Ominous skies

Following weeks of sun, La Paz crouches warily this afternoon under greying skies, a sullen expression of the tense uncertainty which enfolds the city.

It's not quite noon here and protestors have filled the streets once again after a day of near tranquility. "Fuerza, fuerza, fuerza..." they chant in response to their megaphone-outfitted leaders. Explosions of dynamite echo off the nearby buildings, including my own from where I "enjoy" an upper-floor view of the marchers. They are coming down Avenida Arce, snaking around the Radisson, directly north of me across a small plaza, then back up Capitan Ravelo, no doubt heading for Plaza Murillo where they will once again be met with tear gas and rubber bullets... if they are fortunate.

Small wisps of smoke puff out over their heads as they toss their noise-makers into the air. Today they appear more solemn, their steps more like that of a funeral dirge, than in past weeks when they seemed more agitated and hurried. Thousands pass by, eight to ten abreast, clapping and chanting rhythmically, as they curl past a nervous line of a dozen Policia Nacional.

Time to check the news now for an update on the situation around the country... I'm curious (of course) how things are faring in Sucre, as that will guide all that happens here in La Paz today.