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Published: July 10th 2010
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Had the worste nightmare ever seemed like it came from a movie I saw earlier in the United States. I actually woke up several times and fell into the same dream which really sucked. I woke up at around 9am knowing that John and I were going to be meeting up with Brooke and her husband Tom. I made my way downstairs and was greeted by Mirza and Danielle who seemed to be waiting for me to arise. They prepared me the tea i liked (not the coca) and I tried to figure out whether it was black, green, or red tea but they said it was normal tea. Normal tea? Daniellea and I conversed the best we could while eating a different version of Pan that I hadn't eaten yet during my stay, while Mirza prepared me something new as well. I created a little pre-breakfast sandwhich with bread and some sort of chocolate paste that I found enjoyable. Mirza then served me some sort of Fried bread egg thing which really had a unique taste of something I have never experienced. Seriously have no idea what it was but it gave me the amount of energy I felt required to start my day and filled me to the brim. After breakfast I had Mirza call John at around 10ish to inform him that I was going to be getting to his house at around 11am. The same
time that Brooke was supposed to meet us at Johns house. First thing John says to me when Mirza handed me the phone wasn't exactly what I was expecting. "Hey man IM F@#kd UP!" he said he had been puking and had Diahhrea every 20 min since like 6am. I knew then that my friend was in no condition to explore downtown but still decided to visit him as I wanted to meet up with Brooke as well. I guess before me and Mirza left the house Mirza told me to call if I wasn't going to be back for Lunch and Dinner but I only thought she meant call if I wasn't going to be back for Dinner. Well we left and caught a Truffee which I found actually means "Bus" not taxi and made our way to Johns house. Mirza knew the street but we both had no idea which house he was staying at but I remember John saying he had 3 stories. After ringing like 3 different houses we finally came to the right house and were greeted by Johns new mom (Marta). There house was pretty extreme and I could see John in a Distant
window near the front door. He waved "hey man sup", then his head disappeared and was followed by the sounds of violent vomiting. Oh man I hope he doesnt die I thought as I walked inside urgently and noticed Mirza leaving "ADIOS!". Seriously, John didn't look well at all and his mom said when she found him that morning his was "Amarillo"/Yellow. HAHA I actually found this comical but the serious look in Johns face as he told me "its going to happen to you, you know". He said he couldnt keep anything down and refused to eat anything or drink anything but water. Well we sat and chatted in between his violent vomit sessions when I realized that it was 15 past 11am. Where was Brooke? John said he had no idea. Marta prepared both of us some Coca tea and I kept telling John that if he drank some he would feel better (locals know best) but he took a smell of his tea and walked to the bathroom again. I walked him
to the bathroom and when I returned found what I thought was Sugar and poured it into my tea. Marta said something I have no idea what but then repeated "SAL! SAL! AYE..." Wow cant believe I poured Salt in my tea. Marta actually prepared me another tea when her phone rang. She told me it was my friend Brooke. I explained the situation that had arisen with John and she invited me to meet her at the institution in 20min. Perfect I thought just enough time to finish my coca tea. John came back shivering with pale eyes and asked me to pour him some more water in his personal pitcher so that he didnt run out. He said he kept asking for gatoraid but the mom said she was going to get him some but never did. John said he thought that a hot shower would be best for him so I followed him upstairs and poured him some more water. At the stairs was some older man who appeared to be doing some business
number crunching so I thought not to bother. Johns house had like 3 little kids no older than 7 walking around with a black dog and an older women outside doing laundry dressed all authentically. I made my way downstairs to finish my tea and wondered how much time had passed since I had talked to Brooke. Should I leave now? Is Brooke waiting for me? Cant leave John just yet I thought so made my way upstairs and found him in Pajamas sitting in a chair in his room with his hands covering his face. "You alright I think you should get some rest for now, Sleeping might be the best solution" He agreed and I tucked him under like 10 blankets and was on my way. Still not knowing exactly where I was I found the main street and made my way towards the institution. Some orange house was my Land mark to turn left and when I did I really wasn't sure where I was or If I was even going the right way. I kept progressin following behind some native but didn't want to pass him. Thought it might be rude or
something to do so. Ah the basketball courts and river bed something familiar was in sight so I continued to the direction of the institution with confidence. There was 2 Natives painting the fence to the institution as I greeted them and continued to the main office. Was it Left or straight I wondered then made a Left following a sign. There was Brooke! talking to 2 older gentlemen. Brooke recognized me immediately and introduced me. Scott and Dan were their names and they told me they were all planning on going on some crazy mountain hike at 7am tomorrow. Scott and Dan were also how should I put it (Priests in Progress?). Well after mild conversation we said our goodbyes and I asked Brooke "hey where Do I get a Map?" She chuckled and actually pulled one out of her bag. YES! I finally have an idea where I am!. I joked with her that I really didnt think the streets had names where I was thought there was just a bunch of random turns on streets that the Locals knew about. It was around 1130am when Brooke explained to me on the map where we were about to go. We were going to have Lunch at
1230 with her husband TOM. Well it seemed like quite a journey but we progressed on Foot. It was nice to converse with someone who spoke the English tongue. We made our way past some church onto the main road when I had a brief moment of remembering where I was. This crazy circle of traffic with the island in the middle that I had seen before. Without hesitation we progressed toward el CENTRO (downtown). In the back of my mind I was wondering what kind of experience lunch was going to be. As we continued walking it was almost as if everything was becomming more civilized and the people were becomming prettier! Pressed for time Brooke explained to me that we needed to take a Truffee or taxi or we werent going to make it for lunch with Tom. I agreed but while in a Taxi noticed a great deal of sights I was missing. There were parks, fountains, markets, pretty much everything I was wanting to see to be satisfied with my trip to Bolivia. They were even preparing a Big screen in the middle of a center for id imagine a few hundred of people to watch the world cup final. Was a brilliant sight to see and actually was becomming more and more interested where Brooke was taking me. We got off close to our
destination and she apoligized for the sights I had missed I said it was nothing for I still have alot of time.
