Just this past weekend I had a reunion with the students with whom I traveled to Bolivia last summer, and it was a great time to reminisce, get together, and think about where we were and what we did. Even though the busy-ness of being back at work and on campus got the best of me, I realized that I wanted to go back and finish writing about our experiences there. Over the past few weeks, I've attended conferences and presented on the topic of how international service influences college students, and thought about how it's also changed my life for good.
In looking back at our experience, our time in Tiraque was not without its challenges. From being in a new environment, in a school that had never had this type of volunteer program before, to navigating a scenario where our volunteers were inadvertently put into a position of perpetuating a paternalistic educational paradigm, to language barriers, the group weathered a lot of difficult situations. But what I learned is that it is true that what defines a person is not the situations that they encounter in life, but how we choose to respond to them. I think each person did the best they could in the moment, and there were also a lot of great experiences we all look back on fondly.
As we left Tiraque, the last day we participated in a march, which was actually pretty fun. The night before we helped students make posters and signs, then we marched around the town chanting, "Tiraque Limio" and "No Botar Basura" - and Martin the director mentioned that this was a true piece of Bolivian culture, to protest. As we said goodbye, there were lots of hugs, and well wishes, and wondering of what would come next for each of us on our respective paths. The connections that were made would leave a lasting impression on each of us, and continue to be part of our own experiences as we reflect back.
Before we left Bolivia, we stopped in Cochabamba one more time to do last minute shopping for souvenirs at La Cancha, and watch the World Cup finals... which was pretty cool. It was neat to see Spain win the World Cup at a Brazilian Cafe in Bolivia :). Then we got to take a trip to Copacabana, right on Lake Titicaca, which was a phenomenal little town. It was a great break and treat to get to spend our last night in Bolivia in a great hotel right near the water. It gave us the chance to see more of this country that we only scratched the surface of getting to know in the month that we were there.
We also stopped over in La Paz for 1/2 a day, and did a quick walking tour of the city, walking through the witches market, different plazas and districts, and getting a glimpse at the capital city.
Overall, words cannot describe this trip... from unforgettable freezing cold showers, to touching moments with the students at the talent show, to great group bonding and journaling marathons. There are a million little moments that just thinking about them brings a smile to my face. I'm thankful for the experience to participate in this trip, and also thankful for the memories and friendships that I was able to make along the way.
Showing posts with label Bolivia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bolivia. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Thursday, June 17, 2010
A day en la escuela y en La Cancha
Yesterday we were very fortunate to have the chance to visit a school in the southern area of Cochabamba. This is supposed to be the more impoverished area, with dirt roads and brown colored square buildings covering the mountaintop. The landscape here is very monochromatic. It feels like and is a different world. The people we have met son muy agradable. The principle and other leader gave us an over view of their school, El Molino. It was a private school, though not to be compared to what we think of when we say private in the US. The children ranged from pre kinder to high school. They were all wearing navy blue and red uniforms. There is no government subsidy for education, and in order to cut costs, the children only have school until about 1¨30pm.
After our talk in the main room where they served us coca cola (which tastes much better here because it´s made from real cane sugar), the head maestra got a blowhorn and gathered all the children in the little playground and and told them to pose for una photografia. She then took us each to the different classrooms, and introduced us to the students, almost as if parading us around. It was a bizarre feeling, but it was probably equally bizarre for them. We saw some of the older kids taking pictures of us on their cell phones, which was ironically a comforting feeling. They also had these cool and inspiring quotes painted all over el colegio, como, ¨No te sientas, solo estoy yo para compartir tus penas.¨ y mi favorito, ¨la escuela no es el edificio, es el espiritu¨ (the school is not the building, it is the spirit). After our ´tour´ we were able to play with the kindergarten children, and had a great time exchanging names and telling stories about ourselves, and asking questions of them. It was a highlight for many.
After a great lunch at a place called La Campa... we went to La Cancha, the largest market in South America. It was overwhelming. I´ve been to a number of different markets internationally, and I can say this was like no other. We did a brief walk through one portion, which had many interesting smells, and many intersting things ' from amazingly beatiful fruitas y, meats, clothes, blankets, pastas, sweets, local superstitions (llama fetuses), and muchos otras cosas. Again, my best word to describe the market was overwhelming. We also had to be careful in terms of safety. At one point, 5 men tried surrounding our group, scoping us out since we were obviously tourists. They then tried to grab one of the students in the back of the line, but luckily on of the FSD leaders was able to save him from being robbed. It was a good reminder of where we are. There are very few tourists here, so we, especially as a large grupo, stand out mucho. (as you can see, my spanish is starting to creep into my thoughts, and writing. I´m so glad to have this practice).
