Plans constantly changing

Trip Start Jun 25, 2008
1
15
22
Trip End Dec 17, 2008


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Where I stayed
valencia house
(Cochabamba hotels)

Flag of Bolivia  ,
Sunday, September 14, 2008

When I signed on I noticed its been a month since I have written. In my mind, it feels like life is continuing as normal. In reality there are many differences between what I previously considered normal, but I am readjusting my idea of normalicy, its a good thing. I am suppose to be traveling the country right now with my friend Faith, but with the recent pissing match between bolivia and the US, all flights into bolivia have been canceled. I got information second hand from people that there were riots and demonstrations, people being killed, and gas lines being damaged. From what I understand the east side of the country wants autonomy and doesnt want to share their wealth with the rest of bolivia, they have many of the natural resources and there are quite a few other departments that are quite poor. Anyway, the president thinks the US is behind the demonstrations and is trying to support a coup, which is why he was thrown out. The city I live in here cochabamba, the majority like the president, and thats why it has been much more peaceful here than in santa cruz. There were marches and demonstrations over the weekend but nothing like in some of the other parts where things were quite out of control. We were without gasoline for 2 days, and there was very little transportation. But this morning it appears the lines have been repared because the streets are full and black smoke rising from the city like ususal. The other thing that I would like to write about is the project I have found here to volunteer. I dont want to write any identifing details cause we are trying to keep a low profile but its a project for kids with HIV/AIDS. I just finished a week of training including subjects of nutrition, ARVs, traditions, universal precautions, sessions with psycologists regarding talking with kids about HIV, and other extremely applicable subjects. So while the country in some regards appears very chaotic, my expericence this week has been radically different. Daily trainings included people from numerous organziations coming together to share information and prepare to fight the prejudice and stigma with truth and compassion. A very beautiful week in many regards.
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