Chapter 7 - La Paz

They stayed with Professor Gershwin for the rest of the day. He took them on a tour of the city, pointing out things of interest, historical sites, shops and restaurants.

"So, were you born here?" Blossom asked him.

Professor Gershwin nodded. "Yes, I was fortunate enough to be born here. La Paz has seen its share of bad times, but no longer! Look around! There are over 1 million citizens here, we are growing, we are forging a better future for our children! We are also the official head of the Bolivian government! But, things were not always so good."

"How's that?" Buttercup asked. "Looks pretty much like any other city to me."

"Ahh, but there was a time many years ago when La Paz was under the rule of the Spanish crown. They had the final say in everything, regardless of the fact that they were across the Atlantic Ocean. Tupac Katari and his followers laid siege to the city. They destroyed everything. Then the Indians did the same. In 1809, long after your own America had won its independence from Great Britain, we finally won ours from Spain." Professor Gershwin explained.

The sky grew dark as they walked along towards the Museo de Etnografia y Folklore. Professor Gershwin ushered them inside the museum. As the door closed behind them, it began to rain heavily. They wandered around the museum for several hours, looking at the exhibits of customs and art of the Chipayas and Ayoreos.

"This house was built in the 1700's." Professor Gershwin told them. "It has survived through all the mayhem and chaos. The two groups displayed here are ethnic groups from this area."

Butch's stomach growled with hunger. He tried to ignore it and followed the others. The rain outside finally stopped, and they headed out of the museum. Professor looked across the street then motioned them to follow him.

"Who's hungry?" he asked.

"That's just what I wanna hear!" Butch exclaimed.

Blossom spoke up. "We can't go in there yet, though." she explained. "We only have this."

She pulled out a wad of American cash and showed it to Professor Gershwin. He looked shocked, and covered the money with his hands to keep it from view of the passers-by.

"Where did you get so much?!" he asked.

"Better yet, where was she hiding it??" Brick whispered to his brother.

"Professor gave it to us. We weren't supposed to bring it, but he insisted." Blossom explained.

"We can't spend that here, can we?" Buttercup asked.

"Yes, but it's not a good idea. It's like broadcasting that you're not from here." Professor Gershwin told them. "OK, I'll get it exchanged for you later. But right now, allow me to introduce you children to my favourite place! And don't worry, this one is on me!"

They enjoyed a fabulous feast of everything the local restaurant had to offer. Professor Gershwin ordered up Picante de Pollo, a spicy chicken dish, Majao, a rice and meat dish, Plato Paceño, typical of La Paz, and obviously Professor's favourite, and Salteñas, which they discovered were chicken turnovers. For side dishes, Professor ordered Escabeche, Chuño Phuti, dehydrated and frozen potatoes, and for desserts, he had the staff bring out Cocadas, or coconut candies, Helado de Canela, a tasty cinnamon sorbet, and Tawa-Tawas, which were sweet fritters.

Buttercup turned her nose up at the Escabeche. She gave the dish a sniff as the waiter placed it on the table. She wrinkled her nose and asked, "What IS that??"

Professor Gershwin grinned and answered, "Escabeche! They're just pickled vegetables."

Butch shrugged, dug his fork into the dish for a huge helping, and shoved them into his mouth. Buttercup grimaced. "Yuck!"

After their meal, Professor Gershwin took them to the local bank. He turned to them sitting in the back of his car. He looked concerned.

"OK," he began, "Give me the money you have. You four wait here, and I will be right back."

Brick scowled. "No way, how do we know you won't leave us here and take off?" he accused.

Blossom elbowed him. "OK." she answered. She took out the American cash again and handed it to the Professor. He quickly counted it and said, "There's about 3,000 American dollars here. I don't know how many bolivianos that will equal, but it should be enough for whatever you want." He ruffled Brick's head, turning his baseball hat sideways, and said in a soothing tone, "Don't be so untrusting, my boy. We really ARE a decent people here. I'll be right back, OK?" He got out of the car, and walked into the bank.

Brick turned his hat backwards again and shot Blossom an angry look. Butch spoke up in his brother's defense. "So, how DO we know he's not gonna take off on us?"

"AND with all our money!" Buttercup added.

Blossom sighed. "Guys, we have his car. It's probably worth more than the cash we just gave him, so relax. See?" she pointed to the ignition. A ring of keys dangled from the keyway.

"Yeah, but does anybody know how to drive?" Butch asked.

"C'mon, how hard can it be? See, that's the gas...", Blossom pointed to the floor pedal on the right, "...and that's the brakes. Easy enough."

Their paranoia ended when they saw the Professor emerge from the bank. He had a large amount of money with him, but it looked distinctly different from the paper money they had given him. He opened the car door and quickly got in. He turned the key in the ignition, then turned and handed the money back to Blossom. "Like I said, it's not a whole lot, but should be enough for what you need."

"Sure looks like a bunch," Buttercup stated.

"About 22,300 bolivianos there." Professor Gershwin explained.

"And that's not a lot?" Brick wondered.

Professor Gershwin answered, "Let's put it like this. If you were to take that money Blossom's holding back to America with you right now, you would get a little over 300 American dollars back for it."

Their jaws dropped. "But,...but, we gave you $3,000!" Blossom complained.

"I know, I know, the exchange rate between here and your America is not very good. But, things here are not as expensive as in America either. Again, you should have enough bolivianos to get you what you want. Try to conserve it, though, OK?" he instructed.

Blossom nodded and put the money away. Professor Gershwin put the car in gear and they drove away. Only Blossom noticed the man standing in front of the bank's other entrance. He watched the car speed away.

The rain began again as they arrived at the Mercado de Brujas. Professor Gershwin looked around before letting them get out of the car. Brick groaned. "Man, it's raining again?" he complained.

Professor Gershwin chuckled. "Yes, my boy, it rains here just about every afternoon." He looked around the market and asked, "Are you sure this is where I'm supposed to drop you off? I don't see any place you would want to go."

Buttercup looked up at the marketplace's sign. "Hey, what does Mercado de Brujas mean?" she asked.

"It means 'Witches' Market'. They sell herbs and traditional Aymara remedies. Similar to your natural health markets in America." Professor Gershwin explained.

Blossom perked up. "Hey, this could be neat, then!" She turned to Professor Gershwin. "Thank you for your help. We appreciate it."

Professor Gershwin smiled. "It was my pleasure. I'm still not happy with the idea of leaving four children alone in a place unfamiliar to them. Professor Utonium insists you can take care of yourselves, though. I still think he is mad."

"Mad about what?" Butch asked.

"That means crazy or something." Buttercup explained.

Butch nodded. "Oh," he replied.

Brick shook the Professor's hand. "He's right, so don't worry. We'll be OK. See ya!"

They got out of the car and jogged through the rain to the sidewalk. The four children went into one of the market's stores. Blossom waved good-bye as she went inside. Professor Gershwin nodded, turned and headed back to his car. He drove away without looking back. Someone else was watching instead.