First Week of Summer Vacation! (Days 100-106)

This week has been a nice week of relaxing and being lazy as it was my first week of summer vacation. The weather is getting warmer here but thankfully where I live, in Sucre, it won't get too hot. I won't have to dread going outside because of the heat! It's not usually humid here either, so the weather will be almost perfect! Even thought I personally prefer the cold and snow... (:

I don't have too much to say for this week but I've been filling my free time with making earrings, helping the maid clean the house, going to tae bo classes, walking around the Plaza and the markets, and talking to the ladies in the salon. My family was on a trip pretty much all week with the exception of my host dad returning home for one night, and my host mom returning on Friday. I also enjoyed going to a concert with my Abuelita on Thursday night, the night before the Day of the Musicians. (Abuelita means Grandma, I don't know if I've ever mentioned that before. Sometimes I forget that not everyone knows the Spanish words I use on here! Sorry!) There was several groups who played traditional Bolivian music. The only bad thing about the concert was that it rained during part of it so we were squished like sardines underneath of an overhang and there were TONS of people there!

The weekend was pretty rough as I wasn't feeling good once again, but thankfully on Sunday I felt well enough to hang out with one of my friends from school. We went to her family's extra house in the country where we rode horses, played a few volleyball matches (with her family and family friends), had some AMAZING grilled steak her dad had made, and played some more volleyball. Then we went back to her house in town and Shadia (that's my friend's name) and I talked and watched a show on TV. Her dad is originally from Palestine and she has traveled there a few times. I got to try some gummy candy made from rose petals that comes from Palestine. It was definitely different but it tasted good! When I got back from her house, mamá, Abuelita, my uncle Miguel and I walked around one of the markets and ate a late supper at the Chinese restaurant here! I still prefer my orange chicken and crab rangoons buuuut the Chinese food here was pretty good too. (: However, afterwards, I started to feel REALLY sick so I waited outside until my family had finished eating and then we went home and my Abuelita made some tea to help my stomach and gave me some medicine. 

After waking up this morning, I felt better but Abuelita made sure I ate rice, potatoes, water and other bland foods all day to assure that I would be healthy to travel to Santa Cruz on Wednesday for Thanksgiving. I'm getting super excited for that! The thanksgiving meal is at the exchange director's house for all of the exchange students. She has one every year and each student is supposed to bring one thing to the meal. Therefore, tomorrow I'll be making some of my chocolate chip cookies to take for the meal. I'm hoping they turn out alright! It will definitely be hard with an oven that I'm not used to, not the right cooking utensils, no brown sugar, and replacement "chocolate chips". I could not find chocolate chips ANYWHERE! And the candies similar to m&ms that I will be using costed waaaay too much. Oh well, it'll be nice to be able to bake again, even if it is a complete fail! (:

A few of the tons of pairs of earrings I made

One of the groups at the concert I went to with my Abuelita

Me riding my friend Shadia's horse, Fantastico (:

My friend Shadia and me with her horse (the horses they have are HUMONGOUS because they are competition horses for jumping) 

Feeding a carrot to Fantastico... Shadia made it look so simple but she and her family had a good laugh when I tried! 

Days 92-99

On Tuesday, we finished up those flower art projects and all my friends seemed to like mine. My teacher also knows how awful I am at drawing but he thinks I loooove painting since my picture turned out alright. After my afternoon classes, I picked up some bananas and the vender gave me 3 extra for free just because I told her how much I liked bananas. (: Then I had my tae bo class and walked home with Shadia (a girl from my class who is also in the tae bo classes) before heading to bed.

We watched some really cute little videos in philosophy on Wednesday because there was really nothing else to do. We got out of classes 10 minutes early which has been normal for the past few school days but we still had to wait for papá to come so it was a long wait in the hot sun. And you aren't allowed to wear shorts to school (boys or girls) as part of the dress code that was created this year along with adding the uniform shirts. That afternoon, Adrianna came over so we could work on some Spanish and hang out for awhile and then she left when I had to go to tae bo. I met the instructor, Fernando, personally tonight and he's one of those comical, good humored kind of people, so that's always nice. 

We had 2 tests in biology on Thursday, but knowing they were my last biology tests for the year helped me out a little bit. Plus, I had done my homework so the teacher was on good terms with me. I went back to my history class in the afternoon and had 2 more tests! But the teacher gave us a lot of time to look over our notes in class so I actually did pretty good. After my tae bo class, I was in a great mood and I spent some time talking to the ladies in the salon before heading up to my room.

