About the Book

CultureShock! Bolivia provides readers with a thorough understanding of this South American country, a nation steeped in history, culture, and tradition. Containing pages of useful information, advice, tips and resources, this book will guide you through the social and psychic adjustment necessary when moving to Bolivia. Learn, first and foremost, how to deal with soroche (altitude sickness), then understand the importance to the Bolivians of Pachamama (Mother Earth) and how she influences festivals and joyous occasions. Discover how to interact with the many diverse cultures, from Kallawayas to Cholas and Cholos to Aymara and Quechua, to name a few. Adapt to the Bolivian concept of time, understand the Bolivian love affair with soccer, and adopt the light-hearted response needed with water balloons at fiestas. This guide will lead nature lovers through the paved trails used by Incas over 2,000 years ago. Whatever your needs or interest, CultureShock! Bolivia has the

About the Series

The CultureShock! series is a dynamic and indispensable range of guides for those travellers who are looking to truly understand the countries they are visiting. Each title explains the customs, traditions, social and business etiquette in a lively and informative style.

CultureShock! authors, all of whom have experienced the joys and pitfalls of cultural adaptation, are ideally placed to provide warm and informative advice to those who seek to integrate seamlessly into diverse cultures. The books in this series have a friendly and honest writing style and are full of personal experiences, practical advice and useful information.

About the Author

    As a Bolivia-based journalist, Mark Cramer covered a variety of subjects, from politics to sports, from indigenous customs to international business.

    Cramer’s lifelong avocation is living the daily life of different countries. His heroes include writers Eduardo Galeano (Uruguay) and Charles Bukowski (USA), jazz pianist Thelonius Monk and the great Bolivian artist and defender of justice Walter Solón Romero.  Horrified by the receding glaciers in his favourite Bolivian hiking territory and strip-mall banality of suburban America, Cramer resolved to oppose the car-oil economy, not only politically but through the symbolic act of doing all his commuting by bicycle, rain or shine, winter or summer. He currently lives in Paris, France with his wife and son (who has done an internship in Bolivia). The Cramers continue to maintain a second residence in La Paz.