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.

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

Meet Manuel Leon, an Ecuadorian artist who makes effigies for the "Año Viejo" tradition which symbolically brings in the New Year by burning them as representations of the negative aspects of the past one.

Natalia from Ecuador introduces us to the largely indigenous and extremely fascinating city of Otavalo, considered to be the "intercultural capital" of Ecuador.

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

Meet Cesar Flores, the owner of the Kory Malku Andean shoe store in Otavalo, Ecuador.

José Enriques, who works in the goat milk industry in Otavalo Ecuador, explains a bit about his typical day as well as the health benefits of goat milk.

Humberto Morales from Ecuador teaches us about the Zampoña, a traditional Andean instrument.

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

Natalia takes us on a tour the beautiful San Pablo Lake in northern Ecuador, explaining to us about its many natural, sporting and leisure attractions.

At the Obraje Fish Farm in Otavalo, Ecuador, one can dine on the trout they catch, prepared with local flare by the Obraje staff at an incredibly affordable price.

Jullia introduces us to a wide variety of fruits cultivated in Ecuador and beyond, some of which are familiar to us and other, more exotic ones that probably aren't.

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

Julia introduces us to a variety of vegetables and herbs found at an Ecuadorian supermarket.