This is all for now. We are looking forward to our time in Tiraque, where our service will take place. (there will be no internet there, so my next update won´t be for at least a week). I´m excited about the fact that we will be working with the children and teachers to develop our goals together. overall, it´s been a great experience. hasta luego...
As you can see, my spanish skills are starting to peek in here and there, even in my thinking, que bueno.
After our talk in the main room where they served us coca cola (which tastes much better here because it´s made from real cane sugar), the head maestra got a blowhorn and gathered all the children in the little playground and and told them to pose for una photografia. She then took us each to the different classrooms, and introduced us to the students, almost as if parading us around. It was a bizarre feeling, but it was probably equally bizarre for them. We saw some of the older kids taking pictures of us on their cell phones, which was ironically a comforting feeling. They also had these cool and inspiring quotes painted all over el colegio, como, ¨No te sientas, solo estoy yo para compartir tus penas.¨ y mi favorito, ¨la escuela no es el edificio, es el espiritu¨ (the school is not the building, it is the spirit). After our ´tour´ we were able to play with the kindergarten children, and had a great time exchanging names and telling stories about ourselves, and asking questions of them. It was a highlight for many.
After a great lunch at a place called La Campa... we went to La Cancha, the largest market in South America. It was overwhelming. I´ve been to a number of different markets internationally, and I can say this was like no other. We did a brief walk through one portion, which had many interesting smells, and many intersting things ' from amazingly beatiful fruitas y, meats, clothes, blankets, pastas, sweets, local superstitions (llama fetuses), and muchos otras cosas. Again, my best word to describe the market was overwhelming. We also had to be careful in terms of safety. At one point, 5 men tried surrounding our group, scoping us out since we were obviously tourists. They then tried to grab one of the students in the back of the line, but luckily on of the FSD leaders was able to save him from being robbed. It was a good reminder of where we are. There are very few tourists here, so we, especially as a large grupo, stand out mucho. (as you can see, my spanish is starting to creep into my thoughts, and writing. I´m so glad to have this practice).
This is all for now. We are looking forward to our time in Tiraque, where our service will take place. (there will be no internet there, so my next update won´t be for at least a week). I´m excited about the fact that we will be working with the children and teachers to develop our goals together. overall, it´s been a great experience. hasta luego...
As you can see, my spanish skills are starting to peek in here and there, even in my thinking, que bueno.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Un Bien Viaje
Well... yesterday we had quite a packed day of travel from SFO to Miami to La Paz to Cochabamba. Actually the last leg of that epic travel line from La Paz to Cochabamba was my favorite. It was a quick but breathtaking 35 minute flight over the Andes Mountains. Los montañas son muy grade y maravilloso. It was almost as if could fly right through the mountains and reach out and touch them. It was gorgeous, and was one of the most unbelievable views I´ve ever seen from a plane. The mountains were sharp and strong, peaking into the clouds. It was a bit of a rough landing, but when we got on the ground, I noticed a business man do the sign of the cross. I couldn´t help for smile and agree with his appreciation for being safe. We later found out that the mayor of Cochabamba was on our flight, along with their ambassador to Cuba.
As for the itinerary, we are staying in Cochabamba for the first few nights, to get oriented to Bolivian culture (and the altitude) and then will head to Tiraque. At our orientation, led by Mauricio, Julianne and Daniell from FSD, we fournd out that there are only 3500 people in this small town, which apparently doesn´t have many restaurants. But there are many Chicharias (bars that sell Chicha, a local homemade liquor). They have arranged for us to participate in a protest, a debate with the mayor and local officials about their environmental efforts, and a day with the local tv and radio stations. It all sounds so amazing and surreal. We are really looking forward to this opportunity, and have no idea what to expect.
The students all seem to be adjusting well, except for one unfortunate case of altitude sickness. I´m so proud of them.. all very conscious of their presence here, and very respectful. They are also having a lot of fun, and it´s great to connect with them, and see them grow and get to know one another better during this trip as well. We visted their Christo - the ´largest´statue of Jesus in the western hemisphere. It was huge! We were winded climing the 50 or so steps to get to the top - hopefully we´ll adjust to the altitude soon.
