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WEEKEND-ENGAGEMENT TOPICS: WEEK 302/ Great places to work
Historical Tour of Hacienda La Trinidad
Greetings, dear readers of Weekend Experiences. After a busy week of work and lots of activities—I taught two courses, one in-person on creative writing and another online on poetry, attended cultural events, and rehearsed with the flamenco choir I’m part of—today, Sunday, I finally had a quiet day with no commitments. I made pasta with shrimp and pancetta for my partner and me—it turned out delicious—and we enjoyed it with a glass of red wine. These simple pleasures are what make me happy. So now I can sit down and write a little for you all. Well, once again, 
Hive account@galenkp offers us interesting topics to write about. All of them are interesting. I'm going to write on the following topic:
What's the best job you ever had and why?
La Trinidad Estate, Cultural Park
La Trinidad Estate, Entrance to Cornelius Zitman's home-workshop, Wall painting by Cornelius Zitman
I started working very young, when I was 18. I was studying literature and working as a receptionist in an office. I wasn’t always able to work in places where I felt comfortable with the atmosphere and the work I had to do. However, I must say that I was also lucky enough to work in some places where I really enjoyed my job. Culture is often thought of as mere entertainment for those who aren’t artists. It’s not an easy environment. But there are places where those of us interested in culture can work and grow. La Trinidad Estate is one of those excellent cultural spaces in Caracas, where I was born and lived until two years ago. There, I was in charge of the main exhibition hall and also led historical tours for visitors on the history of Caracas and the history of La Trinidad .
Welcoming visitors to the exhibition hall
Talking with a visitor about an exhibition of indigenous art from Venezuela
La Trinidad State, Cultural Park was originally a coffee plantation, and later a sugar and tobacco plantation, which its owners transformed into an extraordinary cultural space in 2010. The estate’s main house was converted into an exhibition hall that has showcased works by Venezuela’s indigenous peoples, established artists, and avant-garde artists. While I was in charge of the exhibition hall, I learned a great deal about art and had the opportunity to meet people and see works by indigenous groups, as well as internationally renowned artists such as Jacobo Borges.
With venezuelan artist Jacobo Borges
Venezuelan photographer Carlos Germán Rojas
The old tobacco drying sheds were remodeled and transformed into art galleries, a photography school, a bookstore, a restaurant, and a chocolate-making school, where interested people can learn to make delicious chocolates. Music concerts, literary and art events, and dance performances are also held in its gardens. It was something I enjoyed immensely.
With indigenous artist Gisela Ipuana, Exhibition “We Our Hands”
Opening of the exhibition “We Our Hands”
Opening of the exhibition “We Our Hands” (Wayuu women dancing)
Exhibition of sculptures and drawings by by Cornelius Zitman
Cornelis Zitman's Studio House at Hacienda La Trinidad
Connection with nature
In addition to being a cultural and culinary destination, Hacienda La Trinidad offers visitors a natural setting and a spa where they can relax just a short drive from Caracas—a stressful, noisy, and dangerous city. Its lovely gardens, always meticulously maintained and filled with flowers and singing birds, are a paradise—and they were just that for me while I worked there.
Gardens of La Trinidad Estate
Gardens of La Trinidad Estate
Gardens of La Trinidad Estate
I also had the opportunity to teach workshops on creative writing and visual arts in that wonderful environment for my students. I had several great groups.
I feel truly privileged to have had the opportunity to work at La Trinidad Estate, a wonderful place for so many reasons, where I felt so at home. I hope you enjoyed my article and the photos I shared. If you live in Caracas or are visiting the city, you must visit this cultural park. You’re going to have a wonderful time there.
Since my native language is not English, I have had to rely on the Deepl.com platform to translate this article into English.
📸 Pictures belong to my personal photo album
