Know we are home and no-one probably will see this, but for our own records.
Finally got to see a prison. Very small - 30 women - in Quillacollo town. Went with a member of staff from CAICC, who thought the main Cochabamba prisons may be too manic and problematic to go to. So to be ok to go in, we needed to buy some gifts. 30 packs of OMO were lugged in by Den and gratefully received. We arrived to a small stone entrance with 2 very disengaged guards - one sucking a lolly -and were ushered through an ancient wooden door to a small room filled with boxes and tables. This was the visitor, storage and dining room in one. Adjoining was a tiny yard with laundry and cooking facilities and what appeared to be holes knocked into the walls for spaces to 'live' and sleep. Minimum sentence was 1 year, with most there for 'drug trafficking' (0.5 kilo). You have to pay to be released, so many spend many more years there. (2 yrs can become 10). ROTL is $20,000!!!! You get a monthly allowance, but have to buy your 'cell', food and anything else you need, so men make furniture and women do laundry or crafts to sell. The kids can live with the Mums and the kids and wives can live with the men and go out to sell the wares, but when the wives go out to get provisions, the kids are left in the prison to the risks of abuse. CAICC tries to get the most vulnerable to the centres each day, along with the kids who have been left with extended family by parents who have moved abroad for work. The family members often abuse these kids.
So, back to the prison...Lou Lou was asked if she would like to speak to them, thinking it would be one to one, but was left to address the group. So in broken Spanish explained how she was working to improve support for women in the UK prisons and was now linked to CAICC to support the same in Bolivia. Two women kissed her and thanked her. We were only there for 20 minutes and couldn't really see or ask much, but still an experience we won’t forget.
We got a micro and then a taxi back, which had 6 of us and the driver!! We then met up with our Spanish friend Arantxita, for beer and cultural exchanges and her work with Voices of Latin America. The city streets are becoming more busy with people from the land, as they sleep here for Xmas, with the hope of some handouts.
The next day - our final with CAICC - we said our farewells, with hugs and thanks from the staff and bracelets from the older kids. We even managed to rush through our England presentation, which despite our limited language, clearly included our dislike for the queen, the dangers of the EDL and the student riots. Rather proud of ourselves for that. They seemed to like it and it has been left for future reference/scrap paper.
Despite the bonds we felt we had with the kids, they no doubt see tonnes of different volunteers, so were more interested in their imminent swimming trip than us leaving! Lou Lou was ok until the cook started blubbing and that set her off too. That night was due to be cocktails and clubbing, but alas, Lou Lou was hanging out in the loo AGAIN. Lost a stone in weight though, but perhaps not in an enjoyable way!!
Saturday Lou Lou went to Incachaca, a sub tropical area a couple of hours from the city. Despite a tour company rip-off, still saw some great scenery, tackled a rope bridge and passed farms, car crashes and wedding celebrations a plenty. Best bit was walking through clouds of butterflies, worst bit was falling on bum in the mud. For the evening, we met up with friends for our goodbyes at Casa de Campo, a rather splendid Bolivian restaurant, famed for traditional food. So Lou Lou munched on mashed potato and dashed to the bathroom every 20 minutes, whilst the others dined on chorizo, kidneys and udder. Yes UDDER!
So we felt at home, Saturday night the lightning storms and dogs serenaded us and we left at 10am for our journey back to cold Inglaterra. But the dogs had one more treat in store...as we settled into our seats on the plane, a woman passed us by, carrying a lumpy handbag, from which the hairy face of a dog emerged right into the face of Den. Need the exact words and facial expressions be described? You can guess them we're sure.
The flights were long, but we entertained ourselves doing air guitar to the Hendrix radio station, whilst sipping cheap wine and watching an amazing lightening storm below us. Coming into Sao Paulo was like landing over a Bladerunner scene and made you question Brazil's commitment to fighting climate change - turn a few lights off perhaps? Heathrow at 2pm and ham, egg and chips by 6pm.
It was fascinating, heartbreaking, hot, dusty, hilarious, political, knackering and much much more, but we loved it and are glad that our friends and family came along too.
Ciao.
x
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Heyyyy
Hey guys,
Glad you're enjoying it all the scenary looks to DIE for. El ninos look veryyyy cute!! Spoke to Grandad today and he is keeping well and sends his love. Can't wait to hear EVERYTHING when I come down at xmas. And hold on dad translated for you??? Hahah I can imagine it now! Be safe and be prepared to come back to arctic condition, I was up to my knees in snow last week UK has been chaos they say a white winter is expected (yay) but major train delays (booooo!) so hope everything is okay getting down to you! Loveeee Lal xxx
Glad you're enjoying it all the scenary looks to DIE for. El ninos look veryyyy cute!! Spoke to Grandad today and he is keeping well and sends his love. Can't wait to hear EVERYTHING when I come down at xmas. And hold on dad translated for you??? Hahah I can imagine it now! Be safe and be prepared to come back to arctic condition, I was up to my knees in snow last week UK has been chaos they say a white winter is expected (yay) but major train delays (booooo!) so hope everything is okay getting down to you! Loveeee Lal xxx
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
One more VERY exciting thing.....
Finally met with the director of CAICC today and Tenis translated a 2 hours ocnversation between her and Lou Lou about the different prison systems. The director really wants Lou Lou to attend a conference in Paraguay next May when all the projects that work with prisons across South America will be coming together for the first time, to talk about how they can develop a formal support structure in the prisons. She also wants to keep in touch and to do future work with Lou Lou. So should we decide to return in the future, there are the bare bones of some possible developements. As for Paraguay...Lou Lou is still paying off Oz, but will go to the cross roads and sell her soul if needs be!!!!
Ciao
xxx
Ciao
xxx
Monday, December 6, 2010
Until we meet again
Hey all
This maybe our last posting as v busy up until we leave on Sunday morning. We went to a great guitar concert in the week and then Friday we went to the main house for some traditional food, which included a previously unheard of cut of beef that is somewhere between the skin and the belly. Was very salty, but good. We then hung around as we were supposed to be going to a regional Q'owa, the monthly Pacha Mama offering ceremony. As per Bolivan - or Pete Cook - time (xx!) the 'after dinner' departure had still not happened at 11.30pm, so some of us opted for touring the local streets and we saw plenty of Bolivians smoking out their shop fronts and streets with little fires of burning coals and various sacred items.
