Day one of Bolivia "4th of July"

*Wrote this backward, sorry. Beginning of story at bottom.

All along the parade people had set up chairs and tarps then you pay them to sit there. Now this is not their front yard it is on the public sidewalk but they claimed it as theirs I guess. There were a lot of drums in the parade and it sounded really neat.

Was a little shocked at how skimpy the uniforms were. These dresses were strapless. Don't think Bill would allow that at Central.

Everywhere you see these "concession" stands. Usually some kind of meat that they will then carve up and serve as a sandwich. It is really hard to get used to how different they prepare the food. I mean no refrigeration, washing hands, etc. but it works for them.

They have been set up all up and down the street for days selling Bolivian flags. Everywhere you go they are flying the flag or wearing the flag on their shirts. Even in restaurants, school children, etc. They are a very proud people.

I thought these children were cute. They were dressed up like the early Bolivian soldiers and nurses.

Jordan and Wyatt at the parade. Notice Wyatt's shirt. We were walking down the parade and I realized what shirt he was wearing; his American 4th of July shirt. Too funny, leave it to Wyatt.

So down here they celebrate big. Today was the start of their 3 day celebration of their Independence. In fact, as I type I can hear fireworks going off. Today, every school, every child, and every teacher marched in a parade. It was neat to see all the kids and the celebrations. Here the public schools wear uniforms and the privates do not.

There was another parade tonight, and another one tomorrow. Tomorrow is the actually holiday where schools and business are closed so I will post pics. of tomorrow festivities. But from the sounds outside, it is 11pm, it is going to be a long three days!