...And the adventures continue here in Bolivia!  Today we completed our tour of the UAC, the local university here outside of Coroico.  Yesterday we explored the the upper campus of the UAC, where we listened to the presentation of the thesis students studying there.  Today, we explored the lower campus, which consists of additional classrooms, dorms, and nursing and veterinarian departments, which the upper campus does not have.  We met one of the nuns who helps run the school, and it turns out that she is originally from Boston (so she´s a ¨gringa¨ like us).  She has been teaching in Bolivia for nine years, so it was really interesting to speak with her and hear about her experience here.  We also met one of the administration directors of the UAC, Hugh.  He is also an American who established himself permanently in Bolivia after having volunteered here in his youth.   

We then got the opportunity to learn from two veterinarian students studying at the lower UAC campus.  They gave us presentations on their thesis projects, both of which revolved around livestock (pigs in particular.)  One student was studying a specific bacteria which can be fed to pigs as a substitute to expensive antibiotics.  The bacteria is cheap and has similar effects of antibiotics, such as keeping the pigs safe from illness and helping them to gain weight.  The second student was studying how soy-based feed dictates the weight of pigs.  We explored the pig pens on the campus as well, and I marveled about how different CU and the UAC are.  It was inspiring to learn what the local students are researching... all of them have very unique, innovative projects, and most of their research will directly benefit their own community in the end.  One thing that I am still intrigued by is the UAC´s extensive student-run garden.  Both campuses have large vegetable and fruit gardens which each student is required to contribute to: 4 hours a week!  The fruit and vegetables are then sold into a cooperative, as well as used in the meals that are served on campus...what a great idea, and how connected with the Earth the students must be...

After being served a traditional ¨sopa,¨ (soup) lunch, we were led on a two hour hike up a small mountain bordering the UAC.  We were guided in our hike by two other UAC students, both of whom are majoring in eco-tourism.  They told us about their desires to start their own tourism companies in Bolivia, and about their passion for nature and the outdoors.  They also go to practice their English skills with us!

We ended the day by getting hand-made ice cream at the ¨Villa Bonita,¨ a restaurant and hotel run by a Swiss man and his wife here in Coroico.  He makes the best ice cream in town, and his restaurant is nestled within a shady garden. It is a beautiful full-moon here, so as for me, I am going to end the night by writing in my journal outside on the balcony, under the beautiful moonlight.

Although our days left here are dwindeling down, I feel rich with all of the knowledge and beauty I´ve taken in over the past couple of weeks.  It has been a whirl-wind, with each day bringing new lessons, new people, and new views.  I look forward to spending my last days in Coroico in the warm company of my classmates and of the local people.  Speaking for everyone here, we will arrive back in the States different people from when we left.