Lou Lou has managed to get a bad throat in 95degrees! But it didn´t stop us spending Saturday touring the city, eating crepes, spotting the trees that had been struck by lightening in recent storms and preparing our presentations for this week. Saturday night, out housemate was going back to Oz and it was her birthday, so we decorated the house and made food and had a v nice evening with other volunteers and Bolivians. We did manage to start a small fire with the candles and also invited a trillion evil little bitey ants into the kitchen by leaving out some cake. Oops!
Sunday we spent a very civilized day by the pool at a 4star hotel in the posh bit of town. It did rain a bit , but we took shelter and sipped watermelon juice, whilst parrots wandered by. The down side was a rich Bolivian who declared that he was living in a fascist state - pretty much what any middle class and rich Bolivians have declared to us, plus denouncing Evo for not being able to read!! There is some issue re some new laws that Evo has brought in re racism and how he had banned all mention of it in the press, which obviously means no reporting of racist incidents either. Journalists launched a petition which has had thousands of signatures, but think people are signing it against state control of the media too, like in Venezuela. Not entirely sure, as not found anyone who can explain it to us in English.
Sunday evening, Lou Lou went to the movies with a group of volunteers to see a crap action film, but wanted to hang out with new friends and experience a Bolivian cinemas, which was just like going to Avonmead. They were switching the Xmas lights on, so we came out to sparkling reindeers and a giant coca cola tree. We then had a mega chinese takeaway.
There has been some interesting dog developments. Lou Lou has taken to grabbing Tenis for protection on at least 2 occassions of late. It would appear that the sleepy dogs that lay around under the trees in the day, like to gather a la Westside Sory stylee in the evenings and zig zag across the road towards you in a saliva sodden slalom, so that despite your efforts to hasten to the opposite side of the road, they eventually surround you in a snarling pack. There were 12 large dogs yesterday, which prompted Lou Lou to squeal 'don't move` and for Denis to grab his t-shirt in the region of his heart. The dogs eventually tootled off, unaware of the trauma they had caused and before we could recover, a stradler came out from under a gate, but from where we were stood, appeared to rise up from out of the pavement, the flames of hell licking up around him. There followed much beer, cider, wine, etc.
So today was a normal day at work, we had a quick siesta in the park at lunchtime, not far from the local builders who slumped into their wheelbarrows for a quick 40mins.
Tonight LouLou is doing a presentation on CAICC, tomorrow we hope to meet with the director of CAICC again, 3rd time lucky - another Bolivian habit: mañan means anytime from tomorrow to next year! Wednesday we should be going to the prison and then doing our UK presentation to the kids, Thursday is another owrk day, followed by shopping and starting to pack up and an attempt to get contact local NUS. Doesn´t look like Lou Louwill get any links with sex worker project, but can only try. Friday is our final work day, exit interview, then friend's birthday party, cocktails and private karaoke lounge. Saturday Lou Lou is off with a group to hike into a tropical zone and then a bunch of us are going to a posh restaurant for a Bolivian meal for our send off : (
So, may post some more pics if possible - can´t right now, as probs with IT. If not, will bore you senseless with pics on our return.
Sleep deprivation dependent, may well be in Sugarloaf c.6pm Monday night, will txt people if going!
Take care mis amigos, miss you, but don´t want to come home either, as just beginning to settle into the crazy way of life here. Catch you in the subzero temperatues soon,
Lou Lou & Tenis
xxxx
This maybe our last posting as v busy up until we leave on Sunday morning. We went to a great guitar concert in the week and then Friday we went to the main house for some traditional food, which included a previously unheard of cut of beef that is somewhere between the skin and the belly. Was very salty, but good. We then hung around as we were supposed to be going to a regional Q'owa, the monthly Pacha Mama offering ceremony. As per Bolivan - or Pete Cook - time (xx!) the 'after dinner' departure had still not happened at 11.30pm, so some of us opted for touring the local streets and we saw plenty of Bolivians smoking out their shop fronts and streets with little fires of burning coals and various sacred items.
Lou Lou has managed to get a bad throat in 95degrees! But it didn´t stop us spending Saturday touring the city, eating crepes, spotting the trees that had been struck by lightening in recent storms and preparing our presentations for this week. Saturday night, out housemate was going back to Oz and it was her birthday, so we decorated the house and made food and had a v nice evening with other volunteers and Bolivians. We did manage to start a small fire with the candles and also invited a trillion evil little bitey ants into the kitchen by leaving out some cake. Oops!
Sunday we spent a very civilized day by the pool at a 4star hotel in the posh bit of town. It did rain a bit , but we took shelter and sipped watermelon juice, whilst parrots wandered by. The down side was a rich Bolivian who declared that he was living in a fascist state - pretty much what any middle class and rich Bolivians have declared to us, plus denouncing Evo for not being able to read!! There is some issue re some new laws that Evo has brought in re racism and how he had banned all mention of it in the press, which obviously means no reporting of racist incidents either. Journalists launched a petition which has had thousands of signatures, but think people are signing it against state control of the media too, like in Venezuela. Not entirely sure, as not found anyone who can explain it to us in English.
Sunday evening, Lou Lou went to the movies with a group of volunteers to see a crap action film, but wanted to hang out with new friends and experience a Bolivian cinemas, which was just like going to Avonmead. They were switching the Xmas lights on, so we came out to sparkling reindeers and a giant coca cola tree. We then had a mega chinese takeaway.
There has been some interesting dog developments. Lou Lou has taken to grabbing Tenis for protection on at least 2 occassions of late. It would appear that the sleepy dogs that lay around under the trees in the day, like to gather a la Westside Sory stylee in the evenings and zig zag across the road towards you in a saliva sodden slalom, so that despite your efforts to hasten to the opposite side of the road, they eventually surround you in a snarling pack. There were 12 large dogs yesterday, which prompted Lou Lou to squeal 'don't move` and for Denis to grab his t-shirt in the region of his heart. The dogs eventually tootled off, unaware of the trauma they had caused and before we could recover, a stradler came out from under a gate, but from where we were stood, appeared to rise up from out of the pavement, the flames of hell licking up around him. There followed much beer, cider, wine, etc.
So today was a normal day at work, we had a quick siesta in the park at lunchtime, not far from the local builders who slumped into their wheelbarrows for a quick 40mins.
