Embracing the Inner Tourist

Today, 7/11, we went to visit some of the local touristy places with Karen and Carlos. First, they took us to Convento de Santa Teresa, or the Convent of Santa Teresa, which was kind of a rip off for tourists because it cost 10 Bs for nationals, but for extranjeros, it cost 20 Bs and an additional 25 Bs if you wanted to take pictures. So yeah, kind of a rip off, but it was really cool to see this convent where nuns would live in complete isolation from the rest of the world. Inside, we would see a small compartment where the nuns’ families would be able to verbally communicate with the nuns inside and pass along items, however, they could not physically see their families. We also got to see the nuns’ prison cell of a run which was so small and included a small sink, a bed, table, and another small table where the nuns would keep instruments to harm themselves if they even sinned…yeah it was weird. But the entire convent was very interesting to see despite me not really understanding much of the tour guide.

We also got a chance to walk around and see some other churches in the area, and we got to go inside this museum that was converted from someone’s old mansion. This, by the way, was free and kind of cooler than the convent, so that was also nice. After, Carlos and Karen took us to Capresso, which is Karen’s favorite coffee shop, and it was so good! I had a Mokkachino de Menta and it was awesome! Paula got a Dulce de Leche milkshake and Jocelyn had a piece of passion fruit pie which was also good.

Honestly, if it weren’t for Karen and Carlos, I feel like we wouldn’t have seen as much of the city as we have. I feel so bad sometimes, I mean they’re 25 ish and showing us around to these places and always wanting to hang out with us. They are awesome.