While I'm Here

A Volunteer in La Paz Whose Views are Her Own

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How great is this?  Doña #Helena te enseña a preparar un Caldito para Combatir este #Frío.

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I haven't posted in awhile because I wanted to process my end of contract. Also I just wanted to spend time with friends anf family. When I left Bolivia, I was feeling like I had accomplished sooo little. This feeling was a result of so many factors and I knew I would need space and time to make sense of it all. As I reflect, things I encounter continue to shape my story. A friend recently shared this video with me. Can you believe I've never seen it?! I think it's uplifting and really powerful. And I wanted to share it here!

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Me and the teleferico station. Sign says I can’t walk on the grass. I wonder who would have stopped me 😉 obvs I was too scared to find out! Also, my hairs got this mad Mary Tyler Moore in DIck Van Dyke thing goin on lately

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Explore the facts: Violence against women

Violence against women and girls manifests itself in physical, sexual and psychological forms. Learn how.

General information and international statistics on violence against women.  Available in English/Spanish/ and French.

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8 of the best things to do in Bolivia

Swim with dolphins in the Amazon, cycle the world's most dangerous road, and explore ancient Inca ruins – these must-do activities reveal the highlights of Bolivia and beyond...

After sixth months of work, what to do with my vacations before going home?  I’ve done a few of these things on this list already and loved them.  So far, I’ve been to the lake, I’ve done death rode, I’ve been to the witches market. I’d like to go to the Amazon.  I’m not too terrible fussed about the Salt Flats and I’m not sure why... but everyone says I need to do the Salt Flats.  Let’s see what happens!

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Un día perfecto <3  Gracias por los últimos 6 meses, equipo

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Food banks are not the answer: Is it time to end charity? | CBC News

Across New Brunswick there are dozens of food banks and soup kitchens feeding people who are struggling — but after nearly 40 years of fundraising and food drives — the number of people in need continues to rise.

Indeed, charity won’t solve hunger or poverty.  I wouldn’t say that’s a reason to end charity though.  Charities just shouldn’t claim that they are addressing these problems, because they ain’t.  They’re helping to treat the outcome of these problem, rather than working prevent them from occurring altogether.  Still charity’s immediate response is needed alongside structural changes that aim to address the root causes of poverty.   I also think a podcast is a great way to better understand why people are needing food banks and what needs changing.  Definitely, will be listening.  

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This pleases me so much!

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You’re a weird one La Paz. 

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Today is my last day at work. And here is a lovely of pic of our team at el Centro de Jovenes y Empleo. See you later team! And thanks for the great pic Herman!

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Spanish

Something I really appreciated about my time with Cuso International was their language support. I spent the past 6 months with an amazing private teacher. I learned so much spanish- she is really the best. If you're looking for a teacher ever in La Paz, I can put you in touch!

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It's really hard to capture the magic of public transit culture in a photo, and kind of creepy. So this was the best I could do. But basically, you wave down a car or 15-seater van wherever you want. When you get in, you say hello to everyone and depending on the mood and how many people are already inside, you'll get between 2 and 15 greetings back. I absolutely love that. Second thing I love- you get out wherever you want! -leave me in the corner please! -very well -can I hop out in the middle of traffic here at this red light? -very well An if you're in the back of one of these 15-seaters, everyone in front of you has to get out to let you out. It's so not efficient and pretty dangerous, and how I get to and from work everyday. Yesterday, I had to get let out in the middle of nowhere to vomit on my way to work.

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When you run into some zebras…

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Just a nice little Mexican lunch with my favorite paceña.