Prelude to the Battle of Santa Cruz?

Cambas are steeling themselves tonight for what might a tumultuous day tomorrow, as pro-government supporters are rumored to begin pushing into the city center to reclaim government buildings that the opposition has held since last week's anti-Morales riots. Shopowners are boarding up windows around Plaza 24 de Septiember, and large crowds are holding rallies. Shouts of "We must be strong" and "Evo is an asshole" (it sounds better in Spanish) compete with fireworks to grab the crowd's attention. Some of the green-and-white flags they are carrying say "Camba Nation."

Below are a couple of videos of parades that circled the plaza. The first is replete with people giving salutes that look similar to the old Heil Hitler, a curious choice for a movement that has been accused by many critics, including me, of abject racism and fascistic tendencies. Notice the armbands, too, with are imprinted with the swastika-like symbol of the city. The second video features the "Youth Brigade," dressed in military fatigues and carrying torches, for that extra-creepy look and feel. Following the videos are random pictures I snapped throughout the day.

The videos are not going to happen for the moment, as the Internet in Bolivia is too slow for a 30-meg file. You'll have to be content with photos till I can compress the movie files on my laptop (I'll try to get to it tomorrow, I promise).

Damn, the Internet is slow in S.C. You only get one two pictures for now, this has taken an hour already, and I'm hungry.