Slowly becoming a Bolivian…
So here we are, two weeks into our placement. It honestly feels like just yesterday we were all nervously walking through the airport on our way here.
But at the same time, it feels like we have been here for months, as weird as that sounds. We wake up every morning at 7:30 am, hit the snooze button until about 7:45 am, eat some bread and butter, and then head out to meet with either Javier Moscoso or Graciela Neira. On days where we are with Javier, we head over to his office that is an architectural marvel, set up our little table outside and worn on their social media. This includes translating existing pages into English (a time in which I have the opportunity to practice my Spanish), creating presentations of their work in English, and sorting through pictures that represent their work the best. It is very interesting to see the different projects and impacts that Moscoso has had on Cochabamba as well as other cities in Europe and South America. It is also amazing to see how much nature and the environment plays a role in their work. They literally immersed themselves in nature in order to provide the best product for their clients.
Then on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays we work with Graciela setting an example for the rest of the community by working on her pesticide free garden or clearing the street of garbage or rocks. While very tiresome, it is definitely giving us all a very extensive workout as well as some crucial knowledge in how the world works. Also, Graciela is probably one of the most interesting people I have ever met. Super casual, but she lived in the jungle for 12 years about a 3 days walk from civilization. The woman is fearless.
In terms of where we’re staying, words cannot really describe it. The best way I heard someone it is like Star Wars started building a set and then had to stop for some reason and people moved in. And while in the beginning it seemed really loud, the parrot squawking has become a nice lulling sound that puts me to sleep at night. I have also discovered that llamas have very pretty teeth and that I don’t seem to be afraid of dogs anymore. Except the massive Saint Bernard’s next door that hate us.
And in terms of the people, I would describe them as serious. When we arrived in Bolivia, Anna mentioned that Bolivians do not smile very much. True. However! I have noticed that while they may appear serious, they are very kind people when you talk to them. But the whole approaching them to ask a question is a little intimidating. Yet worth it. Otherwise, Bolivia is just as beautiful as I expected. We get to wake up every morning and see Tunari hill (that recently got just a little bit of snow on the peak!) as well as work in a civil engineer’s dream with all the crazy buildings. And when we go out into the city, the culture is beyond interesting and radiates from every street. I am excited for the next few weeks!
