Strollers and wheelchairs in Bolivia

I meant to write about this topic during our stay in Bolivia, but I forgot until recently.

This time around, we took an umbrella stroller with us for toting Jadzia. We took it everywhere, but found it didn’t do well in every circumstance. Dirt roads were very tricky, especially the one from our country cabin in Samaipata to the town. And in cities, you have to be cognizant of sidewalks.

Sidewalks in Bolivia are unlike those in the U.S. They are the responsibility of the home or business owner, not the city. So, as you walk on the sidewalk along a street or avenue, you will find yourself stepping up, then down, then up again, as the level of the sidewalk changes from building to building (or house to house). You will also notice the sidewalk materials change from one building to the next.. concrete here, nice ceramic tiles there, dirt and weeds there, etc. Quality varies widely, obviously. And in the heart of Santa Cruz, most street corners have even higher curbs with no curb cuts at intersections.

This poses a problem for those who would push strollers, but it’s not an insurmountable problem. It didn’t cause us any huge issues.

But imagine you are someone who is confined to a wheelchair. That’s a whole different ball of wax.

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Jadzia … and heading to Samaipata

Just a little note to say that Jadzia has been miserable company the past several days. She had fever for two nights in a row (the first of those nights being Friday when I was fishing) and a persistent cough. Her fever is gone now, though she still coughs. But the more problematic thing is that she is having frequent tantrums. These often drive me nuts. Because Yoli has been working hard the past two days to bake all the cakes and make her fondant, etc, it has fallen to me to keep her occupied. This is easier said than done. But she does seem to enjoy going for walks in the stroller for errands or for no reason at all, except to get her out of the house.

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Filming buñuelos

Sorry it’s taken so long to write, but we’ve been packing a lot into the past few days and it has left me with no time to get into an internet cafe to write.

Two days ago, we went to visit Yoli’s dad. Our main purpose was to film him making bu{n~}uelos, which is a Bolivian treat somewhat like a funnel cake. Rather than a runny batter it uses more of a dough, but it is fried and served with honey or powdered sugar. Yoli has tried to make them before but has not been pleased with the results. Her dad is a baker, so he knows how to make all these Bolivian delicacies.

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The gang’s all here…

Well, I arrived safely to Santa Cruz on Sunday night. It was a long journey (go to sleep at 1 a.m. Sat, wake up at 4:45 a.m. Sun), but mostly it went well. It was nice to visit with the Clements in Miami. They were on their way to Santa Cruz as well, for the wedding of their daughter, Corina. (Corina is the one who runs El Jordan and is a good friend.) Anyway, it is nice to have folks you know with whom you can visit! I say the trip went mostly well because when I arrived, my checked luggage did not arrive with me.

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