Riot at Colombia’s National University
SUMMARY: Pictures and video of a riot at Colombia’s national university.
Alternate Title: My 2nd Time Tear-Gassed in Colombia
While Universidad de los Andes is the most prestigious in Colombia, the national university is actually ranked higher. One of the national university’s claims to fame comes from its former rector and recent presidential candidate, Antanas Mockus. He once mooned a disorderly crowd of students. … Read more
My 1st Time Tear-Gassed in Bogota
SUMMARY: Short dittie about my first whiff of tear gas during a small riot in Chicó.
I got a small dose of tear gas for the first time in my life today. Late for a class, I was speeding north on the Carrera 11 bike path. When I pulled up to Calle 72, I saw there was a small but common riot outside Universidad Pedagógica Nacional. Pedestrians blocked the sidewalk near the intersection so I had to slow my bike to a stop. There was no car traffic as the coppers had blocked off 11 and 72.
Being in a hurry, I quickly sized up the situation. Facing north up 11 from the south side of 72, I saw the rolito rioters standing on the median on the other side of 11. They were throwing rocks at the riot police who were holding their position north of 72 next to the Porciúncula church. This picture was my exact view of the northwest corner.
Combi Strike
SUMMARY: The combis struck in Arequipa. I talk about strikes in Peru.
The combi employees went on strike last week. The government (again) tried to mandate that all public combis be less than 25 years old. This caused enough outrage among combi operators that they organized a strike. There were almost no combis on the road. I think the combi workers own their buses, but the companies own the route while taking a percentage from operators, and maybe even selling them the combis. This would explain why the rank and file combi drivers and attendants care about this new law – because they don’t want to buy new combis. … Read more
News Roundup – Nov 12, 2008
SUMMARIZED NEWS STORIES FROM PERU WITH LINKS:
Peru ‘to sue Yale for Inca items’
Peru offers Obama hairless dog
In Peru, a Rebellion Reborn
Naked model faces jail for offending Peru
Magnitude 6 quake strikes southern Peru
Reports: Police hurt, held hostage amid Peru protests
Years after slaughter, Peru opens giant burial pit
Fitch Upgrades Peru to Investment Grade
APEC finance ministers coordinate crisis responses
Básquet, Language, and Civil Unrest in Peru
SUMMARY: I talk about my basketball team, about my improving Spanish, and describe the protest / civil unrest dimension of Peru.
Basquet
My basketball team played our first game last Wednesday night. I played about 15 of the 40 minute game. In my 15 minutes, I had 2 points, several rebounds, a few blocks, and 3 fouls. The refs here call MUCH closer than in the States. Or maybe they’re picking on me because I’m a gringo playing a little rougher than the Peruvian style. … Read more
