Thursday, August 23, 2007

Bienvenidos a Cochabamba!

We got to Cochabamba yesterday and are staying in a hotel for a few days. We went out for dinner last night, but haven't had much of a chance to see too much. We started at the training center today. The training center is pretty cool. It's semi-rural and the compound is surrounded by one of those cool adobe fences with glass and barbed-wire at the top for security. I hear it's mostly for looks and cultural-effect, but we've got a police/security (not really sure) officer inside the compound to keep everyone and everything inside safe. The only crime here was a guniea pig theft 10 years ago. We've got some farm animals and plants to train agriculture volunteers, plus some classes.

Today we had language, family, medical, and placement interviews today. We'll meet our host families on Saturday and I'm really hoping that I get a family with kids. I also think it would be pretty cool to be with some farm animals to learn how all of that stuff works. The guy who did my family placement interview today called me "Sarita" and I think it's the cutest name I've ever heard. Also, I confused "a dios" with "adios" in my language interview and everyone (including myself) had a good laugh at my expense. The nurse today took a look at my toe (which became infected back in Wisconsin) and bandaged it all up and gave me some antibiotics.

If you all are going to worry about anything, medical should not be it. The medical staff here is likely going to take much better care of us than I will ever take care of myself. Tomorrow we're getting a bunch of shots (apparently we have to get that new HPV shot too) so that should be fun. The food's been good (though I missed out on the cow udder) and the people have been nice. Personally, I think they are spoiling us. Guess I'll just have to wait until Saturday to see.

7 comments:

Mark and Betsy said...

Good to hear from you! Cochabamba sounds like good stuff so far. Can't wait to hear about your new "family"!
Love, Betsy

Unknown said...

Yay!

Adios mio!!

Anonymous said...

sounds 2 Xciting so far. i was at a coffee shop last night and met a guy who lived in bolivia for 6 weeks (he said he just got back last week). he said it was the most amazing experience. I'M 2 EXCITED 2 SLEEP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

<3 pink owl

-end transmission-

Mom said...

It sounds like you will be living a lifestyle not uncommon to some of your ancestors. There is so much to explore and learn. I feel better about your safety, and urge you to take the extra care of yourself so that you can help others to the best of your ability. You've got some awesome talents, spread them around and reap the rewards. Love you!

Kutikuma said...

We cannot stop reading your blog, Sarita! We are very proud of you and can't wait to hear more about your mission!
Love,
The Schnidt-Family

Kristyn said...

Sarah! I´m so excited you´re there. How´s your host family? YOu´re definately right about the medical staff, they don´t take any chances and since we´re so fully insured, you should call them about whatever problem. You better update a lot. I got drunk at a corn festival yesterday, it was fun! i can´t wait to hear more!

Kristyn said...

also, just wondering, what spanish level did they place you in?