My hunger was arising and I had a constant urge to devour some sort of MEAT. Wow Bolivia Is actually more beautiful than California is it possible? YES! The restaurant we were going to be eating at was actually luminated with the most amazing cakes, chocolates, and smoothies that I had ever seen. Almost like a dream. I wondered what kind of food they prepared here. Brooke and I entered and were told to sit where ever we like. We both used the bathroom simultaneously and when I returned I finally met TOM. Tom was extrememly nice and tried to use as much spanish as possible when communicating which I found interesting and took note for personal benefits. Even the menu at "DONALS' (the bakery/restaurant we were eating at) was exploding with color and decor unlike anything I had ever seen before. I can truely see now how Cochambamba is the Food capital of the country. Not knowing what to eat and not willing to take a risk after seeing the condition of John, I ordered what brooke ordered Spaghetti and Meatballs. After ordering some coca cola which came in 350ml bottles we fell into deep conversation. After we had finished our cokes and about 45 min later we were all pretty anxious to eat and found our server and asked what the problem was. Where WAS MY SPAGHETTI!!!! As Tom was conversing with our server I noticed our food being delivered from upstairs all was well. The spaghetti was delicious even better than that I remember from the Spaghetti I had in Italia or maybe it was just how the meatballs were prepared. When first taking note of how much food I Had in front of me I thought no way I can eat all this but sure of enough I ate it all. I should have taken note what Tom ate for I dont recall exactly what his main dish was but remember some french fries. I didnt know but
apparently we were pressed for time so had no time to eat any dessert but had to make our way to the hospital for some tests results that were being done for Tom and Brooke so that they could volunteer at the Orphanage. We took the nearest taxi and were on our way. When we arrived it was more of a small medical clinic and when we inside the man asked for Brookes and Toms original passport in order for him to give them the results. At first it was a problem because they had copies which left the man unsatisfied but as time progressed he gave in. As we left the clinic Tom explianed that he had to go to work? Well we said our goodbyes and Brooke and I parted from Tom as he took a Taxi. We walked a little and Brooke pulled out her map and said "would you like to check out La cancha?" La CANCHA-is the largest open air market in all of South America. Since we both didnt have a backpack or anything we were carrying she said there was no reason why we would be robbed so I agreed but felt guilty
knowing John was in his bed probably dying of Malaria maybe turning a deeper yellow. Well we were off on foot to LA CANCHA. I was really excited wondering what kind of products could be purchased and was planning on buying a Charango. Charango-similar instrument to a ukulele/smallguitar which was double stringed and founded in bolivia. We crossed street after street, block after block when I actually thought I was in La cancha. "Is this la cancha?" Brooke said no. I was decieved by the mass quantity of vendors at every corner and street. She explained that it was maybe a couple more blocks ahead and that it went for miles. Even more excited We progressed more quickly understanding that we were burning daylight. La cancha was amazing had pretty much everything I could possibly want or need but saw no charangos or guitars but did saw alot of music cds being sold everywhere. When the time comes they will be purchased but for now it was time to find a guitar in the chaos. We asked around and people led us to where there was probably hundreds of guitars and instruments in a single alley. YES! like a dream come true I had found guitar land! Shopping around asking prices and what not I found the best quality guitar for 200 bolivianos approx 25-30 dollars but only had american money. I asked the small girl to hold the guitar for me until I returned with Bolivianos. The girl actually led me to where some lady was exchanging money on the street but Brooke told me it was better to find a Bank. I actually thought I was carrying a 20$ bill on me but was mistaken so was on a search with Brooke for the nearest bank for I had my Debit Card on me. We must have walked block after block asking around for the nearest bank when we approached a heavily guarded intersection. All the police around carried what appeared to be .357 magnums and until Brooke explained that there were 4 different banks on each corner I was still a little nervous. I decided to take 350 Bolvianos out aprox 50bucks for other purchases or survival as well and was actually doing my transaction next to a guard so I felt safe no worries. I had no idea where my guitar I wanted and was completely spun around, directionless, but Brooke knew where to go. During the walk back to Guitar land (instrument lane) we both wondered what would happen once I was carrying around
