Demonstration in Santa Cruz

I had read warnings about the many protests going on in South-America but certainly hadn't expected to see one on my 1st day. In the morning I noticed a lot of heavily armed police in the streets around the main plaza but couldn't find anyone to tell me what was going on. When I had a cup of coffee in a nice bar close to the plaza suddenly there was a lot of noise- shouting, singing and fireworks as you can hear in the film.  (I hope it can be uploaded - it's a large file).

Despite my lack of sleep I had a good day yesterday. Strolled around the city, had coffee and a good lunch and finally went to sleep at 6 in the evening. The city centre is a network of narrow one-way streets that get more or less completely blocked by battered vehicles during the busy hours (which is mornings and afternoons, mid day is a bit more quiet). Lots of diesel fumes ☹️ Still, I quite like it. There at not many tourists and it's very much a business town rather than a tourist place.

Today I'll see whether I can get a tour to Amboro National Park for tomorrow or later this week.