DECEMBER 31, 2019 BY CASSANDRA JOHNSON
Apologies for my first impression of Bolivia. I know well enough you cannot judge a whole place for one part of it. You can’t judge it by one city and you certainly can’t judge it by a couple of neighborhoods, but I did. Living volunteer life in Peru had become part of my core and I became unwittingly underwhelmed by my first two stops in its neighboring country. La Paz and Sucre didn’t stand much of chance though I took full advantage of intriguing touring opportunities, both official and personal which included the museums, the dinosaur footprints and my temporary local confectionery shop. Perhaps the experience back at customs still had me a little bit twisted. Add to that a few more blasé and curt interactions with shopkeepers and strangers here and there and I realized I had too much of a welcoming sought-after experience in Pisco and Cusco to settle for anything less.
However, I should especially note something at which I’m working on being better – something I need to remind myself of is not allowing pain to overshadow all that is positive. I started writing this a week ago because I was reminded of my lessons by a sweet encounter with an elderly lady following not so pleasant encounters with a few stressed out holiday shoppers. I was headed for the gym. I was feeling light on life but had to admit the unusual unreturned smiles, the vacant thank yous and nearly being walked into was getting under my skin.
I was moved by this elderly lady’s kiss on the cheek and hug due to my simple act of leading her to a store she could not find. I understood the difficulty. It was covertly located in the basement level of the nearby mall and I realized just simply pointing out the directions along with her limited mobility would most likely mean leaving her just as lost. It wasn’t much for me to slow down and walk a little way back to make sure it was in her sight. Her gratitude and compliments were unexpected – an endearing bonus. This is not about me but the truth is I see people doing courteous things and being friendly more often than not. Her energy demanded I set my ill feelings for the others aside.
Likewise, I remember instances like the sun warmly shining along my path in safe surroundings in Sucre and La Paz. I remember good hospitality wherever I stayed and as noted, I never minded stopping by that Sucre confection shop on my walks back to my temporary place.
Times in Bolivia would get so much better. (I would battle tears when it was time to leave). Whereas the premiere cities had not piqued my interest, Cochabamba was waiting to get me completely turned around. Three of my former co-volunteer friends from Pisco had settled there for a bit and incidentally they were waiting for my visit. One was volunteering at a school in the outskirts. My primary goal was to arrive by her birthday. I would get there just in time.
Image 1 Poswiecie Image 3 Jamie Norman