Tonight LouLou is doing a presentation on CAICC, tomorrow we hope to meet with the director of CAICC again, 3rd time lucky - another Bolivian habit: mañan means anytime from tomorrow to next year! Wednesday we should be going to the prison and then doing our UK presentation to the kids, Thursday is another owrk day, followed by shopping and starting to pack up and an attempt to get contact local NUS. Doesn´t look like Lou Louwill get any links with sex worker project, but can only try. Friday is our final work day, exit interview, then friend's birthday party, cocktails and private karaoke lounge. Saturday Lou Lou is off with a group to hike into a tropical zone and then a bunch of us are going to a posh restaurant for a Bolivian meal for our send off : (
So, may post some more pics if possible - can´t right now, as probs with IT. If not, will bore you senseless with pics on our return.
Sleep deprivation dependent, may well be in Sugarloaf c.6pm Monday night, will txt people if going!
Take care mis amigos, miss you, but don´t want to come home either, as just beginning to settle into the crazy way of life here. Catch you in the subzero temperatues soon,
Lou Lou & Tenis
xxxx
Friday, December 3, 2010
Who has hidden all the rice?
(Thursday)
Ok, so right now, jumping into a pile of snow would be sooo good. Even the Bolivians are saying it is too hot. Went to la cancha again today and nearly melted from the heat. LouLou went all 'Room with a View'. We went to buy offerings for the monthly pacha mama event tomorrow. The aisles were crammed with coca, herbs, trinkets and hundreds of llama foetus, some tiny alien things, other fluffy cuties, but all v stinky and we had to try not to retch infront of the sacred items. There was a big no photo stance - this one is form web. Apparently Evo has brought in much strictor attitudes around the way the sacred traditions are exploited.Talking of Evo, we stumbled across a long line of people queuing for rice. The media is adamant that there is no food crisis, despite failing rains and reports of hoarding of maize, sugar and rice by shop keepers keen to push the prices up. There was also some bloody skirmishes in La Paz with coca growers http://laht.com/article.asp?CategoryId=14919&ArticleId=380522. We have been looking at the graffiti too, lots of anti and pro fascist stuff. Where´s a can of spray paint when you need one?
So, we are going to try and combine politics and language skills - god help us - and see if the local NUS will do a message of support for UK students, will keep you posted.
Tonight we are going to a guitar concert and then spending the weekend preparing a presentation on UK for the kids - can't wait to show them pics of Chas n Dave! We are also going to a local hotel pool with some friends to chill. For our last weekend, we hope to go to tropical area for a day, but it includes going over a 150ft rope bridge across a gorge. LouLou is prepared to risk this for a glimps of a toucan and other flaura and fauna. Tenis is not so easily presuaded, so he may have to sit with a beer and a book and watch from afar.
 |
| Trufi interior |
 |
| With Ava, the cook at CAICC, taskmaster! |
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
It´s not snowing here!
Hola mis amigos
Congrats to Phil & Shaz for 20yrs of joy and bliss. Lou & Tenis made 18, but working togther for 1 month may stop it there!
Sounds v cold in Blighty, ¡no me gusta! The rains have started here, but mostly at night, with bonkers lightening storms and the kind of thunder that makes your heart beat very fast as you think the whole house is exploding. And of course it sets the hundreds of street dogs into a woofing frenzy.
Student protests sound great! Not had much stuff going on here demo wise. Though lots of meetings and discussion re new constitution, which appears to be proposing adopting whatever the local ways of organising are to accomodate all section of society, whilst at the same time giving local atonomy too and having an 'ísn´t Cuba wonderful' state power structure. Hmmm.
So, the crazy world of Bolivia....Today we came across a dummy hanging from a lamp post, this is a subtle neighbourhood watch approach to informing thieves they will be lynched if caught apparently. Will try and get a photo for you, if not deemed suspicious and strung up ourselves. We have discovered that the trufis only have high speed and brake and that redlights are an optional indication that you should stop. This morning was particularly hair raising and there have been a few moments when our lives have indeed flashed before our eyes. Plus todays decorations were not impressive and the naff music and a solitary Jesus did little to provide an enjoyable trip, as we stood with our heads jammed against the roof, in our gringo stature. We were joined by the regular éat helathily´ man, who sells a book on being vegi, which has a set of pictures of famous vegies on it: Leonardo Di Vinci, Einstein and sodding Bono! We have also discovered there are drive through banks here and the bread is called Bimbo loaf.
Tenis and dogs, what can we say? they appear to sniff him out. There is a rescue puppy at the main house that seems particularly keen to hang onto his trouser bottoms.
So, had no hotwater for 4 days and though weather is boiling here, the freezing alternative is a tad of a shock first thing, but no longer have a live current running into the water supply, so all in all, prefer to be cold than electricuted.
Went to La Cancha on Saturday and Tenis stood transfixed in the guitar aisles. I bought tonnes of tat, so you will all get a suitably naff souvenir. Also went to the posh bit of town - there really is some major dosh here, mega houses and everyone drives SUVs. We went to the supermarket and found various american delights, plus Dorset cereals for some reason. Went to final match on Sunday and had any missile type items removed by police, e.g bottles of water. Quite how smoke bombs, flares and firworks got past them, god knows. After the game, Terminator style cops rode around the streets with pump-action shot guns. The hardcore fans are called Gurkhas or is that Guhrkas? anyway, they didn´t look very scary, but they did get surroiunded by police at the end of the match. Not happy bunnies as though they won, they were relegated and may have lost the ground to the other local team for training.
We went up the Jesus hill, well LouLou got the cable car and Tenis walked, only to discover on the way back that it was a sheer drop with no rail, so his little knees were shaking by the time he got to the bottom - bless! It has been quite challenging for him all in all!!
So, work continues to be a mix of small children dangling from our limbs, chopping endless piles of veg and ..yes, still selling the flippin bread. We hope to lay by a pool this weekend and wear clothes that are free from dust, food and other unidentifiable things that children like to wipe on us.
Missing you all. Take care, build the barricades, build snowmen and ensure snow delays our final flight and strands us in Brazil for Xmas!
L&T
xxxx
Congrats to Phil & Shaz for 20yrs of joy and bliss. Lou & Tenis made 18, but working togther for 1 month may stop it there!
 |
| Cochabamba - part of it anyway! |
Student protests sound great! Not had much stuff going on here demo wise. Though lots of meetings and discussion re new constitution, which appears to be proposing adopting whatever the local ways of organising are to accomodate all section of society, whilst at the same time giving local atonomy too and having an 'ísn´t Cuba wonderful' state power structure. Hmmm.
