Book Excerpts from Hey, Roberto Hu

Venezuela

We leave the hotel, and Patrick invites me for some small eclairs and coffee in a bakery. Emerging from the cafe, I am amazed to see so many buildings with gates and bars in front of the windows, and often barbed wire on top of the walls—like a prison in a movie. I guess it’s because of the extremes of poverty and riches. Still, what a way to live; who are the prisoners here? We see a spot to park near a produce truck. The proprietor has set up a stand and we choose from the assortment of tropical fruits on display, buying fresh, juicy mangos. I photograph an incredible-looking tree whose roots have completely overgrown a foundation and wall—hanging at least five feet over the wall. Take that, civilization! Think concrete will stop me? Think again!