Part II, Chapters 22-26 Summary and Analysis

In Chapter 22, "My Trial Begins," Thomas can barely summon the energy to prepare himself for court. Eleven months have now passed since he was incarcerated but by Bolivian standards, this first court appearance has come speedily. Very little happens, and his second appearance is scheduled in three weeks. Back at the prison, he sees Ricardo, who seems a bit miffed at being ignored while Yasheeda was around, but they smoke marijuana and watch TV, where they see that a labor union head named Gabriel Sanchez has been arrested for stealing from the pension fund. They make a joking bet of $40 million over whether Sanchez will go to prison.

In Chapter 23, "Thomas the Tour Guide," Yasheeda visits the prison with Sharon and their other backpacker friends. Thomas pays a bribe for each person to get them...