So, the crazy world of Bolivia....Today we came across a dummy hanging from a lamp post, this is a subtle neighbourhood watch approach to informing thieves they will be lynched if caught apparently. Will try and get a photo for you, if not deemed suspicious and strung up ourselves. We have discovered that the trufis only have high speed and brake and that redlights are an optional indication that you should stop. This morning was particularly hair raising and there have been a few moments when our lives have indeed flashed before our eyes. Plus todays decorations were not impressive and the naff music and a solitary Jesus did little to provide an enjoyable trip, as we stood with our heads jammed against the roof, in our gringo stature. We were joined by the regular éat helathily´ man, who sells a book on being vegi, which has a set of pictures of famous vegies on it: Leonardo Di Vinci, Einstein and sodding Bono! We have also discovered there are drive through banks here and the bread is called Bimbo loaf.
Tenis and dogs, what can we say? they appear to sniff him out. There is a rescue puppy at the main house that seems particularly keen to hang onto his trouser bottoms.
So, had no hotwater for 4 days and though weather is boiling here, the freezing alternative is a tad of a shock first thing, but no longer have a live current running into the water supply, so all in all, prefer to be cold than electricuted.
Went to La Cancha on Saturday and Tenis stood transfixed in the guitar aisles. I bought tonnes of tat, so you will all get a suitably naff souvenir. Also went to the posh bit of town - there really is some major dosh here, mega houses and everyone drives SUVs. We went to the supermarket and found various american delights, plus Dorset cereals for some reason. Went to final match on Sunday and had any missile type items removed by police, e.g bottles of water. Quite how smoke bombs, flares and firworks got past them, god knows. After the game, Terminator style cops rode around the streets with pump-action shot guns. The hardcore fans are called Gurkhas or is that Guhrkas? anyway, they didn´t look very scary, but they did get surroiunded by police at the end of the match. Not happy bunnies as though they won, they were relegated and may have lost the ground to the other local team for training.
We went up the Jesus hill, well LouLou got the cable car and Tenis walked, only to discover on the way back that it was a sheer drop with no rail, so his little knees were shaking by the time he got to the bottom - bless! It has been quite challenging for him all in all!!
 |
| Sooooo cute! |
Missing you all. Take care, build the barricades, build snowmen and ensure snow delays our final flight and strands us in Brazil for Xmas!
L&T
xxxx
Licking the floor - again
Thought I'd let you know that Dad is at home again, but not without some alarms and excursions. He took another tumble at his home on Monday lunch time. Fortunately we were there and called the ambulance. He has done no damage and came home again later that day. However, the paramedic who responded brought his supervisor with him and has brought the social services into it to come and see if they can offer any OT help. I wait to hear what they have to suggest. No need for you to worry about it, just keeping you in the loop. Continue to enjoy the heat, it is still freezing here!
Val xx
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Wish we were there!!!
Looks like you are having "fun in the sun"! It's ffffffreezing here -quite literally - snow ploughs and blizzards, would willingly accept warm beer.
Hope the prison visit goes well and they don't decide to keep you. If it all goes belly-up we'll send files hidden in pencils.
Dad is going back home today for a couple of weeks, but will be coming back to us around 18th Dec. He has enjoyed reading the blog and seeing the pictures while he has been with us. I'll keep him updated over the phone.
Enjoy the last match
Love V + P +Dad
Friday, November 26, 2010
Busy Week
Hi all
Been toiling in the hot sun all week. Yesterday we went with the project to a nearby town for a march, as it was a international day to stop violence against women. They wanted to show the effects on kids and they had their placards with various slogans as per pics. It was led by the police brigade against violence and the kids were encouraged to meet the friendly police dog/bear, who was carrying a full canister of CS gas, in case of a sudden uprising by the niños no doubt.
We also met the star studded cast of a new Bolivian film 'Pancho y Silpancho - Amor sin Fronteras' Looks like classy stuff!
We continue to be in awe of the trufis and try to rate them on comfort, onboard entertainment, posters, the ornate gearstick coverings - usually a fringed carpet arrangement - and the number of Jesus' dangling. They display claims of luxury, security and romance. Rattling around yesterday to Eminem on the 'Hip Hip' trufi with a leaking roof, did not fill us with any of those feelings.
So, good news on the prison front, the director of our project is sorting passes to go in with her, probably not until our last day, but still a great opportunity. She is also meeting us on Monday to discuss the British prison system, so will be getting some info together over the weekend and attempting to translate. Spanish classes going very well though.
Last night was Thanks Giving and about 60 people partied at the main house. We sat by candlelight in the garden eating 101 different dishes, including stuffed tripe which we only became aware of half way through. And a turkey cooked in the solar oven in the garden. We got invited to Argentina for New Years Eve - as you do. Don´t remind us of that when we are supping warm beer in the Sugar Loaf!!
Going to main plaza tonight to hear the latest sectarian lectures - my come across a Bolivian mad Di! Then market tomoorw, maybe food with some other volunteers and final match of the season on Saturday, a local derby. May try to plan a weekend away next week.
Halfway through already : (
xx
Been toiling in the hot sun all week. Yesterday we went with the project to a nearby town for a march, as it was a international day to stop violence against women. They wanted to show the effects on kids and they had their placards with various slogans as per pics. It was led by the police brigade against violence and the kids were encouraged to meet the friendly police dog/bear, who was carrying a full canister of CS gas, in case of a sudden uprising by the niños no doubt.
We also met the star studded cast of a new Bolivian film 'Pancho y Silpancho - Amor sin Fronteras' Looks like classy stuff!
We continue to be in awe of the trufis and try to rate them on comfort, onboard entertainment, posters, the ornate gearstick coverings - usually a fringed carpet arrangement - and the number of Jesus' dangling. They display claims of luxury, security and romance. Rattling around yesterday to Eminem on the 'Hip Hip' trufi with a leaking roof, did not fill us with any of those feelings.
So, good news on the prison front, the director of our project is sorting passes to go in with her, probably not until our last day, but still a great opportunity. She is also meeting us on Monday to discuss the British prison system, so will be getting some info together over the weekend and attempting to translate. Spanish classes going very well though.
Last night was Thanks Giving and about 60 people partied at the main house. We sat by candlelight in the garden eating 101 different dishes, including stuffed tripe which we only became aware of half way through. And a turkey cooked in the solar oven in the garden. We got invited to Argentina for New Years Eve - as you do. Don´t remind us of that when we are supping warm beer in the Sugar Loaf!!
Going to main plaza tonight to hear the latest sectarian lectures - my come across a Bolivian mad Di! Then market tomoorw, maybe food with some other volunteers and final match of the season on Saturday, a local derby. May try to plan a weekend away next week.
Halfway through already : (
xx
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Never a Dull Moment!
