Brilliant propaganda has vaulted the elite Cruceño leaders as the voice of an entire region. Forget about their own elected representatives from the major political parties. Forget that Santa Cruz even had one of its own as a recent President (Hugo Banzer Suarez). They never shoulder the blame for a corrupt and [...]
The Bolivian National Team arrived in Washington, DC to play a friendly match against Guatemala. From DC the squad will travel to Colombia for their Wednesday match in Barranquilla.
The team almost chose not to board the flight because of the prize money that would be paid out. They claimed that the [...]
Even though, the strike in Santa Cruz was a relative success in the eyes of the regional “leaders”, as predicted there were strong-armed tactics and violence towards those that did not choose to join the strike.
En las ediciones meridianas, los medios televisivos cruceños mostraron imágenes de grupos de brigadistas que emplearon chicotes para obligar a [...]
As promised, the Comites Civicos of Santa Cruz and Tarija have come through on their threat. An organized general strike began this morning at 12 a.m. For the next 24 hours, no markets will be open, no cars, buses, or taxi will operate, and businesses will be closed. Now, it is not [...]
We can really make a difference, if we put our minds to it. In this post presenting the Los Tiempos USA website, my pal Miguel wondered where his favorite dish Majao Tapao was in the sidebar poll. I then chimed in wondering the same thing about my two favorite dishes.
Lo and [...]
… I ♥ Huckabees, although the trailer does not do the movie justice.
National Team goalkeeper Leo Fernandez was a target of an attempted murder. Two men on a motorcycle followed the car he was driving, and fired three shots. He was unhurt in the incident, although the bullets missed hitting Fernandez by a mere 15 cm.
Some speculate that this was in retribution for an incident where [...]
Cochabamba’s main plaza “14 de Septiembre,” located in the heart of the city. The Cathedral, alcaldia, and various newspaper kiosks surround this plaza. It is also the sight of many protests, marches or assemblies; and also people escaping the strong sun under the protection of the trees.
Visiting Bolivia in the early 1990s was like leaving earth to arrive on a distant planet. On top of taking nearly 24 hours (accounting for driving to the nearest airport, connecting flights and the long layover in Miami), globalization had not yet hit. In other words, the flood of media, communication, and internet [...]
My luck with futbol teams hasn’t been very good. In the end, heartbreak and disappointment have been reoccurring themes. My track record with teams I support, the Bolivian National Team and club side Wilstermann has taught me to expect the worst. It’s better not to get your hopes up and avoid disillusionment. [...]
The Cochabamba newspaper Los Tiempos has had a U.S. version for Bolivian residents in Northern Virginia and Western Maryland. Now Los Tiempos USA has launched its website. Even though the newspaper publishes weekly editions and much of its news is dated, the paper provides news on the happenings for the Bolivian community. [...]
Since 1825, Bolivia has had 78 presidents. Some, like Victor Paz Estenssoro (5 times), have served on more than one occasion. When the first President, Simon Boliviar (pictured on the left) only served for a little over than 4 months, it marked the beginning of a revolving door for the Office of the [...]
A condor statue near the Plaza 14 de Septiembre in Cochabamba.
Once again, the feud between the Bolivian Futbol Federation and the dirigentes of the Bolivian League has caused tension. Head coach Ramiro Blacutt has had to deal with threats of not ceding players because one club President has a problem with one of the players. Starting goalkeeper Leo Fernandez got into a bit [...]
Yes, this is higher, but less famous than the Christ statue in Rio de Janeiro. This statue located near the Mountain of San Pedro is serviced by a cable car, steps, and a long-winding road. On the mountain, there are plans to place large letters that read “VIVA COCHABAMBA” (similar to the Hollywood [...]
In the upcoming municipal elections, no one is expecting much from the political parties. After the introduction of the new law allowing for agrupaciones ciudadanas (which basically are parties in disguise, but that’s another topic altogether) and indigenous groups to take part in these elections, many wonder whether this election process would mark the [...]
Volkswagen bugs, otherwise known as “petas“, are a common sight on the streets of Cochabamba. They relatively inexpensive, costing in the neighborhood of $2,000. These vehicles are simple to repair by mechanics who don’t charge a whole lot. Plus, they aren’t a vehicle normally targeted by robbers, who like to go after [...]
“Nunca mas con el LAB,” boasted this little old Bolivian lady in the Miami International Airport. Some twelve hours after departing Cochabamba, the entire trip so far seemed like a trip (different meaning of the word). On Friday morning, less than 24 hours before my flight was scheduled to leave, I received a [...]
Flight Notes: On the 6 o’clock a.m. flight, none other than Mr. Evo Morales was on the same flight to Cochabamba. With his trademark blue jacket embroidered with “Somos MAS” and his white and black “tenis” (athletic shoes), he boarded the plane carrying nothing. Taking his seat in first class, it struck [...]