On Saturday we went to an elderly center. It is this beautiful facility in El Torno, outside of Santa Cruz. The elderly can come here and gather and have a free meal and medical care.They gather to sing and worship and be together. They want to build dormitory style facilities for them to come and live. Most are indigenous Quechua. They are such a beautiful people. They have recently applied for a grant from the Japanese government for funds to build the dorms. While we were there a businesswoman from the city came and donated medicine. All the women, even the really old ones, have long thick black hair that they wear in braids. They dress in colorful clothing and average about four feet tall.
That same day we drove up the hill from the center and went to a very modern restaurant, a resort and had dessert. It was such a stark contrast from this modest facility among the Quechua to high end resort among the elite of Bolivia.
On Sunday we went to church and then to lunch at buffet style restaurant where Rolando says only the elite come to dine. I think we paid about $10USD per person. The tables were filled with rice and plantains, beans, corn, tomatoes, fresh chili sauces and salsas, and lots of chicken and beef prepared in a variety of ways. There was also a dessert table. It was full of bright colored custards, but nothing to write home about. The restaurant had hammocks hanging underneath. The Bolivians are serious about their Siesta's and I have embraced the custom.We then went to a small house church and just spent time practicing my Spanish/Portuguese mix and meeting new friends.
Downtown Santa Cruz is fairly modern and reminds me of a small European town, with small bistros and Western style shops. We Americans still have it all at amazing prices and nothing will ever beat our Outlet Malls, TJ Maxx and Target. I love going to the market wherever I go. We went yesterday and I bought coffee and quinoa!
Today we went to a Catholic orphanage. I was prepared for the worst and although they were special needs kids with severe disabilities, they are incredibly well cared for and loved. There were other young teenage girls there helping the nuns to play with and entertain the children. The grounds were beautiful and the entire place was stunning. We simply smiled at them and hugged and kissed them and held them and prayed. I never know quite what to do with all that, in my mind and in my heart. What do you do with that?
We are now back at the casa embracing the Siesta.
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