Still more Random Thoughts and Observations in Bolivia
-The other day, I fenced a little with Axl, using two huge plastic baseball bats, which was really nothing serious. His brother had other ideas: he took the bat away from him and proceeded to clock me on the head with it.
-Again, I couldn't visit the carnival this year, this time due to Liebi's absence. I am running out of chances to go here.
-The other day, a gang's boss was arrested and charged with the murder of sixty-nine people. Supposedly, he was the head of a gang that would send false mini buses into public transportation, have passengers who didn't know any better hop on (in front, of course), then strangle and kill them and proceed to drop their bodies into dumpsters. The immediate award: rarely more than a few bolivianos and maybe cell phones. Reminds me of Marge Gunderson in the movie Fargo: "And for what? For a little bit of money." Seems to me El Alto's reputation for being the most violent town in Bolivia is more than well-deserved and has been cemented thanks to these gentlemen. 33 other members of the gang were also arrested.
-American Airlines has recently declared Chapter 11, which in essence would declare a protection from bankruptcy. Not good. They run quite possibly the worst flight in the world from Miami to La Paz. Somehow having less money doesn't make me feel confident that their service will get any better.
-Recently a judge ordered an all-boys school to admit eight girls among their ranks. The parents' reaction? The boys' parents blocked the girls from entering the school and attending classes. A street fight ensued with police breaking up the mob using teargas. Gender discrimination? Such a wonderful thing, if you're living in the 16th century.
-Speaking of discrimination: Disabled demonstrators demanded increased government assistance at Plaza Murillo and were promptly turned away by the police. The result: the disabled demonstrators attacked the police, using crutches, their wheelchairs, and fireworks. Talk about a handicap.
-Brazil, Bolivia, and the United States just signed a tri-lateral treaty in which they agreed to a united front against the war on drugs. Yawn. How about signing one with Afghanistan? It would be just as silly to sign a treaty with Russia that stipulates that no snow should fall in Siberia, or a treaty with Vietnam that prohibits 50% of their 80 or so inches of rain per year from falling.
-It's amazing how many thefts and robberies there are in Bolivia, but in particular the ease with which people steal stuff here. I remember people would cut their own hands off before even thinking about stealing in Morocco. No such scruples here. Then again, I understand Bolivia is still South America's poorest country.
-The rain has stopped mostly, but you'll be pressed to find anything in the world more drier than La Paz, deserts not included. My skin is peeling worse than a snake's.
-Again, I couldn't visit the carnival this year, this time due to Liebi's absence. I am running out of chances to go here.
-The other day, a gang's boss was arrested and charged with the murder of sixty-nine people. Supposedly, he was the head of a gang that would send false mini buses into public transportation, have passengers who didn't know any better hop on (in front, of course), then strangle and kill them and proceed to drop their bodies into dumpsters. The immediate award: rarely more than a few bolivianos and maybe cell phones. Reminds me of Marge Gunderson in the movie Fargo: "And for what? For a little bit of money." Seems to me El Alto's reputation for being the most violent town in Bolivia is more than well-deserved and has been cemented thanks to these gentlemen. 33 other members of the gang were also arrested.
-American Airlines has recently declared Chapter 11, which in essence would declare a protection from bankruptcy. Not good. They run quite possibly the worst flight in the world from Miami to La Paz. Somehow having less money doesn't make me feel confident that their service will get any better.
-Recently a judge ordered an all-boys school to admit eight girls among their ranks. The parents' reaction? The boys' parents blocked the girls from entering the school and attending classes. A street fight ensued with police breaking up the mob using teargas. Gender discrimination? Such a wonderful thing, if you're living in the 16th century.
-Speaking of discrimination: Disabled demonstrators demanded increased government assistance at Plaza Murillo and were promptly turned away by the police. The result: the disabled demonstrators attacked the police, using crutches, their wheelchairs, and fireworks. Talk about a handicap.
-Brazil, Bolivia, and the United States just signed a tri-lateral treaty in which they agreed to a united front against the war on drugs. Yawn. How about signing one with Afghanistan? It would be just as silly to sign a treaty with Russia that stipulates that no snow should fall in Siberia, or a treaty with Vietnam that prohibits 50% of their 80 or so inches of rain per year from falling.
-It's amazing how many thefts and robberies there are in Bolivia, but in particular the ease with which people steal stuff here. I remember people would cut their own hands off before even thinking about stealing in Morocco. No such scruples here. Then again, I understand Bolivia is still South America's poorest country.
-The rain has stopped mostly, but you'll be pressed to find anything in the world more drier than La Paz, deserts not included. My skin is peeling worse than a snake's.
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