Potolo and Potosi

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We went with the USAID Deputy Administrator (worldwide) to Potolo (rural Chuquisaca) and Potosi to see some of the good work the U.S. taxpayers make possible (and USAID manages.)  We delivered an ambulances to rural communities to allow them to reach medical care.  We visited an artisans workshop.  We inaugurated the new sewers for Potosi and visited microfinance institutions.  And everywhere the community welcomed us with open arms and plenty of confetti.

POTOLO: Left to right, from top: greeted by a parade in Potolo; artisans at the weaving workshop renowned for Jalq'a textiles; women weavers watch the butterfly dance presentation; community members receive the ambulance; the butterfly dance, only performed in this area of Bolivia.  They made new tin wings for our visit.

POTOSI: Left: colonial Potosi, Above: Casa de la Moneda, which used to mint the coins for the Spanish Empire with silver from the mine at Cerro Rico. Left and below: miners housing and the devil inside the mine, "El Tio".  Far below: inside the mine (left) and at confetti and wreaths of vegetables and flowers greet the visitors at the inauguration of the sewer system.