A Weekend in La Paz

---

This last weekend, Mary Beth, Aisha, and I were planning to explore the Northern and Southern part of La Paz. Unfortunately, I got very sick on Friday night and all day Saturday. I knew that this was coming, so I am glad I got it over with. On Sunday I felt much better and we went up to the Northern part of the city to Plaza San Francisco where the famous Church of San Francisco is. Around this area there is the Black Market and the Witches Market. The Black Market consists of makeshift stalls that sprawl over several blocks. Anything and everything is sold here and each street or alley way has a different type of product. You can find anything you want for very cheap. One street over is the Witches Market. Here, women sell a variety of herbs, magical potions, rocks and stones, and shriveled llama fetuses, which are supposed to be buried under the porches of new homes to bring luck and good fortune.
While we were shopping, there was a small festival taking place in the middle of the street. There was a small band and a group of women and men dressed up very fancy singing different songs. When we went to check out what was going on, we found a man that spoke English and he explained to us that this group of individuals is preparing for the huge parade and festival that takes place on May 29th. He said that every week there will be different groups like this one celebrating in the street. Then on May 29th, all the groups come together and there is a huge parade starting at the Northern part of the city and ended in the Southern part. He says that is a once in a lifetime experience, so I am glad that I will be here to see it.
After shopping, we went to the soccer game at the main stadium. The local La Paz team, The Strongest, was playing Boliviar, a team from the department of Santa Cruz in Bolivia. Since those two teams are big rivals, it was a really big game. We rooted for Boliviar because we liked their jerseys and since they are from Santa Cruz, I was kind of rooting for my home team :D The game was a very close and intense game the whole time and it ended in a tie 1 to 1. It was definitely a privilege to experience a soccer game in South America. The fans really do go crazy and it is really fun to be a part of since we don’t really have that in the states. Overall, I had a really great day and felt like I really experienced a lot more of Bolivia.
This week I am back working at Hospital del Nino but this week I am in the Infectology Unit.

---

Photos

Church San Francisco
The inside of the church during mass.

Church San Francisco
Mary Beth.

The Black Market
The Black Market is just streets and streets filled with stands selling anything you can think of for very cheap.

The Black Market
Mary Beth and Aisha checking it out

The Black Market
Fruit?

The Witches Market
After the Black Market, we went to the Witches Markey where they sell lots of herbs, rocks, coca, and llama fetuses. When you buy a new home, you are suppossed to bury one of these llama fetuses under your porch.

Festival in the Streets
There was a festival taking place in the streets. We talked to a guy in the festival and he said that it is in preparation for La Paz´s huge festival on May 29th. Groups like this one will participate in mini festivals and parades prior to May 29th and then on the actual day, all the groups come together and they parade through the whole city, dividing the city in two.

Festival
Some women and men in the festival

Festival
Mary Beth, Aisha, and I with one of the women in the parade.

Soccer Game
Later that day, we went to a soccer game at the La Paz stadium. The local La Paz team, The Strogest, was playing Boliviar, a team from the department of Santa Cruz in Bolivia.

Go Boliviar!
We rooted for Boliviar because they had cuter jerseys ha ha and because they were from Santa Cruz, so I was kind of supporting my home town :D

A Strongest fan
So cute!

Boliviar vs The Strongest
The game begins.

Boliviar vs The Strongest
It was a really good game and unfortunately ended in a tie.

Comments

[Mom]

Yuck!
Hey Dudes - great update and pictures but I probably could have lived without seeing the llama fetuses! I am sooo glad you are feeling better and it was great seeing you tonight on Skype. I am thinking of taking a Spanish class this summer just so I can keep you in practice when you get home! Love, Mom xxoo

[Gramma Jo]

Thanks for this,
Hi Sweetie, I finally got on your blog with the help of Krista. I'm computer illeterate, but learning. This is so wonderful to know what you are doing, and with pictures too. You look very professional in your white coat. I'm so glad you are enjoying yourself, and learning so much. I had a long visit with Krista the other day, it was really nice to "catch up" with her. She sounds very grounded, and happy which makes me happy too. Keep those blogs coming, i really like knowing what you are doing, you are getting such good experiences, you will never forget this time of your life. Take care, i love you, and miss you. Love, Gramma

[Gramps]

Third Entry?
Pat wants to know if that was a bidet you were checking out at the Black Market? It's been rainig here the last week or so and the lake has risen to where it is ONLY 75' from the top and begining to look like it was last year when you all were up here. Have had visitors: Dave/ Lisa for a week, JT/ Pauline followed them for a few days before they returned to SD and completed their final packing for Manilla. Depart on June 1st with dog and their Mercedes for an extended stay in their new home. Maybe a year but i'm betting against it. Love Gramps

[Gramma Jo]

Good to hear from you.
Hi, I love to hear in detail what you are doing, and learning. It's quite a culture shock isn't it. Also so sad to see the children who are sick, and uneducated. Bollivia has a long way to go to change that. Have you heard if they have any programs in the works to do that? I have Skype, and would love to connect with you when you have time. Love, Grammy Jo