On Friday, we had a group test in math but I can never think well when working in a group and the two people I was working with weren't too sure on any of the problems so I don't know how that went. That afternoon, I walked to the Plaza for awhile where I saw one of the high school girls that works in the salon, so I ended up walking back to the house with her. That night, I had my Rotary meeting where I met a few people from other Rotary clubs who were visiting guests. We had a seafood type supper and I normally LOVE seafood but this was definitely not my favorite. I hope I can find other seafood (other than fish) that tastes really good here in Bolivia, but we'll see!

I woke up in a really good mood on Saturday, and had the entire morning to relax (as I'm never able to sleep in past 8:30). After lunch, I walked to El Mercado Campesino with Nicolasa to buy food for me for the week. Food meaning bananas, mangos, and peanuts. (: Papá was headed out on a business trip for a few days, and mamá and Nico were headed to some tennis camp for a week so I would be staying with Abuelita and Miguel for awhile again. At 6, I walked to a bible study group/event thing at my church where I met a lady who I think is from Brazil. She was speaking Portuguese because she doesn't know much Spanish but she was extremely outgoing! Of course, she had to take a ton of pictures of our little group too. After the bible study, I took a taxi to the movie theater where I met my friend and we went to Thor 2. I love going to the theater here!

When I woke up Sunday morning, I headed up to Abuelita's kitchen to make cheese empanadas and meat empanadas with Abuelita and Paula (another high school girl who works in the salon). None of us had ever made them before so it was a fun little experience for all of us. They still turned out yummy but we're going to improve on them next time. (: I spent the afternoon relaxing and watching some movies until eating dinner and spending some time with Abuelita and my uncle Miguel.

On Monday, the reinforcement list came out at school. If you're on the list, it means you have really low grades in one or more of your classes and you have to continue going to school for 2 more weeks. If you don't show up to school, I'm pretty sure you get kicked out or get in some serious trouble. If you're not on the list, your summer break starts. I don't even have overall grades in most of my classes and I had permission to leave so my summer break has officially started! No school again until February!! :D That afternoon, I spent a few hours talking to Nicolasa and getting to know her better. We're both so used to having each other around and we enjoy each other's company. Before my tae bo class, I bought some beads to make earrings when I get bored this summer and after my tae bo class, I was going to take advantage of my first night of vacation by staying up late watching movies but ended up falling asleep at 10:30....

Today (Tuesday), I tried to sleep in but failed miserably and ended up watching cartoons instead. Then I had lunch with Nicolasa and now I have the rest of the afternoon to relax until my tae bo class.

My finished flower painting from art class

Ara, my friend from school, and me being silly during down time at school

The empanadas we made on Sunday before we fried them (: Gotta love baking/cooking!

Days 86-91

I apologize now for any spelling or grammar errors! I don't have autocorrect on the device I use to type my blogs and my English gets sloppier every day. 

On Wednesday, I woke up feeling good and in a great mood. Working out is the best feeling in the world and that Tae Bo class from the night before really boosted my mood and energy! It was also such a beautiful day so I did my laundry and hung it up outside while talking to Nicolasa. Then I walked to El Mercado Campesino to get some cheap buys for my party on the weekend. I love the deals on clothes but I always feel super out of place when I go to that Mercado. Even more than I normally do walking through Sucre. I'm finally getting used to the stares, the whistles, the flirting, and the honking but I don't think I'll ever feel like I completely blend in. Because I won't. I'll always be "the gringo". Some of my friends even call me their "gringita". (: Later that night, I headed to my second Tae Bo class. We had a different instructor but he's the guy in charge so he's who is normally leading the class. He REALLY pushes you. 

Thursday, I was physically tired from the Tae Bo classes but it was a weird, good feeling. School was normal, but walking back in the afternoon was AWFUL in the afternoon heat. Especially wearing jeans. After classes, I went home to relax before my Tae Bo class again.

On Friday, we had a small class because the more advanced German class had their test today so half of them were gone. The whole school day consisted of playing games on our phones, talking, watching movies, and eating food that people had brought. I wasn't gonna complain. Better than having to do school work! That night, I headed to the CBA (the place where my friends have English classes) and sat through the graduation of some of my friends. (Others still have more classes and years of English.) After that, everyone stood around talking and having mini salteñas from El Patio and then I went to one of my friend's houses until it was time to head home. My friend is teaching her 80 some year old grandma to play the piano. I'm so impressed!!

