HAPPY NEW YEARS
Last night was an adventure. Miguel and I were going to spend new years with some of his American friends (also Fullbright Scholars) and go to a party some Brazilian´s were throwing. We finished our afternoon shopping and headed home to change.

12-31-2003 Four Americans, a Brazilian Party and Techno
We planned just a casual new years thinking the Brazilian party would be crazy. As we walked down to meet Steve and Maria we got a call from Steve. He was just told that the party has a theme, you had to be wearing blue and white, and bring a bottle of Rum or Wiskey. I brought nothing blue and white, and Miguel just dropped his white dress shirts off at the cleaners...Whatt to do?

The four of us went to dinner and discussed plans. Neither knew who was throwing the party, or even where it was. We ate at a great little Cuban place and came to the conclusion that if we did not go dressed it up it would be fine. Figuring after some drinks and partying with Brazilians they would not care anyways.

While at the store getting the drinks, I had a novel idea...Why not get white lab coats from a grocery store and wear those? The gang loved the idea and we asked. The first few places said no, and looked at us very strangely for asking. Finally as we headed to Steve´s apartment a little hair salon let us borrow two of their little outfits. Miguel and I, wearing the least blue and white (non actually) got the two smocks. Maria had a light blue sweater on and then tied a sheet around her waist for the blue and white thing. Steve wore a white undershirt on top of his shirt and wore bluish green leather jacket on top. We were ready for the party, bring on the Samba!

We met up with the Brazilian girl, who dressed nicely as opposed to our ragtag outfits, who knew the place and off we went. As we came close to the place we realized this was not what we had expected. This party was not an apartment party, with tons of crazy partying Brazilians. The place was a house, three stories with a huge courtyard and straight up money. There was a guest list. Most of the people in suits, or dressed like rock stars. Free drinks, free food, free champagne, and even a fireworks show at midnight (4th of July type private show). It was amazing.

Throughout the night in the yard there was a DJ, a live band, and even a girl who twirled these ropes with fireballs on the ends. It was crazy. The crowd was mixed, half people above 40, then other all about our age (20-30). The music was all house trance (techno kinda), no samba but still towards the end even the old people danced. People were showing up all night, we left at 4am and people were still just coming in. I had fun getting to know Miguel´s friends and just having a cool new years. Very memorable. What a house! What a party! What a new Year!

Resolution? Not going to share those here. But I want to highlight some interesting Bolivian traditions. Underwear. All week they have been selling at all the stores and local stands lots of red and yellow underwear for women. Finally we asked what was up with that (it is strange to see cholas selling red and yellow thongs all over the streets)? The vendor said that if a girl wears red it means she wants love this year, and especially tonight. The yellow are hoping for a good fortune and money. Pink ones were hoping for good health for the year.

Another tradition. Counting money. In all the streets you could buy fake American money, in large quantities. At midnight they said if you count tons of money you will have a good new year financially. The Brazilians put 12 grapes in their champagne, and as they eat each grape hey say a wish for the new year. Interesting traditions.

1-01-2004 Whole New Year!
This morning I still got up early. I ventured out around 10:30am and saw this town deserted. I mean totally empty. I took a cab to the market area we went to yesterday afternoon and it was dead. One or two little stands were open, but that was it. The once jammed intersectionion was completely clear and crossing the street did not make me fear my life.

I went back home and woke up Miguel. We got lunch, I had fricase and now we are waiting for a Bolivian movie to start. Los Hijos del Ultimo Jardin. Looks pretty interesting.