Nico's diary, 1 january 2006 (Excerpts)
"anyone going to orinoca to see evo?"
there was loud laughter and affirmative gesturing...
of course they were going to see evo in orinoca, these were his people, the ones who helped to carry him to victory, and besides that, bolivian history was being written.
sensing from the response that the crowds of willing and deserving people would likely have been more than the capacity of available transportation, the next question i asked was more of a prayer than a serious inquiry...
"…and is there any possibility of us joining any of the trucks to orinoca?"
silence...
"well", came the doubtful response, "not unless you are part of the international press corps; we have limited special transportation for international press in the caravan of evo morales. you are not press are you?"
"we certainly are", lejla quickly and confidently responded, "for what other reason do you think we would come to oruro the day before evo arrives to make his pilgrimage to orinoca?"
again, silence...
"well then, you must talk with mr. miranda, present your credentials, and hope for the best..."
several hours later miranda arrived. and, not in the mindset to miss such an historic opportunity, we were also present, "credentials" in hand.
"fine, very good," says mr. miranda to a very stunned and surprised nico and Lejla, “but I must know…are you imperialistas, or anti-imperialists?”
sensing that everything was on the line, we responded:
“anti-imperialistas”, sir.
“ then you will meet the others at 4am tomorrow in the plaza under "the clock" and will travel to orinoca in the presidential caravan..."
[...]
