Looking back one week
So, as of today, I have officially been here one week, even though it seems like I have been here longer.Im getting used to cold mornings and nights,speaking Spanish all the time, and public transportation, which is absolutely chaotic.Work is going well; everyone is my office is very welcoming and kind, and I have been able to mingle and talk with real development professionals.I have been learning a lot about development, Latin America,and NGOs in developing countries.Last night I actually went out with some Russian women(!!!).There are abut 80 Russians here in La Paz, who are mostly wives of the Bolivian men who studied in Russia or some other part of the former Soviet Union.The best thing is...next week Im going to the tropics near Cochabamba to visit some of the areas where Project Concern works.I can hardly wait...and it will be warm!
First day of work
Today is my first day of work. I met with my supervisor on Friday, and it looks like I will be doing some serious work (which Im a little nervous about).I will be working in the educational programs with their school breakfast and teacher support programs doing some research and maybe even travel to the other parts of Bolivia where Project Concern works, such as the tropics of Cochabamba.The weekend was nice...several church activities and a driving tour of La Paz.The family Im staying with took me around the city from one mountain to the other (La Paz is located around and on several mountains).One of them, the highest peak here in La Paz, is called Illimani and is absolutely breathtaking.
Im finally here!!!
Well, I have finally arrived in my long-dreamed of Bolivia...I have soo many impressions even after only a few hours of being here, but have to process everything first.2 good news: I have no, or maybe a very mild case, of altitude sickness. And I have been met by the kindest and most courtious people, the family of Pastor Dueri.Im staying with his sister and her family in the South of La Paz (nice, low area).I have contacted Project Concern and will be going there tomorrow to discuss my work plan.To my utter amazement, my Bolivian boss speaks excellent Russian, and my hosts speak various degrees of English, which means that so far the lazy me has not been working hard at speaking Spanish.Oh well, I have two months to do that.The mountains are breathtaking!
Ahhh...the joys of packing
So this is my first entry, and it's going to be a little corny.Im packing for my 9-week stay in La Paz, Bolivia...Considering the fact that I have barely unpacked from my trip to the motherland (Russia), Im in no mood to pack again.Oh well, what should I take to the highest capital in the world?Anyways, expect better notes in the future, once I actually get to the Andies.
