Just A Thought...: Notes from Bolivia:

Finally finished my report on the regional planning accompanying the lithium mining industry in Bolivia. I'll post a link to the Progressive Planning Magazine article once it's published in the upcoming Special International Issue.

Easter Sunday was election day in Bolivia. It is mandatory that every citizen in the country votes. Compared to good US turnout rates of 60%, Bolivia has a 100% voting rate. It's also illegal to drive on the streets during election day or to open any business. At 8:30PM, once all ballots had been officially hand counted, we walked to the main plaza to watch the governor and mayor of Santa Cruz (Province and Capital City) give acceptance speeches.

On my third trip to Samaipata, I finally visited the prized waterfalls, "Las Cuevas!" -- Eric's and my original reason for going to Samaipata. Before Easter Sunday, the weekend in Samaipata was spent tailgating, dancing by bonfires, eating great food, and relaxing by the falls. My favorite Bolivian meal is easily the type of "relleno" with rice and meat stuffed grape leaves. Absolutely delicious!

Two weeks after the fact, Vivi received a phonecall from a woman who found her stolen wallet thrown in the trash. While we wait for them to meet, we're all wondering whether this lady is just looking for money or if she's truly a good Samaritan...Updates to come.

Tomorrow night I'll be packing up and flying out to Ecuador for a week on the beach learning to fly (taking a week long paragliding class) followed by a Galapagos Islands tour (snorkeling, hiking, boating at the birthplace of "Evolution"). Don't know which to be more excited for: paragliding, Galapagos, Quito's old city, or reaching the Equator.