Is Bolivia Safe? The simple answer is yes…today. The question of safety must address three specific concerns: 1) general safety from crime, 2) civilian conflicts such as political riots and 3) civil war. Crime exists in Cocahbamba. There is one area in town where even the US Embassy and the city government warn folks not to go at night. So we don’t go there! There are warnings against females being out and about alone, so we don’t do that...

We were having a pleasant lunch at our favorite street side cafe. It has four things that make it my favorite: 1) It is on the most beautiful street in Cochabamba, “the Prado”. You’d think it was a street in Europe. The front is open, so you can enjoy the fresh air, and watch the people pass by. You also can be accosted by beggars, shoe shine boys and pushy street vendors, but that is part of the charm. And no, I didn’t buy the $10...

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....

We’ll stay at home today. There is a nationwide “paro”, or work stoppage, for all commercial transportation. No taxis or buses will run. The gas stations are probably blockaded as well, to discourage personal vehicles from being on the road. You can use your personal vehicle, though there is risk being drug from your car and beaten senseless, so wise folks only go out for emergencies. We, of course, stocked up at the grocery...