http://www.lightstalkers.org/posts/advice-contacts-in-bolivia An entire Lightstalkers thread via RSS/XML. en-us I'm planning a trip to Bolivia for the referendum on August 10, probably arriving a week before and staying a week after. I've been many times to Bolivia in my "former life" and I speak pretty good spanish, but I'm still wondering on how best to use my time. It will be a self-assignment (at least, I'm still trying to find someone interested), so I won't be able to afford extensive traveling within the country. I'm wondering whether it's best to stay in La Paz / El Alto, or Sta Cruz (stronghold of the "independentists"), or maybe go to the smaller provinces (Tarija, Sucre, Potosi, Oruro ?). I'm more interested in the "street" angle than the high profile political conferences, I'd like to explore the different aspects of the current tensions in the country (regional, ethnic, social, economical, political). I've been reading the Bolivian newspapers online, following the various local referendums, but I'm not sure how this official referendum will unfold, will there be any campaigning, and also, what kind of accreditation might be necessary to access the polling stations ? Any advice would be very helpful ! Many thanks in advance ! Sun, 13 Jul 2008 19:49:37 +0000 http://www.lightstalkers.org/posts/advice-contacts-in-bolivia Dear Hughes, From my previous experience, the accreditation system for the poling stations is nule. You may however need a special permit (on elections you need it) to drive around. Bolivia holds the world record for having more coup d'etat. So they are cautious with mass movements on election day. I am probably going to be in the country by the same time, and my idea is to stick for Santa Cruz and La Paz, and with the unfolding of events maybe traveling to other regions. Another thing, what you call "independentists" i would call them "autonomists", read what is beeing discussed on a serious way, and you will notice then not one single soul is talking about separatism or independence. So be careful with those terms. Saying that, I have no political position on this situation, so I am talking only to be factual. hope to see you there. best Joao Wed, 09 Jul 2008 04:46:19 +0000 http://www.lightstalkers.org/posts/advice-contacts-in-bolivia#125142 Thanks Joao. I will probably be in Brazil before, so will fly to La Paz from there. I might actually try to catch up with the Virgen Negra festival in Copacabana on the 5/6 of August. I'm still working on contacts, etc. but if you're interested in sharing accommodation in La Paz, let me know (I'm looking for something cheap but safe to leave some valuables + an Internet connection). PS: por acaso, vc é brasileiro ?! Sun, 13 Jul 2008 19:49:37 +0000 http://www.lightstalkers.org/posts/advice-contacts-in-bolivia#125436