If you read some other posts on our website, you will see that we agree that corruption is universal (but takes different forms everywhere), what the US charges for visas is ridiculous as it doesn’t guarantee an actual visa, and how big aid and organizations can do more harm than good (this is why we like working with certain microfinance organizations).

Food is subjective to personal tastes and so we were just sharing our opinion, even after eating many of the dishes you had recommended. As for the reaction to a stolen phone, we were comparing the reaction to a similar theft (small camera) in another Latin American country where we had a very easy time getting a report for our insurance company. Thefts happen everywhere – it’s just part of traveling so we don’t take it personally.

Thanks again for sharing your perspective and hope you enjoy some of the other posts on Bolivia from our visit!

I guess first impression are mostly determined by prejudice (pre-judgement), but let me see if i can help dispel some of your misconceptions.
# 2 Please don’t confuse resignation with acceptance, that is they way thing are, but corruption is not exclusive to Bolivia, by any means, just look around wherever you are right now – it may not be readily apparent but it is there.
# 3 I say water with crap is better than water from Bechtel, sad thing is the water with crap is affordable. When Becthel declared that all the water (even the rain water) was the property of this US San Francisco based company, the people of Bolivia where willing to protest, fight and die for the right to claim that the water of Bolivia belongs to the people of Bolivia.
# 5 Nothing is free, please look at the impact of these USAID gifts of good will. They make the poor people of world, not only Bolivia dependent while destroying local agriculture self sufficiency and the self pride that comes from being SELF sufficient. I applaud Bolvians for wanting to stand on their own two feet.
# 8 your crazy! or addicted to Micky-DeeDeeDees, either way your crazy; Sajta de pollo, Puca-capas, aji de fideo, Kara pecho, Majadito, sopa de mani, Chairito, chicharron, fricase, chuno puty, ala-ap-tapi, ummmmm so good. And did you taste the beef, a $3.00 asado from the mercado is better than any 100$ Chris Ruth’s stake any day of the week.

# 9 Its called reciprocity, 135$ is the same cost that any Bolivian is charged by the US embassy to apply for a US visa- not to be granted one (most are rejected-and loose the $135. So imagine if you from a wealthy country feel cheated to have to pay 135 to GET a visa, most Bolivians have donate 135 $ just to apply to get one. All most get is a visit to heavily secured interior of the US embassy in La Paz to be told NO! Not even a thank you for your $135.

Final thought on your phone, what did you expect everyone to jump up and do something? In America if they break into your house and steal everything you own the police will come and take a report, that is it, they will then file it at the end of the day and nothing will ever happen-whats the difference?

Thanks for your writing, I really appreciated reading it. I hope that on your next trip you travel with an even lighter pack.

Thank you, Namaste.

-Carlos

Keep well!
Blaž

@Pauline: You have read our observations very closely. From this piece, it’s fair to come to the conclusion that Bolivia is very much to itself in many ways. That said, we have headed east and the attitude appears to be changing – noticeably friendlier, more open, less insular. The only thing I would add: the outside influence has historically been from Europe and the U.S. In the current political environment, economic and political influence seems to be coming from Venezuela.
@Tim: Certainly, the $135 visa fee plays a role in Americans visiting Bolivia. But how big a role, I’d hesitate to say without seeing data. There was a day (only a few years ago) before the reciprocity fee — and it’s not particularly clear that there were loads of American visitors then, either. Although the Bolivian visa fee may sound hefty, long-term travelers to Bolivia will more than make up the visa fee within a few weeks because the cost of travel is less than in Ecuador and Peru. On the subject of worthwhile sights, we found the Bolivian salt flats to be amazing. Coupling that with a visit to Lake Titicaca, La Paz, the jungle and drinking some nice inexpensive wines here in Tarija, a case could be made to visit Bolivia and amortize/spread the $135 over the life of your trip.
@Gaea: Part 2 is being brewed as we speak. Tarija is quite different in temperament than the rest of the Bolivia, particularly the altiplano. And yes, the wine. Always helps to have some reasonably priced good food and wine around to help one contemplate a place.

To me that’s the government saying, “We don’t want you here.” (Just as our government is signaling the same thing to its visitors—and I don’t blame people for giving the U.S. a pass as a result.)