Christmas Doom!

I will be in Venezuela for Christmas this year. I will be staying in a little town called Ciudad Ojeda. Ciudad Ojeda is the most un-touristy, boring, hot and sweaty town of the entire country. I grew up in this town and my mom still lives there. Part of me wants to visit my mom. But, a larger part of me is dreading Ciudad Ojeda. I really hate that town, and I have spent a good part of the last 8 years of my life avoiding it. Originally my plan to visit Venezuela was built around nice beach towns and historical locations. I planned to avoid Ciudad Ojeda, and Zulia state, entirely. Unfortunately, there has been a change in plans due to events that are out of my control. Now I must stay in Ciudad Ojeda for 12 days; my Venezuelan vacation does not feel like a vacation anymore.

I have this horrible feeling that a life-altering event is going to happen once I get there. I sense that a higher (universal?) (evil?) power is sending me there, to my doom, despite my better judgment and fighting it is pointless. There is nothing I can do to get out of visiting Ciudad Ojeda. I do not have high hopes for a Merry Christmas. I know this sounds a bit dramatic, but it is how I truly feel.

To make matters worse, my husband is coming with me. I don't want him to see the horrible little town and the horrible little house where I grew up and spent some of the worst years of my life. It's embarrassing. On the other hand, I don't think I could survive the trip without him... so I am sort of glad he is coming.