E: High and higher in Bolivia
Is lack of updates in English due to rudeness, laziness or simply that I have been far too occupied with exploring Bolivia lately? I’d like to vote for the ladder. Due to the fact that my program will not (necessary) be reduced the last couple of weeks I am here, this will be more of a synopsis.Chacaltaya is a mountain ranging 5300 somewhat meters above sea level. During heavy snowfall, it is the highest ski lift in the world. Today it was only a few flakes and our party of eight brought bikes instead of alpine equipment. Riding down the narrow, steep slopes with rocks on one side and several meters of free fall on the other, was incredible. The nature was unfolded in impressing dimensions, gravel and water came spurting around the cycling-vehicle, the bike and the body was shaking, and the soul was celebrating. In the flatter parts where you cycle hard, the pulse rises fast and the heart beats hard. But as soon as the ground starts to descend, the pulse drops as a natural high arises. Instead of reattaching the bikes to the car when reaching the highway, three of us rode right down to and through El Centro. What a kick. Up until this moment I am still unsure whether the amazing nature or the crowded city was most fun. No matter what, this was my personal record high - in altitude.
Yesterday I visited the International Community Church – an Americanised, but really nice congregation.
I too headed for another check up with my eye doctor. As the few other controls since the operation, I get promising prognosis about the vision recovering. I will have one or two more inspections before I leave – reassuring.
Saturday was spent in one of the most traditional carnivals in South-America; Oruro. Take-off 3:20 am from La Paz placed us in the festivities around 10:00 am. A 2,5 kilometres parade of thousands of exited dancers in colour sparking costumes. From 10:30 until after midnight the bands and outfits made one always-remembering appearance. 26 blocks of bleachers on either packed with tourist and locals for carnival celebrations. Put into practice this means loads of viewing, clapping, snacks and water. But just as much it is a massive water and foam war. From children to senior citizens, you could either participate or just be a victim of the floating liquids. Towards the end of the day, the two sides of the parades started fighting against each other. The water balloons were so numerous that they almost turned into (rain) weather balloons.
Friday was spent with a shoe shiner project meeting. Extremely strong experience as we were able to worship together despite different culture, language and destinies. There are loads of shoe shiners in Bolivia and they are making everything but a lot of money.
I stay in the city part Obrajes in La Paz at Caza Alianza (House of alliance), working together with Misjonsalliansen (The Mission Alliance). The mission organization is the one I’m visiting and for whom I am doing some semi volunteer work. Put into practice it means journalism to promote and put publicity to the things happening in La Paz.
On Wednesday I visited the remote, little, poor, but extremely pretty Combabya and Pusa Pusa. Pictures will come and better describe in short what I mean.
After returning to La Paz, I headed directly onto the second half of the local soccer derby between Bolivar and The Strongest. The battle ended 2-2. One thing is that the stadium had around 30.000 spectators, but also the fact that I met the stopper and captain of Bolivar earlier during the week at his restaurant; Marco Sandi. Sandi is also a player at the national team.
I truly enjoy myself.
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