Hello (Ola) from Bolivia

[Ian]

I made it out.
Yeeehaa!!!!

It wasn't a great big hassle but TSA did confiscate my lil fruit juice cans and they also had to scan my backpack about 3 times...but it cleared...no big whoop.

Sucre is beautiful. Some of you might like it. Some of you might not even see the beauty. Oh well. First thing I saw leaving the local airport was a great big giant pig "mowing" the "lawn" at the airport entrance. The local landscape crews also include many free ranging cows and sheep. It's so freaking cool. And parts of the place looks like a bombed out war zone. I think it's a work in process.

The weather is nice too. Hot in the day cooler at night. The views are spectacular and the woman are mucho supremo.

[bdwg]

please tell me it wa a 1 way trip...

[Mongoose]

Say hi to Butch and Sundance for me.

[SilentRunner]

He is probably making it all up. How does he get Internet so quickly and freely?

How's the weather in NC, Ian?

[Ian]

Mongoose wrote:

Say hi to Butch and Sundance for me.

Did they hot foot it down here G?
I think they would do good down here. It does have a real wild west frontier feel to it...or so I imagine how the wild west was way back when. I honestly think you might like it Mongoose. Can I pick you up anything? Besides a stewardess.

[John Galt]

You do realize Bolivia has an extradition policy with the United States, correct?

[John Galt]

bdwg wrote:

please tell me it wa a 1 way trip...

That wouldn't make alot of sense for a mule, would it?

[John Galt]

Seriously though Ian, please be careful. Boliva has the worst economy in South American, and the 2nd worst in the western hemisphere, only beyond the armpit of the world, Haiti. There is good reason it looks like it does.
Not much of a tourist destination, but coca is its number one cash crop. Your going to be probed every which way if you return. Think about it.

[PetG]

What are you using for Internet access in Bolivia?

[SilentRunner]

I thought Ian has a criminal record and has no job. So tell me how he could afford to fly or paddle to Bolivia and why did the Bolivian customs allow him into the country?

He's not in Bolivia, people. He's either in North Carolina or Holland, Mich. My guess is Holland.

[PetG]

Ian is in Bolivia, He's visiting his brother..so what?
I'm curious how they do the internet in Bolivia?

[RKing]

Ian,

What a great opportunity. Have fun and be safe.

[Ian]

PetG...Sure enough. You hit the nail on the head. I'm lucky to be able to connect thru my brothers Wi-Max internet connection. It's pretty slow compared to the states but it works OK. Speedtest.net shows a DL speed of .43 Mbs and .22 up. It'll do. If my brother didn't have this connection and make his living from being connected a guy could go to nearly any corner/block and find an internet cafe to get online.

RK...You betchya Hella. Gonna enjoy it for everything it's worth. I'll try to get some pictures and stories posted online someplace and give you folks the links.

Mongoose...any requests yet? I bought some pepper corns yesterday. Want some?

Today we are off to Yotala...For now you probably know about as much about the place as I do. I'm about to install Google Earth on the kids machine (the only one my bro lets me use/install stuff on lol) so I can see from birds eye where I have been and where I am going. I think one of the worlds deadliest roads is in Bolivia. Don't really want to see that one in person. Viewing it from the satellite will do. Will keep ya' posted. If you don't hear back from me...it might have been the roads. VERY FEW traffic lights or stop signs around. I think that helps make people more cautious...sort of. Pedestrians take RESPONSIBILITY for YOURSELF. Danger with every step.

Life is good.

[PetG]

Enjoy your trip.
That mountain road was featured on Nat Geo, You should pass on that trip.

[Petg]

Did some Goggle earthin' of my own, I'm envious.
The huge blue sky in Bolivia is beautiful.
Have a good time man.

[Mongoose]

Bolivia might be beautiful, but the government is comprised entirely of morons. They are a land locked nation and they have a Navy.

I think I'll pass on that logic. Whomever thought of that, can't be wrapped too tight nor can the people that continue the insanity.

[Ian]

Seems a pretty good idea to be a landlocked country and still have a Navy...especially if your so close to the ocean, have lots of natural resources other countries want and your closest nieghbors are sometimes a bit hostile.

More power to'um.
Ships ahoy mateys.

[John Galt]

Ahhh.... the navy is in a lake, not the ocean Ian.

Bolivia's Navy is strictly historical... they used to have access to the sea in the 18th century but lost it in the Pacific War with Chile. They *hope* to get the access back someday, hence they keep the navy.

[Ian]

Be prepared...still sounds pretty smart to me.

[GoogleIsYourFrie nd]

John Galt wrote:

Ahhh.... the navy is in a lake, not the ocean Ian.
Bolivia's Navy is strictly historical... they used to have access to the sea in the 18th century but lost it in the Pacific War with Chile. They *hope* to get the access back someday, hence they keep the navy.

Um Yea..
Thanks for looking that up for us.