Punki- What a treat! You should really enjoy yourself. Some call Caracas the "Paris of South America" and MI is a great place as well. Kind of like the Cote d'zur of Caracas, VZ!

Caracas has a great relatively new (12 years I'm guessing) subway, which my wife takes alone-something she never does in NYC. It closes early though (like midnight) not imaginable in NYC. Cabs are the same though and prices are very VARIABLE! The food is great! People are wonderful.

Stayed at the Caracas Hilton and feel it is significantly better than the Anacau, which is essentially accross the street. I recommend the Executive Floor as well! TI is too far out of the way in my book!

Posted my rental car story at SB airport elsewhere and don't recommend renting a car you won't need- especially coming in late!

warm wishes for a great trip and with great envy,
doc

How is your Spanish?