In a time of pretty sharp political divide in Venezuela, Patricia, gives a frank middle-of-the-road explanation of the current political climate and her place in the country’s politics as apolitica.

Patricia talks about ways to stay active in Coro, Venezuela, patrimonio cultural de la humanidad. She enjoys the gym and classes in Tae Bo, an exercise phenomenon that seems to know no political boundaries. She also enjoys going out on Friday nights with friends to the local disco. As far as boys go, it seems a young man named Leopaldo is winning the race to her heart…

Meet Alberto from Otavalo, Ecuador, who has sold his handmade bracelets throughout the world.

Meet the volunteers of Faithful Friend Patrol, a dog rescue organization in Otavalo, Ecuador.

An Ecuadorian player of the siku, a traditional Andean instrument, tells us how his music has taken him around the world.

Ecuadorian antique shop owner, Víctor Echeverría, shares with us its history and some of its unique treasures.

Welcome to Otavalo, Ecuador's "Carbón del Palo" restaurant, a unique spot known not only for its unique Colombo-Ecuadorian-Spanish fare, but also for its warm atmosphere and spectacular service.

Residents of Otavalo, Ecuador, explain to us how they celebrate "Inti Raymi," an Inca Empire celebration in honor of the sun god, "Inti," and how it helps them to preserve their culture.

Luis Jaramillo, a professional soccer trainer, tells us all about his experience working with kids.

Dreamcatchers are a type of talisman that are thought to ward off bad energy while retaining the good. Jorge Musuña, who makes them for a living in Otavalo, Ecuador, talks to us about their many sizes and varieties and their process of creation.

The Cuban band Orishas went all the way from starving artists to well fed ambassadors of Latin Hip Hop. Let’s listen in as even Spaniards ask for some explanation of the Cuban slang and cultural references found in the song “El Kilo.”

Hugo Chávez is divisive figure in Venezuela, as he is the world over, but the enthusiasm he generates amongst a large and vocal segment of the population is undeniable. Omar Vizcaya is a Chávez supporter, and was kind enough to agree to share some of his thoughts and ideas about the current situation.

Barrio Adentro (Inside the Neighborhood) is a program of free medical clinics that have been established throughout Venezuela. Critics include the Venezuelan Medical Association, who claim that the Cubans who make up most of the doctors are not qualified, though the WHO and UNICEF are generally as enthusiastic as Omar about the program.

The Peruvian group Novalima took a break from their European tour for an interview. Learn about the branching out and coming back together that the band members went through to achieve their rich and eclectic sound.

Continue learning about what specific kinds of music go into the mix to make the special sound that is Novalima.