Well, tomorrow we leave for Tiraque, where there will be no internet access. It is also supposed to be super cold in this town o(due to a high altitude of 10,000 ft), with temperatures at about freezing in the evenings. When we told someone we were going there, the first thing they said was, ´hace much frio aca´. At least they had heard of Tiraque, as other Bolivianos whom we met at the internet cafe had not. Later we´ll be taking a trip to the region of Chapare which has more sub tropoical temperatures, and will be warm and humid. Muy interesante.
As for the itinerary, we are staying in Cochabamba for the first few nights, to get oriented to Bolivian culture (and the altitude) and then will head to Tiraque. At our orientation, led by Mauricio, Julianne and Daniell from FSD, we fournd out that there are only 3500 people in this small town, which apparently doesn´t have many restaurants. But there are many Chicharias (bars that sell Chicha, a local homemade liquor). They have arranged for us to participate in a protest, a debate with the mayor and local officials about their environmental efforts, and a day with the local tv and radio stations. It all sounds so amazing and surreal. We are really looking forward to this opportunity, and have no idea what to expect.
The students all seem to be adjusting well, except for one unfortunate case of altitude sickness. I´m so proud of them.. all very conscious of their presence here, and very respectful. They are also having a lot of fun, and it´s great to connect with them, and see them grow and get to know one another better during this trip as well. We visted their Christo - the ´largest´statue of Jesus in the western hemisphere. It was huge! We were winded climing the 50 or so steps to get to the top - hopefully we´ll adjust to the altitude soon.
Well, tomorrow we leave for Tiraque, where there will be no internet access. It is also supposed to be super cold in this town o(due to a high altitude of 10,000 ft), with temperatures at about freezing in the evenings. When we told someone we were going there, the first thing they said was, ´hace much frio aca´. At least they had heard of Tiraque, as other Bolivianos whom we met at the internet cafe had not. Later we´ll be taking a trip to the region of Chapare which has more sub tropoical temperatures, and will be warm and humid. Muy interesante.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Pre-departure thoughts...
Well, in a few hours, we will be embarking on what is sure to be an exciting adventure to Bolivia. This time I've correctly identified my flight time/date, and started packing a week in advance :). We start with a flight from SFO to Miami, and have a 45 minute layover before we transfer flights to La Paz (yikes, lets hope for an on time arrival). Then we hop on another short flight to Cochabamba. For the first few days we are there, we'll be staying in Cochabamba for a general orientation, and then we'll head out to Tiraque, to El Centro Tata Esteban, where we will be spending most of our time.
A few nights ago, my friend Liz organized a great dinner where I got to meet a few of their friends who engaged in service in Bolivia (one did the Peace Corps, and the other actually interned for FSD!) It was an amazing time, and I'm so glad we got the chance to talk about Bolivia. Meredith, who worked with FSD before, actually knew the folks we'd be working with and it was very comforting to meet someone who had such great things to say about her experience.
I'm extremely excited for this trip, and am looking forward to so many things -- the students' experiences, meeting and getting to know the people and making lasting relationships, contributing in any way we can, seeing a new land, learning about indigenous culture, and recognizing personal growth and understanding in myself. I know that this will be unlike any trip I've had before, and am looking forward to being challenged and stretching beyond that which I've been comfortable. One of my favorite parts of travel is the eager anticipation with which you meet the experience. I have no idea what will transpire, who I'll meet, or what I'll learn, but that is part of the excitement. It translates into a lot of life experiences, and over the years I've come to embrace and cherish that anticipation. It's like the butterflies you feel when you know something good/exciting is about to take place. Once I'm there, I'll know what they were about. Until then...
A few nights ago, my friend Liz organized a great dinner where I got to meet a few of their friends who engaged in service in Bolivia (one did the Peace Corps, and the other actually interned for FSD!) It was an amazing time, and I'm so glad we got the chance to talk about Bolivia. Meredith, who worked with FSD before, actually knew the folks we'd be working with and it was very comforting to meet someone who had such great things to say about her experience.
I'm extremely excited for this trip, and am looking forward to so many things -- the students' experiences, meeting and getting to know the people and making lasting relationships, contributing in any way we can, seeing a new land, learning about indigenous culture, and recognizing personal growth and understanding in myself. I know that this will be unlike any trip I've had before, and am looking forward to being challenged and stretching beyond that which I've been comfortable. One of my favorite parts of travel is the eager anticipation with which you meet the experience. I have no idea what will transpire, who I'll meet, or what I'll learn, but that is part of the excitement. It translates into a lot of life experiences, and over the years I've come to embrace and cherish that anticipation. It's like the butterflies you feel when you know something good/exciting is about to take place. Once I'm there, I'll know what they were about. Until then...
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