Indigenous Bolivians Demand Death Penalty

Indigenous people from the highlands of Bolivia protest in front of the Ministry of Justice, La Paz, March 5, 2012. Leaders from the Aymara communities are demanding the government modify the constitution to allow for the death penalty. Over 70 people were killed by strangulation in the city of El Alto over the last year and the people are insisting the drastic measures are essential to curb skyrocketing crime rates and delays in the process of justice of gangs of "cogoteros," or stranglers. Terry Sebastian

Disabled Bolivian Protesters clash with Police

After one hundred days journey across Bolivia disabled protesters reach the headquarters of the Bolivian Government in La Paz, February 23, 2012. Hundreds of people in a precarious state of health stormed the main plaza to demand that Bolivian President Evo Morales raise the annual benefits of people with disabilities from 1000 Bolivianos to 4600 Bolivianos ($143 to $650). The protesters began their march in November 2011 making the hazardous trek on foot, on crutches and in wheelchairs pushed by supporters, only to be met by an mass of police in riot gear protecting the Governmental Palace.

For more photos on this event click here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/set=a.10150650510244441.410923.786909440&type=1&l=8ae92596ab

Victory for Nature

 

On October 19, 2011, over 1000 Indigenous protesters marched 250 miles from the lowland jungles of Bolivia arriving in La Paz after almost 3 months trekking the treacherous journey.

The marchers were met with a heroes welcome by tens of thousands of chanting supporters when the reached the city centre.

The group has been protesting a proposed new road in the Bolivian Amazon that will pass through the TIPNIS nature preserve which boasts exceptional levels of rainforest biodiversity.

Indigenous people who live in Tipnis occupied the main plaza in La Paz until their demands were met with President Evo Morales.
 
The President has since scrapped the controversial road project.
 
For more photos on this event click here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/terrysebastian/sets/72157627812943897/

Life One Bar at a Time

Lately I've been living life one bar at a time with no hangover.

Last year I decided to pick up my guitar again and I was overwhelmed since I hadn't played in many years.

As a youngster I would listen to my eldest brother Dan play classical guitar everyday. Those beautiful ringing notes are forever ingrained in my mind and I remember how classical music relaxed me and soothed my soul when I was a hyper-active-pimpled-faced-teenager.

So this year I started to learn all the classic songs I've always loved: from Bach, to Tarrega, to Barrios, Carcassi and Fernando Sor.

At first I thought I couldn't play these brilliant compositions from the masters.

So I took it one bar (measure) at a time.

Do less get more done. I know it sounds like an insane concept, when we are all pressed to produce quantity over quality.

Everyday I would learn and memorize one bar of music. That's all. It took me a few minutes each day, and it would make me happy. "I can't believe these notes fit together" I would say to myself or "how come I can't play that easy part, but the difficult part is a breeze?"

Each grace note serves a purpose: listening and feeling each one of them in-between the melody makes the composition whole and complete.

Today I have 12 polished tunes that I love to play everyday. That astounds even me.

I have also applied this with learning Spanish, one word a day and you can do it with whatever you're passionate about whether it's learning an instrument, a new language or trying to understand Microsoft Word (Ok, Ok, I won't bash MS Word too much.)

Looking at a complete score can be overwhelming, almost like an artist staring at a blank canvas not knowing where or how to begin. But we should take life one brush stroke at a time, slow down and enjoy the process and not get flustered racing for the finish.

If we savor each note we can enjoy the journey and our composition of life becomes an epic masterpiece.

Carless

I have now been car-less for over a year.

I am still alive.

It was pretty scary really, the fear and anxiety I had of selling my car, after all, I've had my own ride since I was a teenager. That's just the way it is in North America, everyone has a car, or two, or seven.

But I had a chance to see if I could live differently.

I wasn't really afraid of not getting around anymore. It was more of a loss of identity I feared.

And then their was the insurance company: "You sold your car, well you can't do that." It took six months of phone calls and letters to finally convince them I no longer had a need for their services.

OK now we believe you.

You see the car becomes a part of you, like a baby. You feed it and change it's diapers and give it a bath, and every once in a while take it to a very expensive doctor. How can one not get attached?

A few things happened after I sold my car:

I didn't think about it anymore.

I walked, and rode my bicycle.

I had more money (alot).

I took the bus for the first time in my life.

I saw my friends and family more and they always were there when I needed a ride from the airport. (thanks a million Mike, Darren and Nelson)

I know it is next to impossible for most Canadians to live without a car - our cities our built around them and their aren't many options with public transit.

But I am one of the lucky few car lovers who have had the pleasure of being car-less (for now).