Fascinating stuff guys and the picture of Bruno having a crap over the wall is particularly endearing. Bristol students and school students were great yesterday. Police had to cut off the centre and Whiteladies Rd and Park Street completely blocked!. Sit in at UWE on Weds and Bristol Uni last night. Even school kids marching through Lydney with placards. Long discussions with people about how to spread it & get workers to join in......meanwhile Gareth having his legs bent to percussive farts at MS centre and managing to stand for a while..progress.
This experience will live with you for ever and brings home to me how lucky our own kids are but fearful of their future.
Love to both.. keep it coming!
This experience will live with you for ever and brings home to me how lucky our own kids are but fearful of their future.
Love to both.. keep it coming!
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Football in the Clouds
Hey all
Still having a good time! Plus hear we will get a day off in the UK for the stuff the royal wedding party, yeah!
Saturday, Mama Lou Lou was in bed with hopefully her final bout of Bolivian Belly, otherwise it´s off to the hospital for a parasite test - yuk. Actually, there were a few large drinks the night before, so could have been that! Sunday we went to a footbal match with a bunch of other volunteers from around the globe. Cost near Man U prices at 2.50 (no pound sign on this keyboard). Bought our polystyrene squares so we could sit on the redhot concrete terrace - it was up in the 90s - but as all physicists know, polystyrene conducts heat, so we sat there sweltering, as the sorrounding crowd sangs their chants to the the tune of ....you guessed it, Bonnie Tyler!!! and Rivers of Babylon, before hurling shredded phone book pages and fireworks around. The game was shockingly bad, but sitting with the mountains around us and vendors calling out thier wares, between the bands bands and singing, it was a great experieince. The hilight though, was when the riot police who had been protecting the corners from debris, had to surround the ref and assist him off the pitch at the end of the match, as he disallowed the away team's final goal. We headed off to the bars to celebrate the 2-1 victory and watched as the fans commited every ASBO breaking celebratory act that they could.
We were awoken Monday morning by the usual megaphone wielding fruit man, then the icecream horn honking man, then the loacl street dog howls. Who needs an alarm clock? Tio (uncle) Tennis y Mama LouLou worked in seperate houses, with Tennis providing play activities and LouLou preparing lunch for 30 kids. Cutting up watermelon as someone serenades you by pan pipe is a good way top spend a Monday! Then it was bread selling again. Lastnight we went to a traditional dance festival which was v entertaining and would easily win a dance off with a Morris dancer.
The rainy season had so far failed and the maize planting is delayed and water is on the verge of rationing, but lastnight there was the mother of a thunderstorm and there were moments when we thought the roof may fall in with the crashing! This morning the only evidence of the torrential rain was a few small puddles and the clouds so low you could touch them, as hopefully the pic shows, we really are very high up here!
Worked this morning and were left with a class, so they got paperchain men, aeroplanes and snowflakes. LouLou went to Spanish and then sorted a possible link with a sex work project. Hope to also get to visit some of the prisons - intersting, but a bit scary! We have just done our stint of cooking at the main house and Thursday we are bringing apple suace for the massive Thanks Giving dinner. Hmm, celebrating the founding of America, not sure that is one to be proud of! Tomorrow there are some lawyers doing a talk on the new Bolivian constitution, but all in Spanish, so not sure what we will uinderstand.
Made good friends with some older volunteers, so now have a group for socialising with. Work is interesting, but think we need to get out into the city in the evenings and weekend, to get a feel for the place, as playing ¿Que hora es Señor Lobo? doesn't really capture the sociopolitical landscape!
So, will write again soon, missing you all, but not the weather! Love to friends and family
L&T xxxxx
 |
| Where we work in the mornings |
 |
| Trufi to work |
Saturday, Mama Lou Lou was in bed with hopefully her final bout of Bolivian Belly, otherwise it´s off to the hospital for a parasite test - yuk. Actually, there were a few large drinks the night before, so could have been that! Sunday we went to a footbal match with a bunch of other volunteers from around the globe. Cost near Man U prices at 2.50 (no pound sign on this keyboard). Bought our polystyrene squares so we could sit on the redhot concrete terrace - it was up in the 90s - but as all physicists know, polystyrene conducts heat, so we sat there sweltering, as the sorrounding crowd sangs their chants to the the tune of ....you guessed it, Bonnie Tyler!!! and Rivers of Babylon, before hurling shredded phone book pages and fireworks around. The game was shockingly bad, but sitting with the mountains around us and vendors calling out thier wares, between the bands bands and singing, it was a great experieince. The hilight though, was when the riot police who had been protecting the corners from debris, had to surround the ref and assist him off the pitch at the end of the match, as he disallowed the away team's final goal. We headed off to the bars to celebrate the 2-1 victory and watched as the fans commited every ASBO breaking celebratory act that they could.
We were awoken Monday morning by the usual megaphone wielding fruit man, then the icecream horn honking man, then the loacl street dog howls. Who needs an alarm clock? Tio (uncle) Tennis y Mama LouLou worked in seperate houses, with Tennis providing play activities and LouLou preparing lunch for 30 kids. Cutting up watermelon as someone serenades you by pan pipe is a good way top spend a Monday! Then it was bread selling again. Lastnight we went to a traditional dance festival which was v entertaining and would easily win a dance off with a Morris dancer.
The rainy season had so far failed and the maize planting is delayed and water is on the verge of rationing, but lastnight there was the mother of a thunderstorm and there were moments when we thought the roof may fall in with the crashing! This morning the only evidence of the torrential rain was a few small puddles and the clouds so low you could touch them, as hopefully the pic shows, we really are very high up here!
Worked this morning and were left with a class, so they got paperchain men, aeroplanes and snowflakes. LouLou went to Spanish and then sorted a possible link with a sex work project. Hope to also get to visit some of the prisons - intersting, but a bit scary! We have just done our stint of cooking at the main house and Thursday we are bringing apple suace for the massive Thanks Giving dinner. Hmm, celebrating the founding of America, not sure that is one to be proud of! Tomorrow there are some lawyers doing a talk on the new Bolivian constitution, but all in Spanish, so not sure what we will uinderstand.
Made good friends with some older volunteers, so now have a group for socialising with. Work is interesting, but think we need to get out into the city in the evenings and weekend, to get a feel for the place, as playing ¿Que hora es Señor Lobo? doesn't really capture the sociopolitical landscape!
So, will write again soon, missing you all, but not the weather! Love to friends and family
L&T xxxxx
runs in the family!
