Note to Bolivia

The City of Sand

The Grand Castle of Punta del Diablo

Now that we’ve left Bolivia we have time for the more important things in life.  Please vote for the best sand creation via Bevan’s blog (right hand corner): http://a2saab.blogspot.com/2010/10/castle-competition-2010.html

As my time in Bolivia started to draw to an end I started to feel a sense of guilt for leaving.  I have taken so much, learnt so much and enjoyed so much and it isn’t fair to just leave it all behind.   The fear, the pollution, the danger, the sickness and the hopelessness ever-present in Bolivia are all behind me now.  All I have left to comfort myself is a promise not to forget my life here and all that Bolivia has shown me.

My last few weeks in Cochabamba were my busiest but my most satisfying.  It was great to see the new website go live, the safe water project launched and the Christmas cards actually in print!  And although I tried not to have a despidida (farewell) at all, I ended up having four.  Which was good in the sense that it allowed me to spread out the final farewells to all the wonderful and important people in my time here.  Such as…

Carla

…My Spanish teacher Carla.  Not only an incredible teacher and listener; she was a true friend and a vital sounding board for me during my entire nine months in Cochabamba.

Mery

…Profesorra Mery the English teacher at school who pretty much enabled and equipped me with everything I needed to get anything and everything done in the community.

Annika

…Annika, my Swedish boss one day a week.  We had fun, did a bit of work and enjoyed ice-cream together.

Me and Eliza

Me and Hanna

…My two best friends here who put together an amazing ‘This is your life in Cochabamba’ video that made me ball my eyes out and laugh uncontrollably.  Something I will cherish forever and possibly the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me!

But most of all – the smells, sounds and stories of a city that has treated me so well.