The Sad Story of my Canon 60D and 17-40 mm

Well after only a few weeks (and 300 frames) my Canon 60D was stolen along with the 17-40 L and my Lowepro 300AW bag. It's a good thing I took everything else out of the bag that day. This is a lesson to be learned, take ONLY what you need when you go shoot, less is more. (and if someone is threatening, give em your stuff, IT can be replaced) So I've taken it as a hint now to stay with my trusty Nikon D300 for now. I am sorry I didn't really get a chance to delve into the Canon's video, which is why I bought it mainly. As far as the performance, all I can say is it felt a little lighter (which isn't a bad thing) and didn't quite have the snappyness of the D300 as far as focus. Though the exposure was spot on and I enjoyed working with the Canon with the little time we had together.....

On that note I recently picked up a Nikon 60mm Micro macro 2.8 and I have been using it alot in Haiti and here in Bolivia. Also added to the collection is the Nikkor 300mm 2.8 ED prime, a throwback from the 70's & 80's, all manual focus and manual exposure. This lens is well built like a tank and takes awesome shots for portraits, and wildlife, and is FAST. I am planning on taking this into the Brazilian Pantanal and shooting Jaguars soon, so stay tuned for a more in depth review.

The above image was taken with the Nikkor 300mm 2.8, but I am not sure of the exposure, as the D300 doesn't record the exif data for this manual lens. I'm sure it was 1/100 sec at f11, iso 200.

In and around La Paz, Bolivia

My Favorite (Mostly Undiscovered) Places Paceña

In and around vibrant La Paz city you can find many interesting places, most within walking distance or a 30¢ crowded minibus ride. Here are a few of my hangouts, but watch out for those crazy protests and last- minute road blocks! Remember that pedestrians don't have the right of way in most South American cities, and that is especially true for La Paz, so be careful out there crossing the street - it is a menace.

1. Adventure Brew Hostel - Avenida Montes

Gringo hostel in La Paz with the best home made pints of beer - Saya Ale. Also good home-cooked dinner everynight at 8 pm for about 35 Bolivianos (Bs). Wifi also works ok most times. Free Poker night on Mondays.

2. Rodriguez Market - San Pedro (Fridays - Sundays)

Huge outdoor market for fruits and veggies. Go up Calle Sagarnaga and turn left on Illampu. Barter with the Cholitas for the best price on chicken heads and pig's ears.

3. Sopocachi

Cool and trendy spot in the south part of La Paz. Lots of upscale shops, restaraunts and bars.... and more trees! I go here often to look at the Canadian flag at the embassy in Plaza España.

4. Cohoni - get away from it all

A real little Bolivian town located at the base of Mount Illimani, 3 hours from La Paz. Gorgeous views of the landscape from about 4300 msl. Hike to the base of the mountain (about 3 hours) to experience crystal-clear glacial waterfalls and Campesinos with their herds of sheep. Ask around for a place to stay in town - there aren't many options, so bring plenty of supplies or a tent. Catch a minibus in San Pedro on Calle Luis Lara.

5. Namaste Vegitarian Food - San Pedro - Calle Zoilo Flores #1334

Undeniably the best dining experience in La Paz, and maybe even all of Bolivia. 3 course lunches for about 15 Bs. Free wifi works great too in this charming english-friendly place. Book ahead for lunch as they are limited. ph. 2481401

6. Sorata

Only 3 hours from La Paz by minibus. A not so touristy adorable colonial town situated at the base of Mount Illampu. Very picturesque and excellent hiking on lost Incan trails. See the lagoons (7 hrs hike) or spend a few days and witness the glaciers. Catch a bus by the main cementerio. Good eats and cheap lodging.

7. The Dragon Comida Chifa - San Pedro

Well not real chinese food, but as close as you will get in La Paz. Lots of dishes for about 19 Bs. HUGE portions and good soup included. Try plato B26.

8. Tucamanas del Prado

Tasty meat-filled pastry thingys with a nice selection of salsas offered on Calle Mexico (close to where it intersects with Prado - look for the hoards of people stuffing their faces on the street) from about 10 am - 2 pm. Get your hunger on for 5 Bs.

9. Insane Market in El Alto (La Ferria de La 16th de Julio) - Thurdays & Sundays

Crazy market at over 4000 msl. Buy anything you want there, lots of pirated DVD's (4 for 10 Bs) or drink some leche de burro (donkey's milk) right from the source. Eat a hearty typical lunch for about 8 Bs. Take the Ceja minibus from La Paz to El Alto.

10. The Devil's Tooth

Great hiking with excellent views of La Paz and the surrounding area. Only an hour from the city by minibus, so it can be done in a day. Take a horseback ride up or rent an ATV and go crazy. Take a minibus from Prado to Pedregal and walk up the hill to about 4100 msl.