Stories about Bolivia from February, 2008
Bolivia: Relief for Flooding Victims
Many residents from other Bolivian cities are chipping in to provide relief for the victims of the flooding in the Beni region. Kevin of Travieso [es] writes about the cooperation with a local Santa Cruz radio station to collect supplies.
Bolivia: Anti-Government Protester Beat by Supporters
El refugio del pez que fuma [es] writes about intolerance shown by supporters of President Evo Morales, who beat a protester voicing displeasure over the current administration.
Bolivia: The Real Causes of the Flooding
Bolivida [es], a blog devoted to environmental topics, asks, “What are the causes of the increases in severe floodings, which are affecting thousands of families..?” He points out that some government leaders blaming global warming, but studies by two independent universities are placing blaming on deforestation.
Bolivia: Dinosaur Park in Sucre
From Bolivia, Tragicomedia Amorosa Musical [es] writes and posts picture of the dinosaur park in Sucre, where life-sized replicas of these prehistoric creatures can be seen upclose.
Bolivia: Former Fulbright Scholar Provides Thoughts on Embassy Controversy
Miguel Centellas of Pronto*, a former Fulbright Scholar in Bolivia, provides his reflections on the recent controversy involving a Fulbright Scholar and a US Embassy official, who asked the students to report on any Cuban or Venezuelan operating in the country and “that it was perhaps irresponsible for the scholar...
Carnival: Videos from around the world
One way to know about a culture, is to see how they celebrate and why. Many countries share a common festival, the carnival, and each country gives a distinctive flavour to the celebration. Carnival usually takes place during the weeks prior to Lent in Catholic countries, and it's usually a time to revel, enjoy and feast before the 40 days of fasting and prayer in preparation of Easter begin. Citizen videos show us how carnival season was spent this year in Bolivia, French Guyana, Goa, India and Croatia.
Bolivia: Garbage on the Walls
In El Alto, Bolivia, Hugo Choque writes about a different type of garbage. Every morning between 4 am and 5:30 am, one can see individuals plastering walls of businesses and homes with flyers for every type of advertisement imaginable.
Bolivia: Rapid Deforestation in Santa Cruz
Bolivida [es] writes about the continued deforestation in the department of Santa Cruz, Bolivia and provides a video of satellite images showing the difference in forest coverage from 1984 to 2000.
Bolivia: Collective Blog from the Diaspora
A new collective blog written by Bolivians abroad attempts to provide a look into the lives of Bolivians living far from home. As the blog states, "To live in two cultures is sometimes a choice, and it is sometimes “an accident.” This a translation of a post written by Karen Heredia from Blogs Bolivia.
Bolivia: Photos and Videos of Carnaval in Oruro
Hugo Miranda of Angel Caido [es] provides some firsthand photos and videos of the preparation for Carnaval in Oruro, of a famous marching band, and the street party the night before.
Bolivia: Pending Items for the President
In Bolivia, Guayarmerín Analitica [es] questions President Evo Morales’ declaration that after the school voucher for children and pensions for seniors that now the opposition can get rid of him. She asks, “is Evo satisfied when there are so many pending items?” such as the new Constitution, inflation and autonomies.
Bolivia: The Festival of Alasitas
The festival of Alasitas features a diminuative and jolly character called Ekeko, who is said to bring abundance and prosperity. This event is based in the city of La Paz, but it's popularity has spread to other cities like El Alto. There, some new bloggers write about this custom, and how important it is to maintain these traditions from generation to generation.
DoGooder.tv: A video sharing site for NonProfits
DoGooder.tv is a website for videos with a cause. Through it, non-profit organizations can promote their cause for a specific audience: one that is already interested in hearing what they have to say, and figuring ways in which they can help out.
Bolivia: Watching Movies in El Alto
Dora Romero of Las Ideas Son Primeo [es] writes about movie screens in the city of El Alto, Bolivia and that all types of people enter to watch the latest movies: shoeshiners, women in traditional garb, children, and couples in love.
