Saturday, May 13, 2006











Pictures
-Michael and Kayra singing at Karoke
-Walking in the forest, this looked just like California!
-One bus couldn't make the drive, so we all had to pile into one!!
-View from the rock we climbed
-Me climbing the rock
-One of the Baroque concerts
-If you only knew this kid!!! Jose Miguel Gutierrez, so crazy, yet apparently will dance!
-Cheese at this small cheese store we went to
-Lucas, Juan Pablo and Jonathan at lunch
-Karoke Bar
Aaahh, the 7th grade trip. Four days in Concepcion for the baroque festival with 28 12 year olds. It was a tireing weekend to say the least. Overall it was a good time. The kids are so funny away from school, out of their uniforms. The were not as into the boroque concerts as I was but that was sort of to be expected. Every other year, the baroque festival comes to Bolivia. The heart of it is in Concepcion, one of 7 Jesuit missions constructed in the mid 1700's. The church is beautiful and the music was fantastic. At one point, I felt like I must be in some European city listening to a concert. The charm of the church and the stringed instruments were mesmerizing. It was only when I left the church and faced the dirt roads that I remembered where I was. But that reminder wasn't a bad one with the beauties of bolivia and all of the toborochis in bloom.

We also had the chance to spend some time in this forest. I felt like I was right in Northern California with all the trees and nice trails. I could have stayed there all day long!! I'm not sure about next years trip. Should I go with these kids when they are in 8th grade or take my chances with the new 7th graders..........



Toborochi Trees

Last month the toborochi trees started blooming in Bolivia. Overnight they turned things so beautiful. The trees themselves are pretty interesting even when they aren't in bloom. The Argentines call them boracho (drunk) trees. Personally, I think they look more pregnant than drunk. From my bedroom window I count 14 pink toborochi tops. These pictures are from the plaza in Concepcion. They make it seem like spring here in Santa Cruz!