Hi you two, sorry to be so long catching up, us luvvies you understand. Dad is with us and no longer black-eyed - I wont mention the nose! He says he has not tried walking into telegraph poles, but might add it to his repetoire. Dad has read the blog with me so is up to date on all the news, also well done Tennis with Bruno, we are most impressed. Hope the weekend brought some relief from Bonnie......XXX V + P+ Dad
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Mum back from hols!
Great to hear how things are going. Den is a star re the dogs.....come and visit on your return!
Knew you were big scale mama material Lou .....kids are bound to love you both but it must be hard to see their circumstances.
Don't drink too much!!!!
Mum has returned after another 10 days on the razz!
Nick and Jen
xxxx
Woof
Wow, isn't Bruno lovely!
Your stories are very funny and heartwarming - the poverty must be a real culture shock but it all sounds so real - collective responsibility for someone having nicked something, that sort of thing. I get an immediate sense of the bullshit pretence and individualised/privatised crap over here. Not to say the force-feeding incase there's no more food for two days is preferable, but the lack of ownership here of the reality of kids lives pisses me off - every day there's some "never had it so good" crap. Oh, yeh, that's exactly what Thatcherite darling Lord Young said on Thursday, and now forced to resign (it embarrassed Cameron).
We're just back from a great little demo outside a Liberal Party Conference in Plymouth, where we gave them hell - students, RtW, Labour Party Councillors - the lot of us shouting and screaming outside and disrupting the whole shebang (or was it an enchilada). Many delegates very embarrassed and you could see the Labour strategy of splitting the Coalition has some real potential. Not without Poll Tax level of protest and lots of strikes, methinks. Anyway, we're gearing-up with loads of student meetings towards an occupation on the national day of protest next Wednesday. I almost feel young again!
Didn't go to the Stop the War demo (around 8k there according to Jo) 'cos no-one organsied a coach (or anything). I've an essay to write (which just isn't writing itself) and Ro's got about 60 hours of Child Protection records and meeting notes to write all weekend, so think yourselves lucky. We certainly do!
Lots and lots of Love, and a great big WOOF to Bruno (says Sadie)!
Your stories are very funny and heartwarming - the poverty must be a real culture shock but it all sounds so real - collective responsibility for someone having nicked something, that sort of thing. I get an immediate sense of the bullshit pretence and individualised/privatised crap over here. Not to say the force-feeding incase there's no more food for two days is preferable, but the lack of ownership here of the reality of kids lives pisses me off - every day there's some "never had it so good" crap. Oh, yeh, that's exactly what Thatcherite darling Lord Young said on Thursday, and now forced to resign (it embarrassed Cameron).
We're just back from a great little demo outside a Liberal Party Conference in Plymouth, where we gave them hell - students, RtW, Labour Party Councillors - the lot of us shouting and screaming outside and disrupting the whole shebang (or was it an enchilada). Many delegates very embarrassed and you could see the Labour strategy of splitting the Coalition has some real potential. Not without Poll Tax level of protest and lots of strikes, methinks. Anyway, we're gearing-up with loads of student meetings towards an occupation on the national day of protest next Wednesday. I almost feel young again!
Didn't go to the Stop the War demo (around 8k there according to Jo) 'cos no-one organsied a coach (or anything). I've an essay to write (which just isn't writing itself) and Ro's got about 60 hours of Child Protection records and meeting notes to write all weekend, so think yourselves lucky. We certainly do!
Lots and lots of Love, and a great big WOOF to Bruno (says Sadie)!
Friday, November 19, 2010
¿Que hora es Señor Lobo?
It´s Friday evening, the chicitos are cruising the streets and "I need a hero" is blasting out in the internet cafe. This is Cochabamba at the weekend and man are we glad it´s Friday! We are having a great time, but it is very challenging, partly the work, partly the culture and partly that we are out of out comfort zone we guess.
So, updates are as follows -
Work: Today we fought our way through a bonkers traffic jam, where everyone had come onto the roundabout at the same time and just sat there leaning on their horns. Then we got to the project and introduced the kiddies to "What´s the time Mr Wolf?" which went down very well and Lou is now Ma Ma Lou. Tennis is Uncle. We then literally force fed them soup and rice, as it may be the last meal until Monday for most of them. Felt a bit brutal, but neccessary too. Then we went to the older kids project and took a couple of them out to sell the bread they had made earlier. Going door to door in the noon day sun in a dusty village, was very Sergio Leone at points, particularly as we crossed the disused railtrack clutching the tiny hands of children, with only the mountain backdrop as company and carrying a basket of bread. Luckily we off loaded most of the bounty to a Bolivian mechanic who had lived off Tavistock Sq for 3 years and now considers Tennis his brother.
Oh god Bonnie is on loop....
We came home coated in dust and various child excretions, so after the water supply was back on, showered ourselves back to normality and are planning a weekend of Bolivian cuisine, a football match and a trip to the market.
Oh yeah, all those who moan about their caseloads, there are 2000 prisoners in Cochabamba, with 2 lawyers, 2 social workers and 2 rehab workers!!
Other updates -
Breakages/injuries:
Tennis broke the gate, walked into a telegraph pole and fell over a paving slab. Ma Ma Lou Lou has been remarkably vertical so far.
Crazy things we have seen:
Tennis has made great strides this week, by moving Bruno from his path by grabbing his collar and even protecting the cat from Bruno's clutches when they both dived through the back door. He is showing great promise.
Weather:
Scorchio
And Bonnie is still going c.loop 9 - Ted I'm going mad.
So, updates are as follows -
Work: Today we fought our way through a bonkers traffic jam, where everyone had come onto the roundabout at the same time and just sat there leaning on their horns. Then we got to the project and introduced the kiddies to "What´s the time Mr Wolf?" which went down very well and Lou is now Ma Ma Lou. Tennis is Uncle. We then literally force fed them soup and rice, as it may be the last meal until Monday for most of them. Felt a bit brutal, but neccessary too. Then we went to the older kids project and took a couple of them out to sell the bread they had made earlier. Going door to door in the noon day sun in a dusty village, was very Sergio Leone at points, particularly as we crossed the disused railtrack clutching the tiny hands of children, with only the mountain backdrop as company and carrying a basket of bread. Luckily we off loaded most of the bounty to a Bolivian mechanic who had lived off Tavistock Sq for 3 years and now considers Tennis his brother.
Oh god Bonnie is on loop....
We came home coated in dust and various child excretions, so after the water supply was back on, showered ourselves back to normality and are planning a weekend of Bolivian cuisine, a football match and a trip to the market.
