Slow to update

01.03.2004

Playing tour guide to a younger brother doesn't leave much time for blogging. I'm having too much fun showing Sam around the city. If you're curious to know the details of what we've been up to, read Sam's blog; he's been updating like crazy.

Last night we went to a peņa (a folk music show) at Marka Tambo, tucked away in the old colonial Calle Jaen. We met up w/ Paola and walked from the Prado, to Plaza Murillo, to Calle Jaen. The show was great, and included legends Pepe Murillo and Ernesto Cavour (one of the three greatest composers of the modern era, the others being Gilberto Rojas and William Ernesto Centellas). Lots of wine, lots of audience participation, a great time. An hour into the show, Monica (Daniel's sister) and her husband Darryl joined us. I'll post pictures (and video, if I can) later; this was the best peņa I've ever been to. Wow.

Sam flies back to Santa Cruz in a few hours. We're doing a few last minute family get-togethers, then off to the airport. I'm glad he had a good time, and got a chance to really get to know some little corners of La Paz.

My vacation ends Monday. Back to work at the archives, plus starting to work on lining up interviews (starting w/ "public intellectuals").

Meanwhile, everyone's anxious for Mesa's national address tomorrow. He's supposed to (finally!) unveil his government's plan of action for the coming year. There's hope 2004 will be better than 2003, but there's also fear that it'll be worse. 2004's supposed to bring a referendum on gas (which is more and more a dead issue), a constituent assembly (w/ much debate on how to do this), and municipal elections (w/ many arguing that the other two must wait for the December elections). All the while, Santa Cruz & Tarija stay in check, but ready to make a run for independence if things get tough.

Posted by Miguel at 01:40 PM