I am in Miami now. A few hours still to fly (almost a day) and it is the end of 2 intensive months of traveling.
In La Paz I met a few travelcompanions, who I met before. Of course I had a good-bye diner with Pietro and Ivana. I met Lisa and Laura (Uyuni) a few times.
On Wednesday, on the Plaza Murillo, I saw a demonstration as a support for the plans of Evo Morales to introduce a Renta Dignidad (a pension of 200 Bolivianos, €20, a month). Evo himself came also out of his palace and people grew enthusuastuc about that.
I bought some presents, some CD's and books about the hustory and political situation.
It is very interesting to read about what is going on here. In fact it is a big misery of racism, oppresion (of very rich against very poor, of white people against colored people), revolutions, bloody conflicts. It seems to me that since their independency (1825) they never came out of their colonial era. Many wars against surrounding countries have isolated the country more and more.
Misuse by big international companies of the raw materials, supported by a small rich elite.
It was only a few years ago that Bolivians admitted these problems, with teh result of the election of the first 'indigo president'.
They are now in the middle of a big changing process, which goes very laborious and that costs also victims.
Since a few weeks, luckily, the president and the opposition are talking to each other, but for how long???
I am glad that I was able to learn this country (somewhat) better. It is fascinating, beautiful and it has a lot to offer. People are heartely, friendly and hospitable. In short: worth a revisit!!!
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