' "Tonight we have two types of cocaine; normal for 100 Bolivianos a gram, and strong cocaine for 150 [Bolivianos] a gram." The waiter has just finished taking our drink order of two rum-and-Cokes here in La Paz,Bolivia, and as everybody in this bar knows, he is now offering the main course. The bottled water is on the house.' The Guardian Newspaper
Of course it is buried right in the heart of one of the most dark hearted cities I have ever been to - La Paz, Bolivia. That's not to say I didn't love La Paz, in fact it is one of the most exciting places I have ever been. However when I was there the cocaine lounge wasn't there- or if it was I certainly wasn't aware of it. So, what do I think?
Well it's an odd one that I have spent a lot of time considering. I think the legalisation of hard drugs is a dangerous thing. I'd vote against it. I keep being told that in fact it's a great idea because we can tax the lot and remove the criminal element. Firstly I think people who throw money at drugs don't give a shit about the proportionally small added cost of tax - especially if what they are buying is clean. Secondly I don't think it will remove the criminal element at all - because people who don't feel like shelling up for the pure stuff or fancy saving face by not buying it over the counter will just continue to call their dealers.
If I was in La Paz - would I go check out this place? I'm a photographer - Absolutely! And remember:
"never refuse an invitation, never resist the unfamiliar, never fail to be polite and never outstay the welcome. Just keep your mind open and suck in the experience."
I'm not a weed smoker - but sure, legalise that .... what the hell - it just makes me laugh and pass out.
X.
No comments:
Post a Comment