Despues de Un Mes

Buenos Tardes,

Sorry about the lack of posting in the past two weeks, I am trying to come up with entries as often as possible, but that being said, often is a relative word. This past weekend, there was a Referendum that was voted on here as to whether or not the President, Evo Morales, should stay in power for the entire duration of his term. The government here has the ability to vote for a national vote as to whether or not the president should stay in power, similiar to an impeachment in the US of A, but for them, the entire country votes. Surprisingly, in this case, Evo won by more than he had when he was originally elected. Last week I also had my first encounter with Bolivian sickness but I'm all better now. This week is a major festival down here, La Fiesta de La Virgen de Urkupina. It takes place in a small pueblo about 9 and a half miles outside of Cochabamba, and on the first day, this thursday, there is a parade with multiple types of cultural dances. The next night, that friday, people walk the road from Cochabamba to Quillacollo as a sign of their devotion, and the next day, climb a nearby mountain where there is a church. As the festival holds religious significance for both Christians and indigenous religions, both hike the mountain, but the Indians continue to the top to worship their goddess of the earth, Pacha Mama. I'll talk more about it after i've seen it, but until then, adios.