So it’s finally official. I am going to Bolivia. My short lived adventure to Colombia was amazing and enforced further my decision to spend more time abroad in South America.
I have been accepted into Amerispan’s volunteer program and leave for Sucre, Bolivia Nov 3rd. I will volunteer for 6 months in a local hospital that focuses on helping impaired children and will be staying with a Bolivian family.
So, to the point: If any of you are interested in visiting me I would love to plan something. I know that some of you are in school and have winter/ spring breaks etc. Others are teaching so you, too, have winter, spring and summer breaks. Still others (Ahem* Andi, Annie, Chessin) have expressed interest in planning an adventure cause come on, how often do people you know go to live in South American countries !?
If you are sitting at your computer, in your cube pondering why you should take a trip to this random country you have never heard anything about maybe some fun facts about Bolivia can persuade you.
1. Bolivia is home to the world’s largest Kyoto Protocol rainforest experiment. Chessin and other nature lovers- that’s for you! (Whispering in the Giant’s Ear by William Powers)
2. Although Bolivia is one of the poorest South American countries, it is one of the safest countries in the world. (Culture Shock: Bolivia by Mark Cramer)
3. Bolivia is the most affordable country in South America: bus rides cost 10 cents, one can eat for under $2.00. Need I say more? ( Whispering in the Giant’s Ear by William Powers)
4. Bolivia has one of the largest indigeneous populations in South America with its Aymara (Pre- Incan) and Quechua (Incan) cultures. ( Culture Shock: Bolivia by Mark Cramer)
5. Bolivians love to have fun! There are festivals year round, filled with dancing, drinking, and water fights! ( Culture Shock: Bolivia by Mark Cramer)
Aside from all this, Bolivia borders Brazil, Peru, Chile, Argentina, and Paraguay (all countries I am interested in visiting). So if you have an itch to travel, a couple weeks vaca, and some money to throw down, why not?
Posted by zuckro 