Our Cover: Ivan Rodriguez P.
As we settle into new dynamics and learn to adjust to a new reality which is beyond our control it can be hard to see what opportunities lie out there. We are all on some level affected by the economic consequences of the pandemic. Like most businesses, Bolivian Express has had to retreat to an exclusively online platform with the addition of weekly online talks where Bolivian commentators discuss relevant issues and try to make sense of what the world is becoming.
Bolivia’s economic growth is estimated to fall by about three percent in 2020 instead of the 2,8 percent planned growth announced at the beginning of the year. Vulnerable populations will be affected heavily by the recession and businesses who rely on tourists or in-person transactions will take months if not years to recover. It’s a bleak panorama but if there is one positive side it is the opportunity for Bolivia to make up for its lack in digitalisation and innovation.
Now, thanks to an app on your phone, you can get food delivered from most restaurants and coffee shops, order medicine from pharmacies and groceries from your favourite shop. You can look for housing and buy clothes from home, and you can do most of your business transactions online. In Bolivia, this wouldn’t have been possible five years ago, or at least not as easily. The quarantine will undoubtedly speed up this process and push entrepreneurs to innovate in digital areas, finding new ways to survive and help businesses stay alive when we are all staying home.
But, even if these enterprises are welcome and necessary in the current context, it will only deepen the gap between those who have smartphones and internet connections and those who don’t. Internet connectivity has greatly improved in the past decade but still represents a considerable cost in families budgets and should not be taken for granted. If changes are coming and Bolivia is transforming, let’s make sure that we can include everyone in the process and that no one is left behind.
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RECOMMENDATIONS BX105
DESTINATION
VALLE DE LA LUNA
Description: The Valle de la Luna is one of the most popular tourist destinations in La Paz. It was named ‘Moon Valley’ when Neil Amstrong visited Bolivia in 1969 and the surreal landscape reminded him of the moon. Visitors can explore the area and discover a different view of the city.
How to get there: A taxi from the centre of La Paz would cost about 30-40 Bs but you can also take a minibus that goes to Mallasa for 3 Bs. Look for the signs ‘Mallasa’ or ‘Mallasilla’ on the front of the bus or minibus.
The cost of entrance is 15 Bs for foreigners and 3 Bs for nationals.
Photo: Renata Lazcano
COFFEE SHOP
Higher Ground Cafe & Wine Bar La Paz
Description: A Melbourne-style cafe in the centre of La Paz, this place offers a selection of selected coffee, international teas, Bolivian beers, wines and spirits. The food is fresh and flavourful and you’ll find familiar dishes with a Bolivian twist.
Address: Tarija street #229
Opening hours: 6:30-22:00
Photo: Higher Ground Cafe & Wine Bar La Paz
CULTURE/EDUCATION
Instituto Exclusivo
Description: They offer language classes from beginner to advanced levels. Classes are individual or in groups of maximum 4 students. Timetables are flexible, each student can organise their classes according to their times. They also offer immersion courses to learn to communicate in various situations of daily life.
Website: www.institutoexclusivo.com
Opening hours: 8:00-21:00 from Monday to Friday
Address: Av.20 de Octubre 2315, Edificio Mechita, primer piso. Sopocachi-La Paz
Photo: Insituto Exclusivo
SHOPPING
WALISUMA
Description: Walisuma is a compound word in Aymara that means: ‘The best of the best.’
The store promotes the best producers in our country, carefully selecting their best products and also designing exclusive high-end pieces, allowing you to take extraordinary pieces of Bolivia with you.
Address: Claudio Aliaga street, #1231
Website: www.walisuma.org
Opening hours: 7:30-20:00
Photo: Walisuma
RESTAURANTS
POPULAR
Description: At Popular you’ll get the best of bolivian cuisine served with a contemporary touch. The taste of each dish takes the best of Bolivian food, flavours and traditions. They also have a selection of craft beers, singani and Bolivian wines. Popular is a ‘must visit’ if you are in La Paz, you’ll have an unforgettable culinary experience.
Address: Murillo street #826
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 12:30 to 14:30
Photo: Popular
SHOPPING
FOLK (DE LOS PUEBLOS)
Description: Folk is a Bolivian independent design brand born in 2010 with the aim of transmitting contemporary design with Bolivian identity. Folk designs and produces handbags, clothing and accessories that fusions Bolivian roots, traditions, celebrating modernity and its people.
Website: www.folkdelospueblos.com
Contact: +591 70670656
Photo: Folk (de los pueblos)
Why is this celebration today?
Photo: Pablo Arteaga
It all began in Cochabamba on 27May 1812 when the women of thecity rebelled against the troopsof Commander José Manuel de Goyeneche instructed by the King of Spain to suppress the uprisingof the Bolivian people.
After defeatingthe troops of Esteban Arze, who wasprotecting the area of Cochabamba,the Commander went to the city believing to find it empty and weaksince all men were engaged in facingthe war in other areas of the country.
He did not imagine, however, that the local women, las Heroínas dela Coronilla, in the absence of their husbands and companions, had organised themselves under the command of Manuela Gandarillas,an almost blind lady. Starting from the hill of San Sebastian, now located almost in the centre of the city, the women fought against the Spanish army until their death to protect their children and their lands. Unfortunately,the action was not successful and hundreds of these brave women were killed by the soldiers of Goyoneche and three days later the city was invadedby the Spanish.
Now, starting from the law established in November 1927, every 27th of May all Bolivian mothers are celebrated in honour of the Heroinas de la Coronilla. The most common way to celebrate this day isto organise a family lunch to spend time with your mother to thank her for giving you life and for her love.
Restaurants and bars are decoratedand theme menus are prepared. The streets of the city are filled with stalls selling a wide variety of gift items, it is traditional to start looking for the right gift several weeks in advance.
In all schools activities are organised, such as children’s dance shows and mothers receive sweets or typical dishes. In short, it’s really a great celebration for all families.
It is very interesting how in Bolivia the date is linked to an important historical event, which had as protagonists mothers and strong brave women,ready to give their lives to defend their children and their territory.
The mother plays a very importantrole in Bolivian culture, since most Bolivian families are unfortunately characterized by the absence of herfather. Mothers are therefore often totally responsible for the care and education of their children. It is very common to see women in the streetsof Bolivian cities selling fruit andvegetables, food, handmade items or objects of all kinds accompanied bytheir children of all ages because theydo not have a person to leave them to. They are incredible mothers who deserve all our respect.
