xprivate TV is more blunted and ritual dissent by ‘responsible’
opinion makers follows the CNN model.
The fact that Bolivia has begun developing tourism, modern
motorways and shopping centres so late may ultimately be
to her advantage. The Ministry of Sustainable Development is
in a position to learn from the mistakes of more accelerated
countries and take a proactive stance in favour of a humanised
form of progress.
Social and psychic adjustment to such a truly foreign place
will not be easy. The purpose of this book is to make the
adjustment as fl uid as possible, so as to facilitate the enriching
experiences that this exciting country has to offer.
This goal is best achieved by refraining from an encyclopaedic
approach, seeking instead to decipher what is truly essential.
CultureShock! Bolivia will be brimming with useful information,
but rather than cram every town, plaza and hotel into the
text, I have been selective in highlighting what I believe are
the most singular customs and alluring places. In this way,
the drama of Bolivia will not be interrupted with too many
asides. The Resource Guide at the end of the text contains
useful information not found in the narration.
Should you decide to visit or settle in Bolivia, you will be
in good company. Foreigners who choose such a remote and
unpublicised country, by defi nition are not an ordinary breed.
Bolivia seems to attract the most stimulating and enlightened
world adventurers. You will meet a few of them in this book.
Let your Bolivian adventure begin right here.BOLIVIA.indb x 7/13/10 2:47:16 PM