Oh yeah, all those who moan about their caseloads, there are 2000 prisoners in Cochabamba, with 2 lawyers, 2 social workers and 2 rehab workers!!
Other updates -
Breakages/injuries:
Tennis broke the gate, walked into a telegraph pole and fell over a paving slab. Ma Ma Lou Lou has been remarkably vertical so far.
Crazy things we have seen:
- Tiny rickety trufi, with narrow door with four steps, seats strapped togethr with belts and only stopping to collect passengers in the middle of the road, proudly displaying it's disabled access badge
- Man rendering building in the middle of the night with wife holding torch to light his way
- Our trufi driver stopping to pick up a large spring that had dropped off and then carrying on driving
Tennis has made great strides this week, by moving Bruno from his path by grabbing his collar and even protecting the cat from Bruno's clutches when they both dived through the back door. He is showing great promise.
Weather:
Scorchio
And Bonnie is still going c.loop 9 - Ted I'm going mad.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Children Children Everywhere, now we need a drink
First day at work today. We caught the trufi by throwing ourselves into the middle lane of the rush hour traffic in a "We've been doing this for years" type way. On arrival at CAICC, we were given the task of buttering the copious bread rolls, then were taken to the 0-5yrs house. Anyone who has seen the episode of the Simpsons, when Homer comes out of the bushes covered in small woodland creatures, will have some idea of our fate. Within 30seconds of going through the door, there were tiny tots attached to every part of our bodies. All goregous kids, but completely 100% attention deprived, so Lou Lou y Tennis - as we are now known - were No.1 cuddle provider and general climbing frame.
We sat in a class for 2 hours, joining in with Bolivian versions of Oh Suzzanah and a variation of Old McDonald, as well as snap, story time and my favourite fruit is... Then it was off to the main centre for prepping lunch of soup, pasta, potatoes, egg and onions. We then joined the older kids' equalities class and watched a very graphic film on DV and alcohol abuse. There followed a discussion on what we had learnt and what gender equality meant. Downside of movie was that once they had all found god, things went hunky-dory. This wasn't referenced in the dicusssion though, so presume it was the only film they could get, as project not faith based.
We finished the day by loading the wah wah (Quechua for toddlers) onto the bus with the older kids, with Tennis lugging a giant TV and Lou Lou providing water melon sustenance, only to witness Delia's (head honcho) telling off/headfit about something having gone missing from the house, so they were all turfed off the bus and made to walk home/to prisons/wherever. Tough love. So we grabbed the trufi home and collapsed in a heap, bowing to all you great teachers out there!
Off for large amounts of alcohol now, on yet another balmy evening, with the cicadas, mountains and a distinct lack of rainy season.
Adios x
We sat in a class for 2 hours, joining in with Bolivian versions of Oh Suzzanah and a variation of Old McDonald, as well as snap, story time and my favourite fruit is... Then it was off to the main centre for prepping lunch of soup, pasta, potatoes, egg and onions. We then joined the older kids' equalities class and watched a very graphic film on DV and alcohol abuse. There followed a discussion on what we had learnt and what gender equality meant. Downside of movie was that once they had all found god, things went hunky-dory. This wasn't referenced in the dicusssion though, so presume it was the only film they could get, as project not faith based.
We finished the day by loading the wah wah (Quechua for toddlers) onto the bus with the older kids, with Tennis lugging a giant TV and Lou Lou providing water melon sustenance, only to witness Delia's (head honcho) telling off/headfit about something having gone missing from the house, so they were all turfed off the bus and made to walk home/to prisons/wherever. Tough love. So we grabbed the trufi home and collapsed in a heap, bowing to all you great teachers out there!
Off for large amounts of alcohol now, on yet another balmy evening, with the cicadas, mountains and a distinct lack of rainy season.
Adios x
ooohh heat!
have fun guys, enjoy the warm weather--it's cold and wet here. keep us well-posted! sorry for tthe delayed response--we just moved house and all around me are boxes, boxes, boxes
mx
mx
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
New Digs, Dogs & Broken Furniture
Gradually getting used to heat and pace of life here - either dead or frantic.
Accompanying photo shows the health & safety conscious amongst you the interesting shower arrangements. Though the intermittent zap helps wake you up in the morning.
Yesterday we tried to get Den a coffee again and were thwarted by the weekly school march. We walked into the local square and it was like a scene from Invasion of the Body Snatchers, as everyone was stood still honouring the interminable national anthem.
We then moved to our salubrious new digs, which houses a massive german shepherd dog, Bruno, that likes to jump up at you and bark. Den is in hell, but coping well. Lou sat on the bed and it collapsed, then the sofa, ditto. No more salteñas for her! The house is a big 1930´s place with modernised exterior. We are opposite the uni, so the streets are full of young students - no sign of a Millbank moment as yet.
Had a birthday brekkie yesterday and opèned fab set of bioculars, which helped in spotting the wildlife and the comotose locals at the lagoon. No pics as not picturesque.
Went to main volunteering base for dinner with the others, so got an international rendition of "Happy Birthday". All the volunteers and staff are accomplished intense young things. So we fitted in well! All very friendly and eating there again tonight.
Today we awoke to a steaming hot day and Lou had Bolivian belly, probably due to altitude and heat. This meant that Denis faced his greatest challenge yet of manouvering past Bruno alone. This afternoon we went to the project we will be working at. It is about 45mins by trufi and then a short walk. We will be working with 0-5yr olds in the mornings and older kids in the afternoons, apart from Tues & Thurs pm, when Lou will learn Spanish and Den will read and drink real coffee which he has now located. We will do 25.5 hrs a week, 9-12 & 1.30-4pm, mostly helping in activity groups, though we have been invited to introduce projects. They are currently doing stuff around culture, so lots of opportunity to sing My Old Man´s a Dustman and introduce the joys of cheese rolling to the unsuspecting niños.
We just went to the local square, which is like speakers corner, meets street theatre, meets family rendezvous. Foolishly stopping at one group, we got pulled into a conversation with a mad maoist who despite our protestations announced to the many gathered, that we were imperialists by virtue of simply living in the UK. He waved a picture of Princess Di at us and suggested we liked her - in her current state yes!
So, off home now, to cool off and prepare for working life tomorrow.
Will post some photos of area and general chaos that is Cochabamba soon, including one of the massive statue of Jesus that stands above the city. Mmm sacrelecious.
x
Yesterday we tried to get Den a coffee again and were thwarted by the weekly school march. We walked into the local square and it was like a scene from Invasion of the Body Snatchers, as everyone was stood still honouring the interminable national anthem.
