Letter to Bolivia
Dear Bolivia,
I’ve been thinking a lot about you since I left. What can I say, the seven weeks I spent with you this summer were memorable — an experience unlike any other.
I will never forget my first impression of you — stepping off the plane after a 30 hour journey to be greeted by the smell of sewage permeating the air. The dusty haze of pollution over the city of Cochabamba was also quite a sight. But first impressions are never the same as last impressions. Over those seven weeks, I saw that there was so much more to you. I saw your salt flats, your caves, your rain forests, your mountains, your mystical salt-water lake, your small towns and your metropolitan capital. You’re beauty is not ostentatious, but the kind that is gradually revealed. You are not well known among outsiders, but that is their loss. Many dismiss you as not worthy of visiting, they say you are poor. But such one dimensional statistics can’t define you. I know you better. I know that you are very rich in many things: good food, dramatic natural landscapes, indigenous culture, dogs, long lunch breaks, fresh squeezed orange juice, roadside entertainment (aka street performers), blockades (could we call that civic activism?), holidays and celebrations, entertaining basketball games, elevation, adorable children, and well maintained parks.
It hasn’t always been easy with you, Bolivia. I had some lows — like when I got sick, or when I had to break up a dog fight by biting one of them in the neck. And you have some issues, too — pollution, poor water management, political corruption… You seem to be having a bit of an identity crisis — like you’re not sure whether to be proud of your culture of ashamed of it. You may be a bit rough around the edges, but you have plenty to be proud of. You are full of tough, hardworking people. I always thought it would be nice if they would smile a little more, be a little more friendly, but you know what? I think thats what I like about you — you don’t put on a show for anybody. You are who you are, authentic, unique. Unspoiled by tourism, you don’t cater to tourists. Although it would be nice if you could simplify the visa process for U.S. citizens, I like that you’re not seeking their approval.
I guess what I really want to say is thank you, Bolivia, for a truly transformative experience. You will always have a special place in my heart.
I will miss you and hope to see you again soon.
Abrazos,
Hailey
