This is Emma checking in from Cochabamba, Bolivia. The city is great and really welcoming and beautiful. Definitely what I would consider a great place to live.
I work at a school called "Educar es fiesta" (To educate is a party) thatworks in a couple locations in the slum-like outskirts of Cochabamba. The program is really great and the people who work there are phenomenal. They are hilarious as well as caring. The kids are really responsible and willing to help with anything. With about 50 at eachlocation, I have my work cut out for me to memorize all their names. I am currently optimistic and making
progress! My coworkers are helping me, for which I will be eternally grateful. They are also exposing me to local traditions as well as international ones.
For instance, last weekend was the beginning of Carnaval (like Mardi Gras). The Thursday before this MASSIVE holiday is called Comadres in honor of the women. My male coworkers dressed up in skirts, dresses and wigs and sang a song about us women that was equal parts hilarious and touching.
The office (for the two schools and circus - yes, circus - involved) really went all out for the holiday. We decorated the whole place with serpintinas (ribbons) and balloons that we strung up all over the building - and the trufi (like a bus). It was all kinds of fun and great bonding. After we finished, we all walked up a few blocks to where the circus is located to decorate it as well. It was my first time up there. (My assessment: a really cool place. My work really walks their walk about believing in connecting art with life.)
My boss then proceeded to spray us all with beer (most of it ended up on the ground as an offering to Mother Earth, another important tradition of Carnival). Thus, the day downgraded into an all out water fight. I ended up with one jean leg completely waterlogged... which was unfortunate because I needed to take a bus later that afternoon to Oruro - Bolivia's "in" spot for Carnaval. For one weekend, all of Bolivia turns their eyes to Oruro. Why? To see the huge array of colorful costumes - from traditionally clothed dancers to bears with giant bat ears to devils with fire coming out of their heads. I even saw dancers dance through a wall of fire! It was the longest, craziest parade that I have ever seen. Actually, it may have been the most people that I have ever seen in one place. The streets were filled to the bursting all day and night long with people in ponchos. It did not take me long to figure out why - I got an earful of foam/shaving cream that everyone was spraying around. There were even guys who would throw water balloons at the unsuspecting. Needless to say, I wasted no time getting a poncho.
Between Carnival and my job, life here has been a party so far!
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