Colombian traveled to Venezuela after ten years and this is what he found: empty dealerships and deserted shopping centers

The connection between Colombia and Venezuela goes beyond geographical proximity and cultural ties. For decades, both countries have witnessed a constant flow of migration that has shaped their shared history.

In an intimate story shared on social networks, Juan Diego Peña Canal, economist and former public official from Cúcuta, reveals his experience upon returning to Venezuela after more than a decade. His story reflects a reality marked by the passage of time and the profound changes that have occurred in the neighboring country.

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“I haven’t set foot in Venezuela for 10 years,” begins Peña Canal. His last visit was marked by an unfortunate encounter with the Bolivarian National Guard: “He extorted me in Maiquetía, led by officials from Lufthansa (a European airline). “I preferred not to set foot in that country again.”

Since then, he had stayed away. “I had had no intention of going. Even my Venezuelan ID expired. Chavismo destroyed the country and the family agricultural business years ago,” says the Colombian.

However, motivated by stories from family and friends, he decided to cross the border to San Cristóbal, just an hour from Cúcuta. The road from San Antonio to San Cristóbal, says Peña, is the same as it was decades ago. “It is in acceptable condition. It seems that in recent months they have been fixing it,” he adds.

Peña says that those close to him agreed on something that caught his attention: “The guards are prohibited from disturbing Colombian cars. It’s Bernal’s order. “They need Colombian families to come and consume.”

Freddy Bernal, a native of San Cristóbal, capital of the Táchira state, is recognized as one of the most fervent supporters of the Maduro regime. His role as “protector” of the state is something like a parallel entity to the regional governments, created by Chávez to “neutralize” the influence of opponents in said positions.

“Twenty years ago, San Cristóbal was a city admired from Cúcuta (…) a thriving place with a very low poverty rate, a financial and metalworking center where industries such as Pasteurizadora Táchira were located. The first McDonald’s on the border arrived there,” says Peña Canal.

However, what he found contrasts with his memories: “It is very sad to arrive in a city that seems forgotten.”

Although he perceives an effort on the part of the Venezuelan authorities to reactivate binational trade, the reality is described as bleak. Closed shops, a shortage of basic services and a general feeling of abandonment characterize the landscape.

The drive to San Cristóbal, a city that was once a vibrant and prosperous center, now reveals signs of decay. Empty dealerships, deteriorated streets, closed gas stations and an atmosphere of nostalgia for times gone by.

“In the 90s, Colombia was almost a failed state. Homicide rates were triple what they are now (…) You couldn’t travel by road. Venezuela was the complete opposite. A paradise compared to Colombia,” says Peña.

Next, it shows some images that represent that attempt to revitalize trade; For example, the Obrero neighborhood or the Plaza de Los Mangos has what appear to be new restaurants that make the area attractive. for tourists and visitors.

“Despite efforts to revitalize certain areas, the Venezuela we knew no longer exists,” laments Peña Canal. Although some places try to reinvent themselves, the economic and social reality of the country remains difficult.

The above became evident with the images of the Sambil shopping center that, says the Colombian, “15 years ago was wonderful.” Today, despite its complete children’s park, “the power and water went out several times while we were there.”. That’s normal.”

The official comments that the bolivar as currency seems to have disappeared since all prices are in dollars or Colombian pesos. According to him, most products are much more expensive than in Cúcuta. “We Cucuteños lost Venezuela. I hope we don’t lose Colombia,” Peña Canal reflects as he concludes his story.