Destination: Los Frailes

Before leaving Venezuela we took the task of enjoying the geography and landscape that Margarita Island (the island where I lived) offered us.

The economic, political and social situation of the country leaves anyone worn out from so much stress and worry.

Faced with such a scenario we rethink our way of thinking in order not to die trying to survive in my country. And we opted to enjoy the goodness that the island offered us.

It is obvious that the beaches are the main tourist attraction of the region and the car island is a very punctual landmark and of great tourist affluence, on the other hand there is the island of Cubagua that has a great value for its colonial history.

We had had the opportunity to visit both islands in the years we were on the island. But there was one place in particular that was not very easy to get to, which was the view from one side of my house, and that was the archipelago of Los Frailes.

It was not a very touristy or very crowded place. Since it does not have large beaches or vacation buildings. However, everyone always talked about the turquoise waters of Los Frailes.

Occasionally some fishermen took their boats and made trips usually to foreigners who came to vacation on the island, and the costs were not very affordable.

On one occasion a friend of mine decided to spend her birthday in Los Frailes and invited us on the trip. She knew some fishermen in the region and paid them only with the fuel that would be spent on the trip.

It is a simple trip of approximately 2 hours, depending on the boat, our trip took that long because it was not very fast and was quite heavy.

This is how we started our trip to Los Frailes.

The morning was very rainy and we thought for a moment that we would not be able to make the trip. But then the rain stopped although the sky was quite cloudy. Because of this we were too confident and did not protect ourselves but nothing.

The ride was too beautiful, the peace and relaxation we felt was priceless. It had been a long time since we had gone on an outing, both because of the pandemic and because of the economic situation.

We were a big group and during the trip we could not miss a drink with lots and lots of ice.

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We were very excited, because we already had in mind to leave the country and we said that we would leave without visiting Los Frailes. But there we were enjoying that dreamy Caribbean landscape.

During the trip we were approached by some birds that flew at the water level, rose and came down again, they were Guanaguanares and we knew it because of a typical song of the island that says: " Fly, Guanaguanares:
"Fly, Guanaguanare, pecking
On the waves of the serene sea
Fly, Guanaguanare, pecking
On the waves of the serene sea
And a gannet accompanies it
To welcome Christmas Eve
And a gannet accompanies it
To welcome Christmas Eve".

The view is a spectacle and the walk a
a small moment of forgetfulness of so many things that overwhelmed our thoughts.

Upon arrival the first thing that struck us was the color of the water, an impressive turquoise blue, beautiful and definitely paradisiacal. We could not resist the urge and before going to the beach we all jumped into the water.

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As we swam to the beach we enjoyed the crossing very much, my daughters were happy to do this kind of adventures, they love swimming and such crystal clear waters even more.

There were no big waves, the beach looked like a swimming pool and it was the first time I saw the island from that angle, normally we traveled towards Coche Island which gives a view to the south of the island, but this time we are seeing its east side just where our house was.

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We enjoyed the stay very much, we were practically in the water all afternoon, going out with the family is always so special... and especially us, because in addition to the pandemic, the situation in the country kept us basically indoors.

So this trip was very important for us and a break both physically and mentally.

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At the end of the day and when it was time to return, there was a failure in the boat that caused a considerable delay so we were a little late.

However, this allowed us to enjoy a wonderful sunset and an amazing view, on the way back some dolphins made an appearance and we closed with a flourish to see these noble animals up close.

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This is how we ended our day, grateful for so much beauty and for that time of sharing as a family that definitely strengthens us as a home.

This was the last trip we made on the island and all the memories are well stored and kept in our hearts, we will never forget this outing.