizados speeding through the streets each day, the only time my wife has ever been hit in her car, was by a member of the aforementioned PM, who was carelessly weaving through traffic and clipped her rear-view mirror. Of course no apology ensued, much less a rectification of the abuse.
Another aspect of Venezuelan culture that will be untouched by nation-wide electrical cuts is the multi-generational piñata party. With recycled cardboard, papier mache, and a colorfully wrapped stick, children will continue to be able to participate in the ritual of learning to grab one's unfair share of goodies. Family is strong in this nation because the child with the most family members helping to hoard the loot, marches off with the most full bag and gets the bragging rights for the next ten minutes until the cake is cut and the lights go out.
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