the confined nomad

Finally, we had identified the site of our quarry: the nondescriptly labeled International Restaurant (44-10 48th Ave, Woodside, Queens 11377), known to insiders as “Mi Bolivia.” We descended upon the restaurant in the manner of foreign investors interested in Bolivia’s lithium stores, with a bottomless capitalist hunger and a neocolonial sense of condescension toward the strangely lit décor.

We had the good fortune of encountering an empty restaurant, ensuring the complete attention of our gracious hostess/waitress who escorted us to a table next to an unattended bar and under a television playing videos primarily comprised of Bolivian pop stars performing in large arenas, with occasional dance interludes featuring children in typical Bolivian funny hats (chullos). You may notice in the accompanying visuals the eerie neon green lighting, which, though it initially only cast our dinner in an unappetizing pallor, eventually resulted in our seeing red upon departure from the restaurant. Despite the humble surroundings (or perhaps because of them?) our anticipation was unwavering. read more »