| A taste of Bolivia |
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11/04/07
Since most of you may never actually make it all the way down south to Bolivia, I thought I would share a little of what life is like.
To start out our morning routine, we are either awoken by the street dogs that roam in packs across the town, or by the 'propane gas' truck selling tanks of gas for those who have run out during mealtimes. The gas trucks drive by morning, noon and night ringing a bell that becomes familiar to you as the 'gas truck'. There are very few 'direct' gas lines into homes providing what you usually take for granted when you turn on your stove to cook. If you run out of gas in your tank, and it is dinner time...then you are in trouble!
Now in our neighborhood the garbage truck comes by on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Once again....we listen for the bell...and then guess what, we get to take our garbage OUTSIDE to the truck. The truck does not come by and automatically pick up the recycle bin and garbage bin. We have to physically lug the trash outside and lift it UP to reach the man who is standing at the top of the truck and dumping garbage. Now as you are probably imagining....this is QUITE a delight! NOT!
And if you listen carefully, the 'knife-sharpening' man may also pass by and he has a special whistle that he uses. Then you can go outside and get your knives sharpened by a very rustic looking bike wheel/sort of contraption.
After reading these few descriptions you may think that Bolivia is a bit behind in the times....and they ARE. This will just be the beginning of a series of blogs on life in Bolivia. I hope you enjoy it and remember when you are cooking or the garbage truck goes by....be thankful you live in the U.S. where life is so much more convenient! |
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