One week ago I was sitting at the mailbox waiting for my passport . . . How things have changed. My passport arriving on Friday and flying out on Saturday was a whirlwind and it hasn’t stopped since. It’s been go, go, go and I’m having a blast.
This is my first full week in Bolivia and so much happened. I arrived last Sunday and went to school on Monday with my host sister Daniela . . . the best host sister anyone could ask for. Going to school the second day of being in Bolivia was honestly a little overwhelming, but I’m happy I went. I was exposed to more Spanish than ever before and it made me realize that, well, I need to work on my Spanish … A LOT. I was SUPER DUPER surprised when almost all the kids in my class spoke at least a little English. It made me feel a little more comfortable around everyone which was really nice. The school is huge, the kids were really welcoming and a lot of it is outdoors. Some of the classrooms have walls but it is a very open space with lots of covered walkways and areas. Santa Cruz De Sierra as a whole is massive. I’m sure I’ve only seen a small portion of it. It is also really flat. It would be a great place to ride a bike if it weren’t for the crazy drivers. I have never seen so much traffic. Santa Cruz is also very colourful. It seems like every building is a different colour. So beautiful.
Wednesday I went to my first Rotary meeting, which was cool. I was pretty surprised at how similar it was to the meetings back home, but I liked it because it made me feel that I kind of knew what was going on. At the meeting I was able to meet some of the other Rotary Exchange students for the first time, which was awesome! There is a girl from Denmark and 4 kids from France. I’ve also met a girl from Belgium and one from New York so I’m looking forward to making friends from around the world.
Thursday I went to my first party here and it was super fun! There was lots of music and dancing, two things that I love. It was a goodbye party for Daniela, which is kinda sad but it was still a blast! Daniela is leaving soon for her Rotary exchange to Clearwater, Canada.
Friday we didn’t have school so I went to town with my host mom and relaxed around the house with Daniela. In the evening we went to their aunt’s house to have a another goodbye party for Daniela and Alejandro ( another student going on exchange). Their parents spoke and even though I didn’t understand exactly what they were saying it didn’t really matter . . . I didn’t have to. Leaving home isn’t easy.
And now today, Saturday. This is the day I am supposed to be saying goodbye to Daniela, but it turns out that due to a mix up with her paperwork at the airport she won’t be leaving for a few more days. I have mixed emotions about this. On the one hand I’m sad because I know she wanted to go and now she has to wait even longer, but on the other hand I’m happy that I can get just a few more days with her. So far things are going great. I have a wonderful host family, I like my school and everyday I’m seeing something new, something exciting.
I’m hoping to be updating more frequently over the next few weeks!
Lots of Love,
Kate
So happy to hear from you. It sounds amazing and we’re glad you are having fun. Love you tons. Mom