Riots in La Paz

Just when I thought today would be boring.
I was a little annoyed at not being able to visit the ancient ruins at Tiahuanaco so I thought I would have a lazy day again in La Paz. Well I just stepped out of my hostel onto the main street for a sandwich, when crowds of people started running like made down the road. They were running from billowing smoke and large explosions sounded all coming in my direction.
Large organised protests (peaceful) were in full swing today on the streets with thousands of marchers protesting about something. I thought this would make for some great photos, so I grabbed my camera and headed to the front line. Riot police and protestors were playing cat and mouse. The police were trying to intimidate and dispurse the crowds armed with tear gas guns and motor bikes. The protestors where armed with their no fear senses (helped by their 96% proof alcohol carried in their 2 litre water bottles). The crowd taunted and the police rushed at them firing rounds of tear gas. It was pretty exciting but got a little out of hand when I accidently found myself in the wrong place and saw tear gas canisters raining down around me. Everyone by me panicked and ran for cover. A guy standing next to me got hit by a canister and then as I ran I experienced the effects of the tear gas. Searing pain in my nose and eyes, my eyes started watering and the smoke choked the back of my throat. I covered my mouth with my top and recovered against a wall out of harms way. Quite effective stuff, makes you really incapacitated, pretty nasty. Hours later my eyes still stung. The media were out in force too armed with cameras and gas masks trailing the riot police. I soon realised that the police didn´t mind having their picture taken and I even heard one policeman shouting "ye Har" as he sped off on a motorbike to fire tear gas into the ground. Clearly it was a cat and mouse game that the cats were enjoying too! I witnessed one young protestor getting caught and beaten by the police to loud boos and whissles from the crowd. He was then arrested and carted off showing the V sign to the photographers. A little too close for comfort but probably the most exciting day in Bolivia! After a while I descided to retreat and get that sandwich. For the record I´m fine.