NIGHT LIFE

EL GUATACARAZO Open daily, El Guatacarazo (a.k.a. the Bocci Bar) is one of the most reliable things in town next to the wind. On any given night you'll find a collection of fishermen, maybe a few European sailors, and just about anyone else who happens to be passing through town. The locals will be playing dominoes out back and the Bocci pit will almost certainly be in use. In fact, you will probably be asked to play. If you get there before they decide to quit cooking, you can grab a meal (see late-night eating). Since it is a "cervezeria," the bar only serves beer and soda - no rum or mixed drinks. Beers cost about the equivalent of 25 U.S. cents, so it is not uncommon to buy and be bought for with abandon. Music plays freely on the stereo and occasionally Shorty and his reggae band will drop in from Caracas to play a set or two.

Fishermen Alfredo & Jopí with the catch of the day.

CARANTONIA
Located across the street from the Bocci Bar, the Carantonia guest house opens its courtyard on many weekend nights, serving beer, and occasionally featuring live music. Music ranges from reggae to Latin American pop. The performers are often not bad and can be a welcome relief from Adícora's quiet nights. The bar serves only beer, but occasionally, sangria or rum and cokes are available as well.

CLUB SOCIAL Y DEPORTIVO BRISAS DEL SUR
(A.K.A. LAS BRISAS) Las Brisas is located one block east of Windsurfing Adícora on the South Beach. One of its main attractions is a back room full of pool tables, rented by the hour, and popular with the locals. It can be a bit difficult to get a table or to mix in with the crowd; they tend to play by some strange local rules. Las Brisas also has a large dance floor, a booming sound system, and is a popular dance spot for Venezuelans on weekends and holidays. Music is Latin (merengue, salsa, etc.). The bar serves beer and mixed drinks.

MOUSTACHO'S DISCO
This is an outdoor set-up, behind the Moustacho Vacation Center. It consists of a bar, disco lighting, a dance floor, and a sound system that plays Latin and U.S. dance music. You will find it open on weekends and during Venezuelan holiday periods, when it can be quite popular, but it is just as often quite dead. There is usually a small cover charge. Beer and a few mixed drinks, such as rum and coke or whisky and soda, are available.

HIPICOS/TASCAS
Across the street from the bakery, this bar/restaurant/betting parlor is one of the only air-conditioned places in town. It's a decent place to escape to once in a while. It offers a full bar with satellite TV. Ask the bartender if he can tune in one of your favorite shows from the States. One night I was able to enjoy a welcome cultural escape back north with an episode of "The Simpsons". During the day, the satellite dish is used for televised horse racing and off-track betting. Nights are usually lonely and quiet. Drink prices are relatively high, though the bar is well-stocked.