Latin America Focus
  • Home
  • 2020 Calendars
    • Bolivia Calendar
    • Cow Calendar
    • Cuba Classic Cars
    • Flamingo Calendar
    • Guatemala Calendar
    • Guatemala Tikal Calendar
    • Llama Calendar
    • Machu Picchu Peru Calendar
    • Puno Peru Calendar
    • South America Flower
    • Vegetable Calendar
  • Customizable Gifts
  • More Shopping
For Travel:   Bags   |   Toiletry Bag   |   Deck-of-Cards   |   Journals   |   Flip Flops   |   Mugs  |   Luggage Tag
For Home:  |   Cards   |   Mugs   |   Pillows   |   Puzzles   |   T-shirts / Sweatshirts   |   Ties   |   Wrapping Paper
  • Home
  • Bolivia
  • Packing for Bolivia – Say “No” to Flip-Flops

Packing for Bolivia – Say “No” to Flip-Flops

Tourists Reduce the income of Shoeshine Workers

My Story…

I had just declined a shoeshine, not because my shoes didn’t need it, but because we were about to get on another bus.

“Shoeshine?” the teen shoeshine boy had asked in Spanish.

When I indicated no, he pleaded, “I came from Peru. I sleep on the street. I have nothing to eat. Can you help me?”

teva sandalsgortex hiking shoe

As we waited for the bus, I asked why he came to Bolivia and he surprised me.

“My friend said there was work – but there is no work. Everyone wears flip-flops. The new boots are not made of leather. There’s nothing to shine.”

Unfortunately, I had to depart, and took my dusty dirty shoes with me.

travel hiking boots

I wear leather boots. I’ve owned them since 1990 and they’ve traveled to numerous countries. I call them “my Bolivia shoes.” At home they are restricted to my closet. I rarely wear them because I fear I could not find another pair that serves me so well.

Since I travel with only a carry-on backpack, I travel with only one pair of shoes. My boots work well for hiking, but also pass as a presentable city shoe.

But now, I’ve one more reason to treasure my shoes. I’m providing jobs, employment for street children in Bolivia!

What will you pack? Flip-flops, Gortex, or leather?

More items for your trip:

The following two tabs change content below.
  • Bio
  • Latest Posts

Latin America Focus

This site inspires enthusiasm for travel, wildlife, the outdoors, and preservation of the surrounding historical environment. My love of travel comes from camping in the Adirondack Mountains and trips with my grandmother as a child. My favorite South America countries are Bolivia and Peru; my favorites of Central America: Guatemala, and Mexico. Entrepreneur | Writer | Author | Photographer | Tracy Foote on G+

Latest posts by Latin America Focus (see all)

  • Cuba Classic Car Calendar 2021 - November 15, 2015
  • Peru Greeting Note Card Value Pack - September 30, 2015
  • Let’s Go Up! Climbing Machu Picchu, Huayna Picchu and Putucusi - September 30, 2015

Comments are closed.

Recommend this:

Subscribe by email
Subscribe to videos

Original T-Shirts


South America T-Shirts

Watch Our Videos on Amazon

General Product Search

Customizable Product Search

Customizable Gifts by Price

Under $5.00
$5 to $15
$15 to $25
$25 to $50
$50 to $75
Over $75

Article Search

Topics

  • Travel
    • Bolivia
    • Guatemala
    • Peru
    • Peru
    • Travel Documents
    • Volunteer Abroad
  • Personalized Gifts
    • Accessories
    • Calendars
    • Cards
    • Clothing
    • Home Decor
Photography Business
Make Money Online with Zazzle
Make Money on Zazzle

For Small Business
Social Media Software
Amazon Plugin
Watermarking Images

Complete surveys and earn United Miles Click Here

Check for Coupons

Latest Coupons

Bolivia Maps

Southern Bolivia - Uyuni
La Paz Bolivia
Trekking, Biking, Hiking Bolivia
Don't miss our next post: SUBSCRIBE to Latin America Focus by email: Click Here

Shop by Product  Calendars   |   Cards   |   Magnets   |   Postcards   |   Posters   |   Postage   |   Stickers
~ Travel:     Bags   |  Toiletry Bag   |  Deck-of-Cards   |  Journals   |  Flip Flops   |  Luggage Tag
~ Home:    Mugs   |   Ornaments   |   Pillows   |   Puzzles   |   T-shirts / Sweatshirts   |   Ties   |   Wrapping Paper

Funny Travel Shirts

habana-cuba-havana-boxing-t-shirt
Funny Travel Shirts

Click For International

Search

Google
Custom Search
vetrepreneur Veteran Business mastercard
paypal accepted
Latin America Focus is a Veteran Owned Business

Connect with Us

Follow Me on FacebookFollow Me on TwitterFollow Me on PinterestFollow Me on YoutubeFollow on Google+connect on Meetup
Subscribe by email
Subscribe on YouTube

Home | About Us / Privacy Policy
© 2011-2017 Latin America Focus All rights reserved.
Affiliate Disclosure: This site participates in affiliate programs such as the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to sites such as Amazon.com, Amazonsupply.com, MyHabit.com, MyUbam.com, and more.