Saturday was a lot of fun. In the morning, I left for my Tae Bo class but once I got there I found out that it didn't start until later and that it was an additional cost for Saturdays. ): So instead I just walked around the plaza and some different stores for about an hour and a half. Back at home I relaxed for the afternoon until it was time to get ready for my party. The ladies in the salon curled my hair and did my nails and mamá did my makeup. Thankfully she didn't go overboard with the makeup!! (: At 9, papá and Nico took me to my friend's house where we had supper and hung out for her birthday. Then around 11:30, we went to a Quinceañera for a girl from my school! It was soooo cool! A Quinceañera is a big, birthday party celebrating turning 15 that is very common and traditional in Spanish speaking countries. Not everyone has a Quinceañera and all the people in my class are already older than 15 obviously so I was lucky to get to go to one! We got there later than it started so I didn't see everything but I did get to see Cecila (the birthday girl) dance with her parents and a boy from her class (the birthday girl usually dances with her parents, her siblings, and her boyfriend or a boy friend), the pictures, other dancing which I had fun taking part in, and the dance and ceremony type thing that took place before the dances with her parents. It was at a restaurant and her dress, the decorations, and everything in general was just absolutely gorgeous!!! 

I was out super late on Saturday so I didn't go to church with my grandparents on Sunday morning. Instead, when I woke up, I cleaned and relaxed until it was time to leave for lunch. We went to Cumaná (the place where I've eaten different cow parts) and afterwards to get some ice cream. Then around 5, I went to a youth event at my church where I met a TON of people and had fun playing games and doing different activities. It lasted almost 4 hours! I was exhausted upon returning home but now I have some more new friends to spend time with!

Today, Monday, is exactly 3 months that I've been in Bolivia. Time sure seems to be going by fast! School was normal and I spent the afternoon relaxing but around 4, my host family and I left to go visit my great grandma (grandma of papá). Today is her birthday and she is 87 I believe! We spent a few hours there (lots of other family showed up too) and enjoyed some cake and visiting. By the time my family and I left, it was already past 7 so I couldn't make it to my Tae Bo but I had really enjoyed the time with family and meeting my great grandma!

Camila, me, and Karla at CBA after their graduation (both are in my class)

My mom enjoying doing my makeup for the party

Mamá and me after I'm all ready to go to the party

My nails that one of the ladies from the salon did for the Quinceañera

Rafaela (in my class) and me at the Quinceañera (someone had given me the tie to wear... it wasn't supposed to be part of my outfit :P)

At one of my friends' houses celebrating her birthday but she happens to be taking the picture. All the girls in this picture except for one are in my class at school.

Days 78-85

Tuesday was normal and I enjoyed painting our cool flower designs in art. Then in my afternoon history class, my teacher gave us a "reward" test because she was upset that a lot of people hadn't come to class. We got to choose and answer our own questions over the notes and I got my best grade yet this year. (: During that class period, it turned into a massive storm outside so it was nice to have a warm cup of tea and a movie after walking home.

Wednesday wasn't anything too exciting but I learned about a game that all the younger kids play during our recess breaks. It's called Liga or something like that and two people have this HUGE string/band thing that they hold behind their knees while the other kids do different jumps/routines with the string. All the girls in my class used to play it too so they kind of explained the different levels of the game to me but I'm still a little confused.

In biology on Thursday, my teacher was impressed with my homework (that I had spent 2 hours working on the day before!!) and I actually enjoyed biology because we were more into the physiology part of it. Physiology was one of my favorite classes in the US. In math, we had a test over some algebra stuff and I was one of the first ones done. I think I did really well on it because I'm actually starting to remember my algebra. It was nice to be able to understand things like I want to again! For lunch, we had mondongo because Saturday is El Día de los Muertos and the traditional dish for that day is mondongo. Mondongo is boiled potatoes and a kind of pork covered with a semi-spicy sauce, with mote (the huge kernels of corn) covered with some yellow creamy sauce as a side. Apparently it's mamá's favorite dish. I liked it too but I like other traditional dishes better. Later that night, Nico had a halloween party at the place he plays tennis. Mamá offered to make me look like Barbie since we were going to go but I said no and it's a good thing I did because there wasn't any older kids there. Mamá and I didn't have anything to do so we ended up helping alll the other parents with the party and we walked around selling raffle tickets for some prizes. It wasn't the halloween I'm used to, but I still enjoyed seeing all the different costumes!

