Well, Carol, my fellow Maryknoll volunteer left today for 2 days in La Paz, and then she is flying back to Minnesota! I will miss Carol tons and tons! We explored Cochabamba together, and became regular food critics in this city. Also, when I lost my debit card, Carol and her husband helped me out! Carol was an amazing friend to me, and I have nothing but wonderful memories with her. I know she will be missed here in Bolivia, but I know her work with kids and adults and her family are waiting! Safe travels, Carol! And, I hope you enjoy La Paz and an amazing shower when you get back to the states!
Today, in Cochabamba, there is a huge strike of public transportation workers. I love to see people take things into their own hands, but trying to get to and from work has not been fun. The bus and taxi-trufi drivers are upset because people who are not authorized taxi-trufis and buses are taking business from them. So, the drivers have set up blockades on many major streets demonstrating their anger and frustration. This will be going on through tomorrow at least. So, we will see how this all progresses.
Today at the baby home we had Anticuchos, beef heart, which is a very traditonal dish here in South America! I am glad I tried it! Carol told me that when she studied in Peru she loved anticuchos and when she was heading home she wanted to get the recipe and found out just what anticuchos were. But, it was an experience and I am glad I was introduced to them in a safe setting.
Speaking of eating traditional Bolivian food, I had Silpancho the other night at Tunari, a very well-known restaurant here in Cochabamba. They serve very traditional dishes, including ox tail, tongue, tripe, kidneys. But, I stuck with Silpancho--beef on top of potatoes and rice and topped with tomatoes, onions, peppers, and a fried egg. (I gave my egg to another volunteer.) And, this weekend I am going with one of the tias to get Soap de Mani (Peanut soup), a very popular dish here, and fried llama meat. I am a little nervous, but it is an experience! I am eating things here I never thought I would eat! Mom and Dad, you would be proud!
I just received my address book in the mail from my parents. I forgot to pack it, and it took over a month for the package they sent me to get to Bolivia. So, I will be sending postcards out soon!
In other news, I will be moving out of the girls' home and into the volunteer house in the southern zone this Wednesday. Tim, another short-term Maryknoll volunteer, will be arriving in Cochabamba on August 15th. Tim and I will be living together in the volunteer house until he leaves in November. I will really miss living with the girls. I enjoy seeing them every morning and night, and giving them good night kisses and hugs. I will miss the girls screaming and laughing and knocking on the door every few minutes for something, but I know I will be able to sleep in at the new house! And, I will miss the tias! The tias are wonderful, and when I was sick they took very good care of me. And, when I had the biggest spider I have ever seen in my room, Tia Maritza came in and took care of it! I will miss living at Corazon del Pastor, but I am looking forward to having a space of my own and experiencing a new part of Cochabamba. I am excited to cook for myself, something I never thought I would say! So, if you have good, easy recipes please send them to me! And, living in the Southern Zone will be a completely new experience. The Southern Zone is a poorer area with more people who speak Quechua and Aymara. So, I am looking forward to getting to the know the barrio and the neighbors. Majority of the Maryknoll Lay Missioners live in the south, so it will be nice to live near people who are going through a similar experience.
My continuation of the list of things I learned in Bolivia will be coming soon! I hope everyone is doing well, and not a day goes by that I do not think of everyone I miss and love!
Megan the girls will truly miss you when you move but I think it is a good time for you to rest so you will have so much more to give to them. I was sorry to read that your friend Carol left. I am sure you are meeting and working with incredible loving people and as they come and go it will be hard. Keep yourself open to all they have to offer you and learn all you can. I am sure you are also giving them so much as well. I love your stories about all the food you have tried. It sounds like an adventure in itself. I am not sure I would be as brave as you are but some of it sounds just great. All is well here. I am doing ok and will be staying open to all that may come into my life as the days go by. I will keep you informed. Know I hold you close and miss you so. Hugs to you and your sweet children. A. Nance, Ake and Lincoln
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