Fiesta de Compromiso

Well this past week went by really fast! And although Facebook is being a pain with the photo uploads, I will post more pics there. I thought the previous week would be hard to top, but we managed. We took a bus tour of the city. There was a bit of a mix-up as we were supposed to tour the northern part of the city, but the tour guides gave Mariel the wrong information and we found ourselves touring the southern part of the city….where Mariel lives…it was unfortunate, but still it was very interesting. It was a beautiful, sunny day. My advice when you come here is to take a tip from the locals and WEAR A HAT! The tour, although familiar in aspects of terrain, was still very interesting. I was able to learn a lot of history of the city…for example: Once there was a president for only 6 hours, one president gave away a large portion of valuable coast land in trade for a horse! Now, I love horses, but this must have been some grand animal! I also learned a bit about the Cholo society. When you think about Bolivia, what may come to mind are images of the Cholo women or the “Bolivian Indian,” although I don’t believe they like that characterization. The characteristic dress was imposed on them by the Spanish King way back in the 18th century. You can see several images in the photos of Gran Poder. The dresses are usually very colorful and have several layers causing them to poof out. Usually the women wear a shaw, or a llijlla, around the neck that serves also as a pocket, a giant pocket that can carry most anything from a baby to home supplies. The characteristic hat worn by the Aymara women are what I find most distinct. How do they stay on? According to the tour guide, an English manufacturer ordered too many of the hats and convinced the Aymara women they were the height of fashion in the 19th century. According to tradition, the unmarried woman will tilt the hat to the side, while a married woman will wear it straight.
We stopped for a few minutes at Moon Valley, but more to come on that later as Mariel has planned a trip for us there this week, a geographically fascinating place.









But better still…when we returned home Mariel’s brother, Percy, was cooking some BBQ….oh, yes, more good food. We were able to enjoy the rest of the beautiful day drinking Chuflays and eating some of the best BBQ I have ever had. I couldn’t stop even when I wasn’t hungry anymore.












Percy's Excellent BBQ!



We also played Sapo; it’s a game where you have toss coins into a Sapo box….there is a frog in the center, and if you get it in the frog’s mouth it’s like 5000 points. It’s kind of like a sophisticated horse-shoe game.


The Sapo Champs!

I’m happy to report that the team of Wecky, Mariel, and Joe…after a long and ferocious Sapo battle came out the champions. After all that fun there wasn’t much left to do but sleep.



It was a fun afternoon.

The next day one of Mariel’s friends, Marah, had a birthday, and we went to a disco….and what a disco! It was a blast. And of course we went VIP….special seating, special drinks, and loads of fun. Check Facebook for more exciting pics....

Yes, I actually get to hang out with these gorgeous women. Only in Bolivia! Viva La Paz!

The next day was our engagement party. Mariel and her mother and Veronica worked very hard to get the house ready for extended family and close friends. I admit I was pretty nervous meeting everyone, but as usual there was no reason to be. They were all very friendly and funny and welcomed me to family in a most gracious and genial way. It was great. I encourage you to see the Facebook pics that finally loaded, well most of them anyhow, and see the food and family. It was a very good time.

It was a great time and the food...well...how many times can I say awesome before they don't allow me to blog anymore?


So, after a full week in Bolivia here are some things I’ve noted:

1. The Coriolis Effect does not apply to small bodies of water…I was interested to see the water going down the drain opposite to what I am used too.
2. I actually feel tall for a change
3. Breathing is not so hard if you take your time and don’t run up steps. You should run only when crossing the road.
4. The idea of personal space is much smaller here.
5. I’m still not ready to try driving…but maybe soon.
6. Public bathrooms are wherever you need them to be…a point that Mariel does not like, but I just find interesting.
7. Power lines resemble the back of our family Christmas tree in the 70s. Lots of wires….I mean LOTS.
8. I once thought houses deep in Appalachia were precariously perched on Mountains, but they have nothing on the gravity defying houses here.
9. The party starts late and ends early
10. This place is cool

I guess I should shut up now….my Spanish teacher is coming and I better get ready.

Chau for now