Che Guevara Memorial
Because of a schedule change and being in the neighborhood we visited the Che Guevara Mausoleum at Revolution Plaza. The memorial site is large and spans both sides of the road. Stone bleacher/ steps lead to the top of the mausoleum.. At the top is a bigger than life bronze statue of Che holding his rifle. Armed guards surrounded the statue as if Che might suddenly come alive. Across the street is all plaza. I suppose one could say Che is looking down upon and protecting the plaza.
This was the only time we encountered armed guards who were argumentative. They argued with our guide and the gest of the conversation was that NO cameras were allowed inside, and no leaving them in your pocket! So we loaded her down with all our cameras to walk back to the bus with them.
Then there was some question about our entering the mausoleum, but eventually that was solved. The inside of the mausoleum was beautiful with granite walls, beautiful wood ceiling, and stone floor. Che’s body, discovered in Bolivia, was returned and entombed here in 1997.
Other rebels who died in Che’s army during the last stand are also buried there. It was very quiet inside. Leaving the tomb one flowed out onto an attractive foyer where our one ugly American started complaining loudly. The guide informed her we were to remain quiet. The museum was not open.
It was an interesting visit and the only time in two weeks that we ran into any opposition or saw obvious armed guards.
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