Ciao!

Third day in Cochabamba

02.15.2004

I'm beat from yesterday's trek aroud Sipe Sipe. My shoes have just about had it, I've blisters on my feet, and I'm sore all over. That said, I slept until noon. Then, off for vegetarian food at Restaurant Goval (also run by Hare Crishnas).

I bought a paper (La Razón, because of its great Sunday magazine, Escape) and have only glanced through it. Carnaval madness is sweeping the country, so most news deals w/ that. Two tidbits I did find: The 125th anniversary of the War of the Pacific, w/ military speeches about taking the sea back & frantic crowds stomping on Chilean flags. Ah!, nothing brings a country together like xenophobia. Also, a MAS parliametarian & dirigente cocalero (Dionisio Núñez) drove his Jeep Cherokee drunk, crashed, and killed a female aid. How do you traslate Chappaquiddick?

Anyhow. Last night I tried going out to La Pimienta (on the Prado). But. In good Bolivia fashion, the show didn't start 'till past midight. The first band, Lupek, was pretty good — as far as an "alterative" cover band's cocerned. And the crowd was pretty into them. But I was too tired to last through the rest of their set. I walked back to my hostel.

This afternoon, I plan on hiking to the foot of the hill where the Cristo de la Concordia is. Then, take the cable car up to the summit. Should be a good view of the city and surrouding valley. And I hope to climb inside the world's tallest Jesus. I was thinking of a trip to Cliza or someplace else this afternoon. But I'm too beat. So just some coffee, read the paper, and maybe hit a movie tonight. I've to be all rested (& shaved) for tomorrow's "work" day.

Also, yesterday was St. Valetine's Day. I pretty much missed it. Then again, it's not a big deal in Bolivia. Which is odd, when you think about it. Since this is a Catholic coutry w/ so may saints' festivals. But I guess Valetine gets the short stick.

Oh, I also have a really good political joke involving the Virgen de Urkupiña (who's known for her faithfulness). It's from the 1989 election. The three major candidates all went to Quillacollo to ask the virgin to intercede on their behalf. Goni asked to win the election; Paz Zamora asked to become presidet; Banzer asked to rule Bolivia. All three had their wish granted.

Posted by Miguel at 01:59 PM

Comments

Posted by: Scott Barnard at February 16, 2004 09:29 AM