Life here the last few weeks could be aptly described as “hyper-living” as simply everyday activities can become serious challenges. I feel that this feeling is gradually subsiding as I get more comfortable with the language and more settled in my living situation. It is quite a relief and hopefully I will have more energy to spend on other more important objectives. Today I experienced a small victory in classes after a very tough week. During my first classes I was speaking rather effortlessly and that was very encouraging. The progress is slow and is a test of my patience, but after three weeks of study, I am quite pleased with my progress.
The activity I have most enjoyed is the Sala de Lectura or reading room. After lunch I spend a few hours reading with the kids or to them. This is a great opportunity for me to not only work on my Spanish, but also to help the kids develop their reading skills. My work with the Nashville Adult Literacy Council this fall has proved very useful not only in my learning of Spanish but also in my work with the kids. It also helped to instill in me the importance of reading. I cannot think of a more valuable tool to give someone than the ability to read. Through reading one can discover new opportunities and possibly broaden one’s perspective on his or her position. This is one of the few tools that can directly enable a person to improve his or her life.
Another issue that has been occupying my thoughts the last few weeks is the different approaches to micro development and poverty alleviation. I have had several enlightening conversations with locals and other Americans from the Peace Corps that have been here for a few years. The question of sustainable development always comes up and while I do not yet have a firm grasp on many of the complexities of the issue, I am very intrigued by the different approaches. I will try and write more on this in the next few weeks. More on the macro level, I am reading a good book by William Powers called “Whispering in the Giant’s Ear” which details many of Bolivia’s challenges with globalization from an environmental standpoint.
Last Sunday I had my first opportunity to do some serious biking here. I set out from the Villa around 8 and headed west of Cochabamba to the towns of Tiquipaya and El Paso. It was quite an adventure and I got in a good 5 hours of riding. I am pretty adjusted to the altitude now and it was a nice ride. I really enjoyed seeing another part of Bolivia besides the city. The views of the mountains are spectacular and I really enjoy finding interesting new places on the bike. I also met some other bikers and I am planning a trip with them this Sunday. Look for more pictures in the next few weeks.
While many of the students of the institute will be traveling to Ouruo for the celebration of Carneval next week, myself and two of my good friends here have decided to visit Machu Picchu in Peru. We will leave on Saturday the 17th and return late on the 20th. I wish we had more time to visit there, but I am glad for the opportunity to at least see the ruins. Carneval is a really big deal down here and the 19th and 20th are national holidays. I don’t have much interest in the revelry, but I do appreciate the break from classes.
Thanks again for reading. Feel free to post a comment below or email me at grayskinner@hotmail.com
Gray
Some sunsets from the Villa
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