Family Bacher and the coca-farmers

Getting to know the country and the people first-hand

Sandra Bacher sent us the following brief holiday-report: “Our family was driving from Ollantaytambo to Quillabamba.  The first two hours of our journey went smoothly.  Then the sheer terror started.  We suddenly found ourselves in a strike – we had never experienced anything like it before.  We were stuck in the baking sun, without lunch or supper for 8 hours during which we felt absolutely helpless.  Finally only those who allowed their car to be sprayed with the words “Long live the strike!” were allowed to continue on their journeys.

Before reaching our destination we had to pass three more road blocks.  It was nightfall and we still had not reached Quillabamba when suddenly a road block made from stones, barbed wire and car wheels blocked our path.  Now we thought that we would really have to spend the night in our car.  But, thankfully, after a long wait we could continue our journey.

We were told that we witnessed the coca-famers’ undetermined strike.  They demand a better price for their harvests.  We hope that our return journey will be easier…!”

The coca-farmers are angry and demand a better price for their coca-leaves.  But who of them thinks about the damage that cocaine causes worldwide?

Attention: a road block by night.  May you sleep well in the car!
Attention: a road block by night. May you sleep well in the car!
Family Bacher in Quillabamba – everything is okay again.
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