There have been a cascade of birthday parties lately, and I’d like you all to be prepared for the next Bolivian social function that you attend!

First, please note that if you are invited for a party starting at 6pm and you show up before 9:30pm, you will not only be the first in attendance, you will also spin your host into an uncomfortable juggle as they will still be getting dressed, cooking, buying supplies, feeding the babies, and anything else that needs to be done before the festivities actually start.

Ok, so you and your friends are planning to show up at a ‘safe’ 10 pm – and you have somewhere nearby to go just in case you are STILL too early. (please note: confirming that it’s ok for you, and your fellow time-savvy Gringos to show up ‘only a little late’ i.e. 4 hours after the ‘start time’ is NOT, note, NOT sufficient,,you still need a back up plan if you’re too early)

Now that you’ve figured out what time you’ll show up – it’s time to get dressed. For men and women it is ALL about the shoes – the more uncomfortable and ‘fancy’ the better . However, my fellow volunteers and I have done the advance work for you on this topic; Bolivians are now so used to our ubiquitous flip flops and generally ‘Gringo craziness that you will be forgiven as long as you’re not barefooted.

Once you get to the party – dancing in lines, withOUT touching is a must. Do not look at your ‘partner’, regardless of their gender – and the fewer hand/upper body movements you make the better. You will find yourself fitting in more early on if you appear rather bored by the music - and are only excited to dance once you have been ‘invited’ to drink various mixtures of soda & wine, soda & beer, Singani and soda (a local drink rather like Grappa) and so on.

Alas, please bring your camera because despite the ‘new’ customs – these parties really are a blast ! And don’t forget – you’re only late if the party is already over when you show up!!

Besos,

 S

Now playing: P!nk featuring Indigo Girls - Dear Mr. President (Featuring Indigo Girls)

Posted by Sarah Robinson on Tuesday, November 27th, 2007 at 10:38 pm.