You are currently viewing Day 8: Blast Off. Slowly. Very Slowly.

Day 8: Blast Off. Slowly. Very Slowly.

CARACAS,

VENEZUELA

13:00

So, today’s the day.

The day we set off, waving adios to civilisation and embarking on a perilous quest deep into the untamed heart of the rainforest. We made the final checks. McKinney barked out last orders, 47 scientists spread themselves across three minibuses, and our armed Venezuelan escorts clambered on with us.

Then, with a good-natured, jubilant honking of horns, the three vehicles moved out, away from the not-so-Majestic Hotel, and our voyage began.

That was nearly three hours ago.

We’re still stuck in the middle of the melee of downtown Caracas.

For a city that was so unwelcoming to us on arrival, it sure is reluctant to let us escape.

As far as the eye can see, there is nothing but traffic. Cars, buses, lorries, motorbikes. You name it. Everywhere. All of them insisting on sitting there, beeping their horns as though the announcement of their presence will cause the other vehicles to part and allow them through.

“This is a good traffic day,” one of our Bolivarian Militia escorts – Juan, I think I heard another call him – joked. At least, I think it was a joke.

I knew I should have downloaded more books onto my Kindle.

I guess it gives me time to update my blog, but with nothing but traffic to look at, I’m afraid there’s not much more to say.

Bored. So bored.

Oh, Sid and I had a good chat this morning and agreed to put the awkwardness of the last couple of days behind us and start fresh.

Well, that killed about 11 seconds.

Still bored.

Note to self – don’t try writing a blog post while sitting in an apocalyptic traffic jam.

Benjamin King

My name is Dr Benjamin King, and I am an archaeologist working on the UNESCO Sarisariñama Expedition. Join me on my epic journey to one of the most remote places on the planet – a tabletop mountain towering above the Venezuelan rainforest. This will be my home for six months as my colleagues and I attempt to unravel the mystery of the ancient ruins that lie buried within an enormous sinkhole. Not only do I blog updates about the project, but also the trials and tribulations of life in the jungle. Something tells me that the danger of the jungle’s predators is nothing compared to the perils of being trapped with the same group of people for the next six months! Don’t miss out on a single moment of this extraordinary adventure - follow me on social media @benking1209 Benjamin King is also the fictional hero of the action-packed adventure series ‘The Xibalba Saga’ by James Richardson. Read it now https://amzn.to/3dD9wZW Stay up to date on new releases and exclusive free content at www.moonmask.net and @worldofmoonmask

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