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Hey gang,
I know this out of sequence, I still have half of Ecuador and Peru to write about, but I really couldn't resist telling this straight away. I've been in Bolivia for 6 days now after an amazing time in Peru. Anyway, the reason for this email is because I am to be a star! Inon, Greg and I were wandering around the pre-Columbian archaeological site of Tiahuanaco, which is just a few hours outside Bolivia's capital of La Paz. While there we saw a film crew who were doing a shoot for Coca Cola's Bolivian brand, Simba Cola. There were a couple of tourists and some locals involved, and as we walked away we thought nothing of it. Later as we wandered to the other museum we were approached by a couple of folks who turned out to be from the production company. For some reason they had decided that I was the right man to star in the next commercial being filmed the next day. Well, you all know me, I'm quiet and a little shy most of the time. I really wasn't convinced that I wanted to do this, despite being egged on by my chums. All this time the producer woman kept upping the fee that she was prepared to pay me. I eventually succumbed to her pleadings and agreed to do it. So, after a brief stop at the hotel to collect some stuff, I was whisked away to La Paz airport to be flown to Cochabama. After meeting a bunch of the crew and having the clothes I was to wear given to me it was time to settle down the in the four star hotel the had put me up in. After over a year on the road, mostly in grotty hostals, this was a real luxury. A bath, cable TV, big and comfy beds, and a mini-bar to raid. Happy, happy days. The next morning it was up early (for me) for breakfast and then to head to location for the filming. We shot the scenes in two locations. The majority, during the day were at a restaurant just out of town. I met my co-star and the rest of the extras and we had a bit of a chat. It seems that they were dragged in much the same as me. Anyway, the plot you ask. Why, I play a German tourist in a restaurant with a bunch of locals. I see the variety of the local dishes and exclaim with vigour – “Oye, Que variedad de platos!” My chum, sitting next to me, then informs me of the dishes name and where its from. Meanwhile all the extras are chugging down various flavours of the ghastly Simba Cola. I then have to drink all the colours under the sun of the stuff trying to look like I enjoy it. I then have to chew my way through six or seven plates (not all the food obviously) of local cuisine. After a bit more talk from my colleague it was it. It took ages because I was absolutely rubbish. I am a terrible actor and should never been put in front of a camera again. Still, it was a fun day, I met some cool people and enjoyed the madness of the event. There are some real stereotypes to be seen, from the dogs bodies to the camp makeup artist. Fun. The one down side was that I had to shave my beloved beard (although it cost them another $50). All that was left was a change of venue that evening for some incredibly lame ‘cutting up food’ shots. Why they couldn’t have got any old monkey to wear the same shirt and cut the food up I don’t know. After that we all headed to the cracking Puerta Madera restaurant in town for a great feed and number of beers. I was starving by that point as having drunk so much satanic Simba Cola at lunchtime I wasn’t hungry then. It was then off to bed after a well earned sleep. And again up very early this morning for a trip to the airport to fly back to La Paz to meet my friends. Quite an adventure (well paid at that) I must admit but not something I will be repeating in the near future methinks. I think my future career (if I dare start one) will not be in showbiz. Take care folks, Roberto.Back to Rob's Diary
