A JOURNEY IN BOLIVIA 1988
After some time searching we found someone who had put the backpack aside, because
the label had come off.
Perhaps this allowed us to avoid the waiting time to check
the incoming baggage, because we were led out around the waiting queue. After shaking
off another illegal money changer we went looking for Varig's counter. Here we were
referred to a certain Mrs. Rosario, who solved any problems for us in a pleasant
way: we received a coupon for a taxi, a coupon for accommodation and food at the
Hilton hotel and another coupon for a taxi for the return journey to the airport.
And she assured us that we could fly on to La Paz the next day. At half past nine
in the evening, half past two in the Netherlands, we arrived at the Hilton hotel.
There was a respectable barbecue there. Our clothing may not have conformed to
the standards, but we were tolerated without difficulty. The dinner was graced by
a very sophisticated playing and singing trio (guitar, bongo and gourd), alternated
by a pianist. After the third steak, however, we found that we had had enough and
went to bed: "It's all good."
Sunday, July 31st
I started to write a letter home that had to go to La Paz because of a strike in
the postal service. After an elaborate breakfast, we decided to visit the city at
random. It was cool and cloudy and there were few people on the streets. Soon we
came to a market with paintings, semi-
A fast taxi took us back to the airport, where we were directed to the Bolivian aviation company (LAB). When checking in, they thought we had to pay airport tax, but Kik thought that this was Varig's job. After a short discussion, this was arranged. The 4:50 PM plane left at 6 PM, so we were not dissatisfied. After a two and a half hour flight we landed in Santa Cruz de la Sierra in Bolivia. Here we quickly and smoothly obtained a residence visa for thirty days and were able to
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