About Me: I'm your webmaster. As an American child growing up in Bolivia I was always reminded to think of myself as a guest in this country. But that was hard to do. Its lovely people are warm, hospitable, fun-loving, and good-natured. They truly made me feel that I belonged, took me under their wing and made it difficult to keep in mind I wasn't Bolivian at all.

Who am I? I grew up, and have lived, worked and traveled in different parts of the country throughout the past 30 years. I'm a first-generation TCK (third culture kid), perpetual tourist, sometimes travel writer, and global nomad mom. Other expats and Bolivians have also contributed to this site. There's NO OTHER site like it.

I built this site for three reasons: 1) there are already hundreds of sites about Western Bolivia and very little has been done to promote beautiful Eastern Bolivia, 2) there are few sites written in real English, and 3) there are virtually NO sites that provide completely first hand, personally researched information. And isn't that what you really want? You'll find personal recommendations and shared experiences.

Culturally Bolivia is amazingly diverse. As a minority and a foreigner I learned that appearances are just that – appearances and nothing more, and that fundamentally human beings have the same needs, desires, goals, and rights. My respect for Bolivia's people and culture has grown and flourished over the years.

Physically Bolivia is spectacular! I got my first camera when I was four and became an instant shutterbug. My family traveled extensively to large urban areas and some of the most remote regions of the country. With some of the highest mountains and cities in the world, lush rolling valleys, millions of acres of untouched tropical rainforests, arid cactus-covered deserts, extensive plains, a rich tumultuous history, and too much more to mention here, I've been in photographer's heaven ever since! For more on me see my biography and for my professional background see my resume or read more about my company VPO Bilingual Services.

About Bolivia Bella: I'm dissatisfied with the manner in which Bolivia is projected to the world and with much of the information that typically makes the news. I have made it my personal goal to change that!

What makes Bolivia Bella so different? I've made an enormous effort to prepare, collect and include information and hand-picked recommendations narrowly targeted to a specific type of reader - like you. Bolivia Bella will go to great lengths to provide important and necessary facts in an organized manner so you can get your facts from someone who has actually been here. I add new pages continually, but creating a huge, complicated database is not my main goal! I want you to visit Bolivia! So I'll tempt you at times to peak your curiosity, and leave out some answers!

I strive to have the most positive site about Bolivia on the plaNET. It will take time, but... I’m committed to projecting Bolivia to the world in a positive light! Thank you for being my virtual guest today. I hope you'll enjoy your online trip to Bolivia as my friends and I help you prepare for your visit to the real thing!