ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS xi
Thanks to Jonathan Griffi ths, the original editor on this project,
for his spirited exchange of ideas, as well as current editors
Natalie Thompson and Patricia Ng, with special thanks to
Trigg. Muchas gracias to Martha Sonia Arraya, for having
painstakingly reviewed the manuscript to root out false
stereotypes and add valuable insights on her native culture.
The writers at the former Bolivian Times are applauded for
their dedication to uncovering the marvels and truths of this
remarkable country. And special thanks to the late Walter
Solón Romero, artist and alchemist, quixotic world explorer
and miner of the Bolivian soul, for having let me explore his
workshop and delve into his fertile imagination.
Finally, thanks to the many distinguished Bolivians
and perceptive foreign visitors who graciously granted
me interviews.
A meticulous effort has been made to ensure that all names
of establishments, addresses, phone numbers, websites and
other types of factual information are accurate. Inevitably,
businesses fold, phone numbers change and even reputable
written information sources sometimes contain mistakes. I
apologise in advance if the reader should telephone a hotel and
end up speaking with a funeral parlour. Welcome to Bolivia,
an unpredictable country.BOLIVIA.indb xi 7/13/10 2:47:16 PM