Monthly Archives: December 2010

Gasoline prices in Bolivia

Last Sunday the government of President Evo Morales suddenly announced that the fuel prices (gasoline and diesel) would increase with immediate effect. Until then, the fuel was subsidised because of the low wages in Bolivia. This meant that in many border areas fuel was being smuggled into neighboring countries (even on donkeys and llamas) because the prices there are much higher. The argument of the government was that in this way they subsidize the other countries for an amount of $150,000 per year (of the total subsidy of $380,000) – in itself a valid argument. And moreover they need the additional revenues. The prices of gas were not increased.

Birthday party in summer

On december 22 we had my birthday party with a barbequeue in restaurant ‘Los Jardines’ (The Gardens) in Cochabamba. This is the same restaurant where we had the MEMI Christmas dinner a week before. It was the first time that I had my birthday in the summer. I have made a photo page of the event.

First we had the plan to have a barbequeue in our own garden, but at this time of year there is a fair chance of rain, and we would have to setup a tent or roof, which we found too much of a hassle. Later in the evening it really started to rain. Most guests had already left, but some were still present.

Christmas dinner MEMI

Cena_MEMI MEMI, the institute in the university where I am working, every year has a Christmas dinner. This time it was in the restaurant ‘Los Jardines’ (The Gardens). It’s actually a garden a part of which is covered  so you can sit dry when it rains. But you’re still outside. I have a page with pictures. A week later I also had my birthday party at the same site.