Friday Sept 16, 2011
Tucked in a crack of the earths strata lies La Paz. At 3660 meters La Paz is entered via the flat, sparse planes of El Alto. In the backdrop of this stunning city the imposing snowy Mt Illimani (6402 Meters give or take an inch or two) looms in the background. Sheltered from the harsh climate of the Altiplano the more wealthier population resides in the environs of the lower valley. Above the City of El Alto spills over the flat altiplano down the slopes towards the La Paz. The nature of Fridays demonstration was a result of the local La Paz government attempting to annex a portion of the El Alto spill over into the valley so that they could obtain more tax revenue. The entire city was almost devoid of vehicular traffic due to blockades imposed by residents of El Alto protesting this bold move. Any vehicles attempting to cross the blockades were dealt stiff blows with sticks or kicks from the demonstrators. Friday afternoon afforded me the opportunity to witness some of these events despite warnings to stay away.
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| The City of La Paz as seen from El Alto |
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| Violence was avoided after this driver decided to turn around. |
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Street blockade
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