A little summary so far...

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So I'm a horrible blogger and I apologize.

To recap the last 2 weeks or so, I've accomplished the 1st part of the 1st step of my mandate (a database), settled into my new apartment, and went to Copacabana which resulted in 2 days spent in a Bolivian hospital due to bad trout.

For those of you who don't know this yet, I'm here as part of my IDS co-op degree for the next 10 months working on a maternal and infant health project. My stage is part of the Uniterra program, a joint venture between the Center for International Studies and Co-operation (CECI) and the World University Service of Canada (WUSC). While here I will be working on a 10 month mandate for the Un Aguayo para un Parto sin Riesgos project, ie. and aguayo (a square shaped piece of cloth for carrying babies) for a safe delivery. Mostly my mandate involves creating a database from the baseline study, then running it through epi info to analyze the results, then creating a project systematization report where I outline where we've been and where we're going with the project. Along with useful lessons we've learned along the way that will help to successfully replicate our pilot project in Curahuara de Carangas. Finally, I'm also responsible for broadcasting the results of both the study and the systematization around Bolivia at various fairs and expos. In addition I will be in charge of logistics at most of our workshops in the rural communities. More on that adventure to come soon!

In terms of my current living accommodations I'm quite spoiled...I have a whole floor in a family house. I have a lovely bedroom that my landlord fully furnished including curtains and bedsheets! Also, a fully stocked kitchen, 2 bathrooms and a living room. I even have cable tv! All in spanish mind you, but still :D We are quite centrally located which makes it relatively simple to get groceries, minus the fact that it's all outdoor markets!

Oruro itself is a nice small city, not a whole lot of nightlife and not too many luxuries, but very livable. There are 2 markets, one quite huge only wed and sat. Laundry has been my biggest foe but now settled for 15 Bs. (~2$) a dozen items. Luckily, I have a cell phone and internet connection so I don't feel too isolated. Also, my hot shower is my favorite part of Oruro 😉

So clearly last weekend I thought I'd have a little fun and check out Copacabana, who wouldn't? So a 3h45 bus ride from Oruro to La Paz, met my friend at the Terminal. She says come on it's my going away party and we're at a restaurant. Cool. Then they decide to go out dancing, sweet. A little cumbia a little cerveza...3am we head back to her place. 6am alarm rings, to go or not to go? You've been this far, come on get up gorgeous day, sleep on the bus. 7am bus to Copa. Get off the bus, hmmm not much here... wait is that our bus getting on a ferry? Well there is more on the other side of the water... Ok 1.50Bs (20 cents) lets check it out. Get over there, so is this Copa? Hahaha says the cholita (tradtionally dressed woman), No this is San Pedro de Taquina you have another hour on the bus to go! Aha! Ok, back on the bus.

So we get to Copa, it's gorgeous sunny, breakfast in a cute cafe. Walk through the stalls, take obligatory pics in front of Lake Titicaca. Just before the bus leaves we decide to try the specialty: lake trout from Titicaca. Nice colonial restaurant, looks gorgeous, ok safe bet, right?

Get back on the bus, boat, bus...halfway to La Paz I'm thinking: not feeling so hot. No worries, a hot shower and get dressed it's our little farewell for my friend. Get to the restaurant, ok just tea for me tonight. Ok, maybe head home early let them enjoy the party. 1am, they get home. Nope, sorry Jenn we're taking you to the clinic. Sure enough, gastrointestinal infection, couple shots of cipro and gravol and I feel a ton better. They kept me 2 days to be sure and run more tests and now a few pills and I'll be back to normal in no time.

Lesson learned: if you push the limit, even a little bug can be a big deal. Next time, a little more siesta between 4 hour bus rides!

So that's all for now, I'll write a full discussion of rural Bolivia in my next entry.

Happy Trails,

Jenn

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Comments

[Dad]

Finally something
Finally something I can read without going on facebook. Now with better health, and a little bit of discipline, one could try to update the blog bi-weekly. Ciao Bella

[Sue Globensky]

Well, *that* wasn't part of the plan!!! Glad to hear you recuperated quickly! Despite this little contretemps, sounds like a remarkable experience - post pics when you get a chance! Best, Sue and crew!

[Karen Ponzo]

More adventure than bargained for?
Glad all turned out okay. Next time call sooner, I knew something was wrong when you didn't return contact by Monday when I returned from work , being Tues. 1:30 am after working evenings. I was really worried. Bad judgement on your part Tootsie! Love ya anyways. I'll just have to kill Miss Ola, for siding with you. Have a great w-end.No Fringin' fish though, Marco's right stick to the basics. No bugs in alcohol!