Before departing for Bolivia, please write in a new post your thoughts on the following:
One Hope.
One Fear.
One Curiosity (something you are wondering about or hope to find out, not related to your research but the experience as a whole).
Once in Bolivia, each participant will take one day to write up the experiences we had together, like a group journal -- but also accessible to all our friends and family back home!
Monday, June 18, 2012
Welcome to our Bolivia blog!
This blog is where you can stay current on our course adventure this summer in Coroico, Bolivia. We will be taking turns posting stories every day once we are in country. We welcome your comments and queries. Thank you all for your support!!
Good morning. Today I am waking up in Lima, Peru. It looks cloudy and a little chilly outside. People are wearing light jackets. My flight from Miami to Lima was delayed for two hours due to a leak of unidentified substance in the baggage compartment on the plane, so I did not make my connection to La Paz. I am hopping to get to La Paz this afternoon.
After a little over a year I am finally back in the only place I’ve ever felt free. One breath of fresh air upon stepping outside the airport in La Paz and sort of invisible weight was instantly lifted of my soul. Esta incredible (Spanish has never been my forte). After a long journey from Denver to Miami to San Jose to Lima to La Paz I finally arrived around 1:15AM Saturday morning. After going through customs (and being called gringo at least 10 times) I exchanged my money and hailed a cab. My driver, whose name escapes me, was an awesome middle-aged gentleman who enjoyed playing the pan flute in his spare time. We shared some good conversation and laughs. I got to the Adventure Brew Hostel around 2AM and rented the cheapest room I could. Naturally, this room was shared with around 10 other travellers. Had taken two red eye flights in a row and spent the better part of 30 hours in either airports or planes I was excited to finally get some good shut eye; however, the universe had other plans. Thanks to two fornicators in the bunk next to me I caught little to know Z’s. If they weren’t going at it, they were whispering sweet nothings into each other’s ear in a language far beyond my understanding (probably for the best). Although it inhibited my slumber, I was happy for the two lovebirds. Plus, it’s all a part of the experience, right?
The next day I met up with Richie in the morning, grabbed some desayuno, and waited for our ride to Coroico. Around 9:30AM a lovely American woman named Lee and a local named Oscar came and picked us up. Lee has lived here since 1994 and, among other things, runs a volunteer organization in Cochubamba. We were off! We decided to go down the most dangerous road in the world where several people fall off every year and die. This did not stop Oscar from making fantastic time. Taking each turn with precision he navigated his way down the deadly road. It was quite exhilarating at times. Upon arrival at the Hotel Esmeralda in Coroico we were welcomed with open arms by the rest of the group. Seldom have I received a hug with the magnitude Dr. Conzelman gave me. Richie and I agreed upon first sight that all of our travelling woes were worth it. This place is truly paradise. I’ve only been here 3 days and my soul already feels rejuvenated. We too often get sucked into the meaningless crap that happens in America that we forget what’s really important in life, intangible, not tangible, wealth. I’m extremely grateful to my parents, Dr. Conzelman, and the universe for blessing me with the opportunity to come to such an extraordinary place. Until next time my friends.
Good morning. Today I am waking up in Lima, Peru. It looks cloudy and a little chilly outside. People are wearing light jackets. My flight from Miami to Lima was delayed for two hours due to a leak of unidentified substance in the baggage compartment on the plane, so I did not make my connection to La Paz. I am hopping to get to La Paz this afternoon.
ReplyDeleteGrazina
Back in paradise
ReplyDeleteAfter a little over a year I am finally back in the only place I’ve ever felt free. One breath of fresh air upon stepping outside the airport in La Paz and sort of invisible weight was instantly lifted of my soul. Esta incredible (Spanish has never been my forte). After a long journey from Denver to Miami to San Jose to Lima to La Paz I finally arrived around 1:15AM Saturday morning. After going through customs (and being called gringo at least 10 times) I exchanged my money and hailed a cab. My driver, whose name escapes me, was an awesome middle-aged gentleman who enjoyed playing the pan flute in his spare time. We shared some good conversation and laughs. I got to the Adventure Brew Hostel around 2AM and rented the cheapest room I could. Naturally, this room was shared with around 10 other travellers. Had taken two red eye flights in a row and spent the better part of 30 hours in either airports or planes I was excited to finally get some good shut eye; however, the universe had other plans. Thanks to two fornicators in the bunk next to me I caught little to know Z’s. If they weren’t going at it, they were whispering sweet nothings into each other’s ear in a language far beyond my understanding (probably for the best). Although it inhibited my slumber, I was happy for the two lovebirds. Plus, it’s all a part of the experience, right?
The next day I met up with Richie in the morning, grabbed some desayuno, and waited for our ride to Coroico. Around 9:30AM a lovely American woman named Lee and a local named Oscar came and picked us up. Lee has lived here since 1994 and, among other things, runs a volunteer organization in Cochubamba. We were off! We decided to go down the most dangerous road in the world where several people fall off every year and die. This did not stop Oscar from making fantastic time. Taking each turn with precision he navigated his way down the deadly road. It was quite exhilarating at times. Upon arrival at the Hotel Esmeralda in Coroico we were welcomed with open arms by the rest of the group. Seldom have I received a hug with the magnitude Dr. Conzelman gave me. Richie and I agreed upon first sight that all of our travelling woes were worth it. This place is truly paradise. I’ve only been here 3 days and my soul already feels rejuvenated. We too often get sucked into the meaningless crap that happens in America that we forget what’s really important in life, intangible, not tangible, wealth. I’m extremely grateful to my parents, Dr. Conzelman, and the universe for blessing me with the opportunity to come to such an extraordinary place. Until next time my friends.
Adios,
Enrique