something of that value on the streets. I purchased the guitar and we made our way back to the Church by Johns house Via BUS. This was my first bus experience which took us across town for 1 boliviano. SO CHEAP! like a nickel or dime. The difference between bus and taxi here is when taking the bus you pay first and taxi you pay after you reach your destination. The bus had about 5 people on it when Brooke and I got on. She sat behind me as I barely had enough room for me and my Guitar. When I sat down I thought I broke the seat but it was just wobbly probably a couple loose screws and what not but all was well. My knees did touch the seat in front of me when the thought occured to me that I might be HUGE. The bus ride was about 20 min which didnt really bother me but the idea that daylight was diminishing was a minor concern. =====>side note when on a mission with Brooke to exchange money for my guitar we actually did run into the priests in progess Dan and Scott in La Cancha which is pretty mind blowing and random considering the time we parted ways that morning. What are the odds --The bus dropped us off by the familiar sky scraping church and I progressed to show Brooke where John left. We were both wondering if he would be ok by the time we got there and it was pretty neccessary for Brooke to
understand where both of us were staying. After minor confusing and me carrying around guitar all around the streets Brooke found the street and I remembered the house. I rang the door bell and some man came out with a puzzled expression but Marta came to follow. Marta explained to me that Mirza was looking for me and was really concerned with what had happened to me. I walked in the house as Brooke and Marta fell into conversation and rushed to find John but when found him on facebook pretty much assumed that he had been feeling better. "you stop puking man" haha he replied "yea I slept till like 1pm like 14hrs now my back hurts" we had a few laughs but kept our conversation short as to tell him that I had to call Mirza. When I called Mirza she was really worried about where I was but Was glad to hear from me. I told her Id be home for dinner and would see her soon so everything was well. John was researching cures to the bacteria he was exposed to and came up with ciprofloxin or somethin which I actually found when I got home that I had a bottle perscribed to me. Well now we know. He even said that it like cures you instantly hahaha and I had some all along sorry bRO. Well after reuniting with John I explained to Brooke that I wanted her to meet my family too as Mirza is probably wondering who I left with. We walked for about 25 min back to my house and were both extremely winded by the time
we arrived. I guess Brooke told me that Mirza had been really worried called the institution, didnt know if
I was picked up by the immigration police or was in jail or anything. Jeee I guess I just tend to make both my Moms worried all the time cmon Im an adult now. Mirza has been planning a dinner for me for my birthday that I look forward to. Brooke explained that she lived in another city quichillo or something cant remember but needed to take the Truffee before darkness fell. I walked her about 5 blocks conversing all along the way learning alot about future possible ideals. Without hesitation she caught the bus she needed and was on her way. Alone again I walked the now familiar main street back to my house. When I returned I asked where Daniellea has been and Mirza told me she was playing Volleyball and wanted me to join but was no where to be found. Jeez I feel like I put my new family threw alot of worrying which wont happen again. I will be more cautious in the future. I drank the remainder of the apple juice that Mirza Prepared for me when I retured with Brooke and was stricken with awe with dinner. Rice and Carne Asado and potatoes and jello with ice cream. Very satisfied and very full I have been my whole trip and Im pretty sure Im gaining weight. After I started switching channels (TV Remote doesnt work) when 2 people entered that I had not met before. I think they said they were neighbors but Im still unsure. Maybe cousins of Mirza? The 3 of us were watching some columbian soap opera when Mirza returned
with some drinks that were very sweet and made with Id assume various fruits. It looked home made and tasted amazing think it was called Tampura? Tampico? Tampurado? cant remember. The couple left after the show ended and was in the garden chatting near the front door and front gate when I discovered from their conversation that Mirza was growing a Coffee Plant and a Lemon Tree. Very cool home made coffee IM DOWN! We said our goodbyes and still not knowing where Daniellea was retired to my bed. I prepared for a shower and noticed that my the sock on my right foot was red. No way was I bleeding? well sure enough I was. Hope I dont loose that toe nail. I have no recollection to how I hurt my foot. Also the gum in my mouth seems to be minorly inflammed and bleeds when I brush it. I feel like Tom hanks in the cast way hopefully I dont have to Extract my tooth with a rock...(I think its a combination of the new tooth brush Ive been using and probably the 40 hr journey from cali).
Well Mirza and I have Planned to go to the mall tommorow cant wait. By the Way my new guitar is awesome.
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Chris Davis
non-member comment
ur alive!
glad to hear ur alive and not suffering from whatever horrible disease John Honey got....he should of taken those pills like you man, oh well! oh, and in other news....you know that one "Cooler than Me" song we both heard on the radio before you left? well....apparently, its by some white dude named Mike Posner. Here's a link I found to the official video....its actually pretty legit. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqWq_48LxWQ u should try fucking with this song on fruity loops or something....its a pretty bomb song. aight, hit me up man! It's fucking lonely here in Yorba Linda without you....no homo