Had a birthday brekkie yesterday and opèned fab set of bioculars, which helped in spotting the wildlife and the comotose locals at the lagoon. No pics as not picturesque.
Went to main volunteering base for dinner with the others, so got an international rendition of "Happy Birthday". All the volunteers and staff are accomplished intense young things. So we fitted in well! All very friendly and eating there again tonight.
Today we awoke to a steaming hot day and Lou had Bolivian belly, probably due to altitude and heat. This meant that Denis faced his greatest challenge yet of manouvering past Bruno alone. This afternoon we went to the project we will be working at. It is about 45mins by trufi and then a short walk. We will be working with 0-5yr olds in the mornings and older kids in the afternoons, apart from Tues & Thurs pm, when Lou will learn Spanish and Den will read and drink real coffee which he has now located. We will do 25.5 hrs a week, 9-12 & 1.30-4pm, mostly helping in activity groups, though we have been invited to introduce projects. They are currently doing stuff around culture, so lots of opportunity to sing My Old Man´s a Dustman and introduce the joys of cheese rolling to the unsuspecting niños.
We just went to the local square, which is like speakers corner, meets street theatre, meets family rendezvous. Foolishly stopping at one group, we got pulled into a conversation with a mad maoist who despite our protestations announced to the many gathered, that we were imperialists by virtue of simply living in the UK. He waved a picture of Princess Di at us and suggested we liked her - in her current state yes!
So, off home now, to cool off and prepare for working life tomorrow.
Will post some photos of area and general chaos that is Cochabamba soon, including one of the massive statue of Jesus that stands above the city. Mmm sacrelecious.
x
Scary Dogs
Happy belated Birthday, Lou. Can't think of a more interesting way to spend it...
Well, middle class students rioting? and more surprisingly cheered on by even non-politicos. Show us the way!
Looking forward to hearing more and the spanish!
Love Jill & Gareth
Well, middle class students rioting? and more surprisingly cheered on by even non-politicos. Show us the way!
Looking forward to hearing more and the spanish!
Love Jill & Gareth
Hi Both. Beer for breakfast is still beyond me!!!! YEP things here improving here with the student demo, I feel that they have a lot of support and the witch-hunt against them not really taken off. Irish economy has gone even more belly up and Chelsea lost to Sunderland at home 3-0!!! funny old world.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Deeply Jealous!
Beer for breakfast would finish me off!
Heavy, heavy rain here and tedious workload means all we can think about is you two! Despite protestations I'm trying to build the coach for Climate demo on 4th December, and still fighting to save the PTUC - we had a stay of execution for one month pending Dockyard TU decisions. Good number of students at this weeks meting, and signing-up, so Plymouth may even have an occupation by the time you get back!
Now...there's an essay to be written and bananaplant to be rescued from the frost. Then, there's the bus to work (hopefully without blood stains).
Get volunteering (Chavez style, not Cameron style)!
All our love,
Ro and Tony
Heavy, heavy rain here and tedious workload means all we can think about is you two! Despite protestations I'm trying to build the coach for Climate demo on 4th December, and still fighting to save the PTUC - we had a stay of execution for one month pending Dockyard TU decisions. Good number of students at this weeks meting, and signing-up, so Plymouth may even have an occupation by the time you get back!
Now...there's an essay to be written and bananaplant to be rescued from the frost. Then, there's the bus to work (hopefully without blood stains).
Get volunteering (Chavez style, not Cameron style)!
All our love,
Ro and Tony
Sunday, November 14, 2010
We have landed
Hi all
Arrived yesterday lunchtime, with no hiccups in travel, apart from good old UK public transport. Having jumped on a bus to Heathrow from Den´s Dad´s, it stopped 15mins from the airport cos it was running late and we all had to get off to catch another one. In the melee that folowed, the 84yr old woman infront of us, fell of the bus and gashed her head. So we sat with her until the ambulance came and then got on a bus. This went round the corner and then cos it was running late we all had to get off and catch another one. Ground Hog Day anyone?!! Eventually got there, disposing of blood drenched coat - nice - and caught our flight.
Spent lastnight sat in the main square watching an amazing lightening storm roll in, then got early night in on a Princess & the Pea mattress. Dawn met us with Bolivian power ballads at 10,000 decibles. We have just had brekkie of beer and salteñas - nowhere opens for coffee until later, my kinda town! (Not Den´s though, that´s 2 days without real coffee. Off to volunteering agency tommorow, new digs and city tour.
Just reorientating ourselves today and catching up on sleep. So hopfully slightly more interesting stuff to tell you next time!
Arrived yesterday lunchtime, with no hiccups in travel, apart from good old UK public transport. Having jumped on a bus to Heathrow from Den´s Dad´s, it stopped 15mins from the airport cos it was running late and we all had to get off to catch another one. In the melee that folowed, the 84yr old woman infront of us, fell of the bus and gashed her head. So we sat with her until the ambulance came and then got on a bus. This went round the corner and then cos it was running late we all had to get off and catch another one. Ground Hog Day anyone?!! Eventually got there, disposing of blood drenched coat - nice - and caught our flight.
Spent lastnight sat in the main square watching an amazing lightening storm roll in, then got early night in on a Princess & the Pea mattress. Dawn met us with Bolivian power ballads at 10,000 decibles. We have just had brekkie of beer and salteñas - nowhere opens for coffee until later, my kinda town! (Not Den´s though, that´s 2 days without real coffee. Off to volunteering agency tommorow, new digs and city tour.
Just reorientating ourselves today and catching up on sleep. So hopfully slightly more interesting stuff to tell you next time!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
See you soon
Thanks for the Bon Voyage and birthday wishes.
Adios Amigos
We'll see you in a while
And whilst we're gone,
Please fight the cuts
DO IT STUDENT STYLE!!!
Adios Amigos
We'll see you in a while
And whilst we're gone,
Please fight the cuts
DO IT STUDENT STYLE!!!
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Join us in Cochabamba! (13th November - 12th December)
Hola!
Cochabamba has an urban population of 650,000, is 2558m above sea level and surrounded by mountains. It's just now coming into summer and the rainy season, so attractive rain ponchos are a must darlings! The city and surrounding towns have been the site of many fight backs in the last decade, including the revolt against water privatisation in 2000.
So, we hope to bring you regular updates - technology, time and revolution permitting - but don't feel unloved if we are a bit slack. We will bring home extra llama jerky to make up for it.
Adios amigos!
Señor Rabies y Lou Lou xxx
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