Its not clear to me if you are being sarcastic or not, but I'm thinking not. I am not sure what Bolivian are thinking or how they process history into moment to moment interaction. If some foreigners are cheaters, liars general scumbags, wouldn't you expect those on the receiving end to hold some resentment? Projecting? I don't think so. And no ill will from me. I salute the indigenous Bolivians people for taking political power.

You might want to read up a bit about President Evo Morales. If get a chance, watch the movie Cocalero (2007) which documents Morales' campaign to the presidency. Its available on Netflix. There is a segment filmed in Santa Cruz, where there are more people with European heritage. The hostility expressed by the old guard toward the indigenous reminded me of the racial tensions in US circa 1960's. Some will argue things haven't improve much, but I digress. There is clear evidence of hostility between the classes within Bolivia. That some hostility would pour over onto tourists, well, its not too surprising.

To be clear, I said, "...not all Bolivians like tourists." In my experience some do, some don't. If you spent months months in Bolivia and never felt even a drop of tension from any of the locals, then you are either blessed and very lucky or oblivious. Sorry, I don't mean to be harsh, its just inconceivable to me that you did not experience what many others have. You were never turned away from a gas station without your gut tell you they just didn't want to service you? It happened to me enough times to draw an intuition based conclusion. Why bother ranting on about this? To prepare travelers and suggest they be understanding. Lead with a smile and take what comes.

On the flip side, I experienced Bolivians that were friendly, helpful and very generous. Its an amazing country, raw, breath taking and changing radically on many levels. I look forward to returning there one day.

__________________
Peter B
2008/09 - NJ to Costa Rica and back to NJ
2012/13 - NJ to Northern Argentina, Jamaica, Cuba and back to NJ
2023 - Peru, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile, Bolivia...back to Peru.

Blogs: Peter's Ride