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Visit to a Rum Factory, Venezuela ... Jan
2007
We
joined the 'Caracas Hash' social group on a tour of the local rum factory
(click
any picture to get an enlargement)
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The
group met in Caracas and car-pooled for the 75 minute trip to the premier Rum
Factory in Venezuela ... Santa Teresa!
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drive was un-eventful and once parked, the group awaited further
instructions. The temperature was beginning to rise ... |
...
but luckily the Polar girls came to our rescue ... at a rum factory! |
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hiked to the old train station & learned that 100 years ago, the rail
system was better than today! |
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The line to get tickets was pretty
long, but it allowed the group to gather; time to load up the trolley!
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scenery along the estate was astounding; especially the palm-lined roads (for
a wind-break). |
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first stop was at the museum, where the workers put on a little skit & told
a historical story. |
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museum was interesting; the best part was a movie explaining how rum is
produced. |
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| After
the museum we walked to the ageing warehouse, which is above ground and very
hot ... we were told lots of rum evaporates ... by design!
After looking at expensive kegs of
rum ($11,000 each), we walked around the grounds for a bit... could this count
as the hash? |
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then made it to the coffee roasting area, which is used in their new
coffee-based rum ... nice! |
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enjoyed a 'Rum & Coke' break, as it was getting very warm
... hey
guys... smile! |
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got back on the trolley and drove around the rest of the large estate; more
palm-lined roads! |
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sugar cane was not tall, but was harvested twice a year. |
The
surrounding mountains offer a climate special for sugar cane. |
We
can see the trail which we will walk/run later on.... %#@#! |
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| We
got off the trolley and visited the area in which they repair, or destroy, the
older wooden barrels. |
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| During
the short discussion some were figuring out they could get one of these nice
barrels back to Caracas ... full of rum... of course! |
Others
were getting affected by the sun... or maybe the rum! |
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| Time
for a group photo!
We had a nice turnout and so far
everyone is hanging in there ...
but we aren't even close to finishing yet! |
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After
touring the distillery area via the trolley, we were taken back to a big old
building ...
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which, when the doors were opened, looked like it was set up for a United
Nations meeting!
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'Tasting Director' guided us through samples of each of the seven different rums
they offer. |
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| After
the tasting, some
hashers felt like taking a nap. |
Camera
usage also became obviously impaired. |
We were
then sent to the bar for cocktails ... wow ... it's only 3pm! |
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| After
relaxing at the bar for awhile, we were taken to an area where we could have a
private picnic. After the picnic we concluded some hash management
activities and then wobbled home.
The
hosts organized a grand day!
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CHHH
Web Page
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