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Hugo Chavez wants to rename Angel Falls
Standing at a height of 3212 feet, Angel Falls is the tallest waterfall in the world. Located in southern Venezuela's Canaima National Park, the falls are a UNESCO World Heritage site and are named for Jimmie Angel, an American pilot who first spotted them from the air back in 1933. He would later bring photos to the world of that astounding sight, making the falls famous across the globe. Now, however, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is looking to rename the falls, restoring their indigenous name. Amongst the local Pemon people, Angel Falls is known as Kerepakupai-Meru, which means "waterfall of the deepest place" in their tribal language. On his weekly television show, Chavez, who has a contentious relationship with the United States, asked his countrymen how they felt about the falls being named after the American aviator, and then proposed the change after fumbling with the pronunciation a few times. The Venezuelan President went on to say that the landmark, which is one of his country's biggest tourist attractions, had been seen by many indigenous people before Angel ever arrived on the scene. He concluded his declaration by saying "No-one should refer to Angel Falls any more."
The falls are fed by the Kerep River, which plunges over the side of the Auyan-tepui. The drop is so massive, that strong mountain winds actually atomize the water before it reaches the ground, turning into a fine mist. That mist does reform at the bottom however and continues the flow of the Kerep, which eventually empties into the Churun River further down stream.
Despite the fact that the falls are a major draw for tourists, there are few resources available to make it an easy place to visit. Going to the falls requires a flight to Canaima camp, where visitors can board small wooden boats during the rainy season, and approach the falls from below. Those that make the trip, are treated to quite the natural wonder.
The current name for that natural wonder is now open to debate.
Despite the fact that the falls are a major draw for tourists, there are few resources available to make it an easy place to visit. Going to the falls requires a flight to Canaima camp, where visitors can board small wooden boats during the rainy season, and approach the falls from below. Those that make the trip, are treated to quite the natural wonder.
The current name for that natural wonder is now open to debate.
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Filed under: Arts and Culture, History, South America, Venezuela, Ecotourism
Reader Comments (Page 2 of 2)
Bill Dec 25th 2009 11:45PM
We have people out of work and living on the streets wondering where their next meal is coming from. What the heck do I care what they call a waterfall in Venezuela.
Sierra Dec 26th 2009 2:57PM
You are SO right, Bill. I think maybe people get caught up in the issues in other countries to take their minds off the problems in this country, if only for the few moments they are visiting a website such as this.
It still puzzles me, though, why Americans think they/we have the right to name something in another country whatever WE want it called and think the rest of the world, including that particular country, should go along with it.
I wonder what the French called the Statue of Liberty before they gave her to us? I seriously doubt it was the "Statue of Liberty."