10 Jan 2007 Yesterday we had another adventure in Cochabamba. We had to be downtown, for a brief errand at the government office. Our driver thought it would be safe, as long as we were in and out in a few minutes. As usual, we were delayed by the local bureaucratic requirements to go to Table A, then to Table B, return to Table A, go to Desk C, do not pass Go, etc. we completed most of our business, however, we were not able to complete my...

Violence in Cochabamba Yesterday saw serious outbreaks of violence here in Cochabamba, Bolivia. The ruling party “Movement toward Socialism” (MAS) sponsored marches throughout the city that turned to riots. The main city plaza was assaulted with rocks and Molotov cocktails. The Prefect’s office was burned out, and several private vehicles were destroyed. One image that sticks in my mind was one ladies’ car being burned....

January 2007 It rarely hits the news in the USA, but Bolivia is in serious turmoil. Our city has been under siege for a week, as a showdown between the national government and the state governors has heated up. Detailed reports are on our web site: www.exhort.com We have not been in real danger, but I now know what tear gas smells like! Cynthia and I spent some time pinned in our taxi as rioters marched by, carrying clubs (with nails), gunpowder...

So… we’re back at the Correos, our post office. [you want to check your POBox at least once or twice a week, because there is NO mail delivery at your house... only at the main post office] It’s bit delayed, but Steven and I are having a bit of an Anniversary celebration. We had spied out the Ametrines (“bolivianitas“) and had found some that he wanted to get me for our 25th Wedding Anniversary. And, it just...

SetUp: I participated in a Secret Santa Swap for my group, CraftClass . This was my SECOND attempt to mail the package… the first being the day before when I got it all together, got to the block where the post office is, and when I got out of the taxi, I realized that I did NOT have the address. Details, right? But remember, “the devil is in the picky points!” My partner, to whom I was to send my package, is in the United...