September in Santa Cruz

Well I can't believe that September has already come and gone. It was a busy month down here in Santa Cruz. I had 3 visitors this month alone. My cousin Kathleen and her fiance Chris came down at the beginning of the month. They spent a week in Brazil before heading over here. It was so cool sharing my scene down here with them. We did a lot of eating and could have done more if their trip had been longer. The three of us took a weekend and headed south to this small town called Samaipata. It is this really tiny sort of ghost town. It has a quaint central plaza and a few restaurants but that is about it. We spent our days lounging at the compound we stayed on. It is called La Vispera and is a few houses spread out around these great vegetable gardens. All the food is made fresh from the gardens and tastes as fresh as it sounds.

I was sad to have them leave, but the sorrow only lasted a day as Kim came down 2 days later for a weeks visit. Another fun adventure with her. Instead of heading south, we went north for the day to Buena Vista. Not sure what usually goes on there, but it was pretty much cleared out when we were there. No joke, not a single person was in the plaza and everything was closed down. There was a wedding in the Jesuit Mission so we crashed that for a while as a source of the days entertainment. Kim and I also enjoyed the food of the city and even got some dancing in.

This month is pretty huge for Santa Cruz, and really Bolivia as a whole because there is a two week expo that goes on. People down here said that it is like a state fair, but that really doesn't paint the right image in your head. There are no rides there and it isn't the least bit dirty. Everyone dresses up and it is the place see and be seen!! There are exhibition halls for different countries and tons of animals. Just about every bar, cafe and restaurant in town has a booth set up so there is plenty to eat and drink. I only went for one night but my goal for next year is at least 5 times!! It is a good time.

You would think by now I would welcome a break from visitors, that not so! Please, come visit, let me share Bolivia with you. Tracey is coming over from Brazil a week from tomorrow. I CAN'T WAIT!!!

Time is moving fast down here. I had my first formal evaluation this week and it went well. Some days I feel like I am on one big vacation and other days I am so busy planning and prepping for school that I may as well be back in San Francisco plugging away at Ben Franklin. Crazy how that happens.

Hope all is well back home. I miss you all!!