If any of you are keeping up on Bolivian news, which I doubt you are, you might have heard of the recent vote on Sunday May 4th by one of the departments (think states) to gain autonomy status. As with all things in Bolivia the situation is rather complicated. They can´t even agree if the vote was legal in the first place, much less what the outcome actually means for the St. Cruz and the rest of the country. At any rate, what this meant for us was a huge "rally/protest" in Cochabamba. They (whomever ¨they¨are...there is debate about this as well) bused in people from the surrounding areas and by some accounts over 400,000 people amassed on the main highway going out of town that goes near our house. This picture was taken a block from our house and shows people marching towards the rally point...we watched for over 15 minutes and the stream of people never let up. Pretty impressive to see this many people all in one place. Thankfully the rally was peaceful and ended by 6pm and everything was back to normal by Monday...pretty crazy stuff...yet to be resolved in many respects, we just pray the outcome is peaceful and benefits the people as a whole.
We actually spent the day exploring the hills overlooking Cochabamba with some friends...very relaxing in that it reminds us of Washington...complete with Lupine, pine trees, and even a slight breeze (something we actually miss here!). Here is Jen and Carl surveying the smog overhaning Cochabamba...people tell us it will even get worse over the course of the next few months.
5 comments:
I wonder about how politics works in other countries. The Bolivians must be passionate about their government to have such a big rally.
If your hike made you lonesome for Washington, consider our home as a respite when you return from your adventure. We would love to be your hosts for whatever length of time you would like.
The bird feeder is looking lovely in the yard, with a simple bell windchime adorning it. The birds get enough food in the garden right now, so I don't add to their meals. If you come back in the fall, we will be overflowing with good food to harvest.
Thanks for your wonderful offer...we might take you up on it at some point after our return. Our current "re-entry plan" is to avoid looking for a home and work as long as possible :) We miss you guys. Take care - Andrwe and Jen
Of course we keep up with Bolivian news...it is the Monitor connection. (: Especially like this searching to the far horizon photo of Jen and friend. (: Looks like the illustrations in my 8th grade social studies books. Is there a subject called "social studies" any more? Anyway...explorers. This could be Balboa...contemplating the Pacific..or Ponce de Leon...in Florida. Good shot. (: Love you guys. I am in San Antonio with your wonderful Grandmom and your wonderful sister Sara. (: Home 21st. Art doing well alone. (:
Oops! Wrong response. Goggle refused what I KNOW is my account. Hmmmm. Will try again. Otherwise will be stuck with Art's identity...OK but not me. Love again (:
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