Ep 2. Caracas

In Locked Up Abroad season 3 episode 2, titled Caracas, viewers are taken to Venezuela to hear the story of British traveler Tom Hart Dyke. Tom is a plant collector and explorer who embarks on a journey to find rare orchids in the Venezuelan jungle. He is accompanied by his friend, British trekker Paul Winder.

Their expedition takes a terrifying turn when they are kidnapped at gunpoint by FARC guerrillas, a Colombian rebel group. The group demands a $20 million ransom for their release, which Tom's family cannot afford. As days turn into weeks, Tom and Paul are forced to live in harsh conditions and are constantly threatened with execution.

The kidnappers move the hostages from location to location to evade authorities, but eventually, Tom and Paul are taken to Caracas, the capital city of Venezuela. Here, they are imprisoned in a small, windowless room with no access to sunlight. They are given minimal food and water and are subjected to mental and physical torture.

Tom uses his love of plants to keep sane, collecting anything he can find in the room and researching their uses. He creates an imaginary garden in his mind, a world where he can escape from the reality of their situation. However, the guards soon discover his makeshift garden and destroy it.

Throughout their captivity, Tom and Paul are unsure whether they will ever be released. They are aware of the dangers of failed ransom negotiations, and their spirits are continually tested. The kidnappers use psychological tactics, such as pretending to execute them, to break their wills.

As the days turn into months, Tom and Paul attempt a daring escape, but it ultimately fails. They are punished severely for their actions and fear for their lives even more.

The episode explores the emotional, mental, and physical strains of captivity and the lengths that people will go to protect themselves and others. It also touches upon the dangers of traveling to politically unstable countries and the importance of preparation for unexpected situations.

Locked Up Abroad season 3 episode 2, Caracas, is a gripping tale of survival and resilience, as well as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of travel and the importance of staying alert and informed when exploring the world.