It's crazy to think that Friday was the beginning of November! Wow, time flies! My host parents and Nico were flying to La Paz in the morning so I stayed with Abuelita and Miguel over the weekend. Mamá made sure that they had stocked the kitchen with bananas for me before they left. (: The half of my class that I have German class with were taking their huge German test in some other place so there was only about 12 people at school from my grade today. We did nothing! Most of the day was spent playing games on our phones and talking to our literature teacher about food for an hour and a half. The other half of my grade in the other German class has their test next Friday, so that will probably be a boring day for me too. Later that afternoon, I hung out in the Plaza with one of my friends until I had to leave to get ready for my Rotary meeting. I enjoy the meetings but they're so long and there's lots of talking so by the end of the meeting, I'm always half asleep.

Saturday was El Día de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead). It's always November 2 and celebrated November 1 and 2. Business are closed so going outside felt like a Sunday because there was hardly any cars around. Abuelita was still working all day though with some people who had asked to come in so I kept her company and read magazines part of the day. However, around 11, she told Paula (the 18-year-old who works in the salon and was the only other one working besides Abuelita on Saturday) and I to go to the cemetery. We took a bus up to the HUGE and only cemetery in Sucre and it was absolutelly beautiful! In the cemetery, there a big morgues for the loved ones of wealthier families but not all the morgues are for a certain family. Many of them are set up based on occupations. For example, there's a morgue for the soldiers from a certain battle, teachers, transportation workers, children, religious groups, etc. For the loved ones of less wealthy families, there's walls among walls of little compartments for the ashes or remains of the person. On the front of the compartment, there's a little gass case thing that the family has the key to so they can come put flowers or other things in it. For the loved ones of the least wealthy, they're buried in the grave, with a grave marker that kind of looks like a mini dog house. On El Día de los Muertos, families come and put pictures, cookies, flowers, pop, and other reminders of their loved ones on the graves or in the glass cases. For the families that follow the tradition the closest, they put the stuff on the graves on November 1 and the next day they have all the favorite meals of the loved one in their house, they leave their door open, and people can come pay their respects to the family and have some of the food. There's a special hot pink bread/pastry that's made only for this day, but I didn't get the chance to try it. Each color is a symbol for something different. The most common colors that I saw were purple (pain, suffering, grief, and mourning-used by families to acknowledge their loss of loved ones), black (death), pink (celebration of the "returning of the dead" and reunion with family members), and blue. Afterwards, Paula and I walked home to have a late lunch with Abuelita and Miguel and later that night, Abuelita and I took advantage of some free time and went to the movie theater. We didn't know what movie we were going to see but when we got there, we had to wait an hour for the movie we decided on so we got some pizza to share. The movie was really good and it was nice to spend time with Abuelita again.

I went to church with my other host Grandparents on Sunday, and afterwards, just relaxed for the afternoon. We were supposed to pick Nico up from the airport at 4 but he wasn't arriving until later so we decided to have our lunch. We had mote (the corn again) and some amazing meat! Then Abuelita and Miguel left to get Nico so I watched the movie Elf on TV. Once they got home, Nico had his supper and I had some tea. It was super cold so tea was a nice treat! 

Monday morning, I woke up to Nico laughing super loud and found out my Tío Fernan (mamá's oldest brother) had arrived from the airport. He was staying until Wednesday but he's super fun to be around. For lunch, we had some super tasty soup and mashed potatoes. I love my mashed potatoes. (: I didn't do much the rest of the afternoon but that night, Nico and I had our supper together and I felt like the big sister I should be! It's kind of weird being a big sister, especially when my host parents aren't here. 

Mamá and Tío Fernan picked us up from school on Tuesday. Mamá had arrived that morining but papá wasn't going to arrive until the afternoon the next day. For gym class that afternoon, we had to do a ton of running because I guess some people were being lazy. Or maybe our teacher just wanted us to run. I'm not sure but I needed a nice run anyways. Later that night, I went to my first class of Tae Bo. Some of my classmates are taking classes there and they told me about it so I went too. It was actually really fun and I enjoyed it more because my friends were doing it, you can decide the days you want to go, and the instructor is very encouraging. Afterwards, I walked home and had supper with mamá, Tío Fernan, Miguel, Fabiola, Nico, and Abuelita. It was fun to be able to sit down in a big group of family and have dinner. (:

One of the walls with the little compartments in the cemetery. 

Some of the fancier graves surrounded by walls of conpartments in the cemetery. 

The morgue with some of the soldiers from a battle in Bolivia. 

A pretty view of Sucre from an area near the cemetery.