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rbattistoni
Joined: 28 Dec 2004
Posts: 2
Location: Atlanta, GA
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 Posted: Fri Dec 31, 2004 3:15 am Post subject: Santa Cruz, Bolivia Part 2 |
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I didn't read the annoncement entitled "before you post" so wanted to add to my previous email.
I will be teaching in an international school; it's not an ESL job. I have taught for 9 years, so I'm not worried about that part of the move. I have read cover to cover Lonely Planet Bolivia, Rough Guide Bolivia, Adventures in Bolivia, and a History of Bolivia, so am not worried about that kind of information. But I am wanting specific information about up to date changes that might not be in the guide books. I also am wondering about International Travel Insurance, an International Driver's Permit, rabies shots, avaliablilty of furnished apartments, availability of cosmetics/toiletries in the shops, easy of travel throughout Bolivia and into other Sough American countires as a single female,etc. More specific things that I haven't been able to find out about from just doing my own research.
Again, any help that you can provide would be most useful. |
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Twisting in the Wind
Joined: 20 Oct 2003
Posts: 571
Location: Purgatory
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| Posted: Fri Dec 31, 2004 5:18 am Post subject: Re: Santa Cruz, Bolivia Part 2 |
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| rbattistoni wrote: |
easy of travel throughout Bolivia and into other Sough American countires as a single female,etc. More specific things that I haven't been able to find out about from just doing my own research.
Again, any help that you can provide would be most useful. |
Hi Rebecca,
Have never taught in Latin America, so can't comment on that per se, but I as a single white female traveled extensively around Mexico, Central and South America with no trouble at all. The local buses and trains are very accessible and with even limited Spanish, I'm not sure how good your Spanish is, you can make your destinations, needs and wants known to the bus and train employees. The busses and trains will take good care of you. Go First class (they have bathrooms (usually). People will come up to the bus along the way and sell you food. People will come into the trains with food for sale or to perform on typical musical instruments. If you're unlucky enough to be on a bus without a bathroom, I, uh, wouldn't use the bathrooms in Bolivia. Hide behind the bathroom or go in the woods. Yuck!They have the WORST bathrooms I have ever seen anywhere in Latin America, but they're something to write home about  And you might want to schedule travel for when you're not andando-ing with the regla (having your period)--that just complicates bathroom things.
One good trip is the La Paz-Lake Titicaca-Cuzco one (at least I think I did that all in one trip....check Lonely Planet  it's been awhile.
My travel experience is not all that recent (early '80's and early '90's), but I doubt things have changed that much.
I imagine that when you describe yourself as a "single female," you are concerned with such issues as "machismo."
I found Bolivia to have the least machismo of other countries in the region. Maybe it's the altitude. Actually Santa Cruz is lower altitude and a more tropical climate as I recall. Unlike in other countries, I never felt like I was a piece of meat walking around on the streets. You can walk places in Bolivian cities and not get stared down or cat-called. Just take precautions like you would in other Latin countries and you should be fine.
In some countries, such as Mexico and Guatemala, it's not acceptable for women to enter certain bars (Cantinas). Bolivia has what are called "penas." Just in case you wondered, they are perfectly acceptable for a woman alone. They are little folkloric bars that feature native Andean music played by local conjuntos. La Paz and Cochambamba have them. Not sure about Santa Cruz. You can go after work, they tend to get going late, buy a drink and appetizers and sit for an evening of music and entertainment. there are penas for tourists and ones for locals. Try to find the local ones. It's a cheap, safe eve out for a woman alone. You can walk back to your hotel or homestay or whatever even at night. I never had a problem. I went out at all hours of the day and night in Bolivia and never did I feel unsafe as a woman.
PM me if you want more particulars. Good luck! |
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