A much needed update

Two weeks later, I've finally resurfaced in the internet world! My host family here has a desktop computer that has internet access, but I've felt uncomfortable using it for long periods of time (hence my extended absence). Internet is too slow to upload pictures tonight, but I will upload some asap!

Cochabamba, Bolivia -- surrounded on all sides by gorgeous arid mountains -- is an incredible city. It's full of colorful playgrounds, parks, colorful artisanal markets, and the chaos of cars that don't obey any traffic laws. I'm living up on a hill that looks out over a vast majority of the city and the huge statue of Christ (the tallest in the world!) that Cochabamba is known for. The view is gorgeous at night - a vast blanket of twinkling dots amid the dark mountains.

Although I've only been here two weeks, I have comfortably settled in to my family's home. I have three sisters (ages 17, 21 and 25), and my mom and pops. My youngest sister, Jazmin, does bolivian folkloric dance and today I went to one of her big performances in front of the Prez of Bolivia, Evo Morales! I love love love the dancing here - so many colors and chants and energetic movements. I'm planning to start taking classes at a local dance school and come back a full-fledged Bolivian dancer!

My oldest sister, Wendy has two young children (7 and 1.5 yrs old) who are adorable. Brisa, the younger one, has just gotten adjusted to having me in the house and now she calls out, "Willlyyy? Willyyy?" when I disappear into my room. My parents (Eduardo and Rosario) are the friendliest people ever and I spend lots of meals discussing Bolivian politics, coca growing, cultural norms and food with them.

Cochabamba is also known for its food. As I recently learned from my academic director, Cochambinos "live to eat, they don't eat to live." What a great mantra, right? Lunch is the biggest meal here and BOY is it big. I get a heaping plate of food everyday. Potatoes, quinoa, chicken, and soup make up a great deal of my meals here. From quinoa patties, to pumpkin soup to lentils over rice, my meals are always delicious. And the drinks here are also incredible -- I've had two corn-based drinks in the past two days. One was api (a purple corn drink) and the other was made from green corn. Sounds kind of weird but they are creamy and delicious.

This Friday is the Day of Cochabamba, a celebration of the founding of the city. There's going to be lots of dancing, parades, celebrations and food. And no classes or work! Should be a day of family bonding and fun.