What a week! It may have been a break from the school routine, but it was not a break from exploring Bolivia! On Tuesday, I worked at school in the morning and was able to get ahead in some planning and organizing. Then Lori picked me up for a girls outing with Amanda to get a manicure and pedicure! It was so relaxing and much needed. That evening, the Lampen's, Amanda, and I went to the Feria Expo of Santa Cruz. It is an international expo that features companies, products, food, and almost anything else you can think of from places around the world. There were several buildings, each focusing on one country with all of these featured items. There were also animals waiting to be auctioned off I enjoyed getting to experience this big event that only happens once a year. It is also where I learned that Papa John's is coming to Santa Cruz, which makes me one happy girl!
On Wednesday, there was a parade for students and teachers to take part in. It was a chance for our school to be recognized in the community, as well as celebrate Santa Cruz Day. It was not like a typical American parade. We all lined up and ended up waiting longer to move than we actually walked. It was fun to socialize with the other teachers while waiting though and to experience a little more of the culture in Santa Cruz.
Thursday was Santa Cruz Day! Everything was closed for the holiday so it was a day to be home and catch up on things around the house. I put on my "tipoi", the typical dress that a woman from Santa Cruz would wear for this celebration, to show my Bolivian spirit!
Today was an amazing day! I couldn't have imagined spending my day any other way. The Zimmerman family and I traveled up to Samaipata, which is about two and half hours outside of the city. We drove through the mountains, climbed waterfalls, and explored ancient Incan ruins. We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day! The rain held off until we were on our way home and even saw a rainbow coming down the mountain. Bolivia is such a beautiful country, and I can't wait to see what new adventures lie ahead!
