Another good day south of the equator! It
started off very very early in the morning. I got up at 4:30 for mass and we
were on the road by 5:00. I’m being literal when saying on the road because we
walked an hour to mass. There was about 60 of us in the convoy walking down the
middle of the streets in the pitch black. The people that made up this convoy
were the nuns, workers, and assistants of the Hogar. Also, people would come
from their houses along the route to go to mass with us. This steadily
increased our group’s size. The really neat and beautiful part was that one of
the nuns brought a microphone with a loudspeaker. While walking, the nuns said
the rosary and the girls sang songs over the loudspeaker. It was surreal.
Everyone was holding hands and walking in the same direction. Even though it
was really early in the morning, the energy in the crowd was electrifying.
Definitely one of the neater experiences of my life. Anyways, we got to mass
about 5:45 and mass started at 6:00. All the seats were full which really
surprised me considering it was so early in the morning. After mass an old lady
came up to me which the girls have nicknamed “Loca Lucia” (Crazy Lucia). She
said hello and welcomed me to Bolivia which was very nice. Then she proceeds to
not let go of my handshake until I had to really slip my hand out of her hands.
The girls say she’s my girlfriend now haha.
After
that nothing much happened throughout the day that was noteworthy. Just some
work for my project and preparing for the big fiesta of the night. I learned
that the fiesta was for Mother’s Day. In the afternoon the dancers and I (all
girls and me as the only guy) went to a little shop to rent costumes for the
big event. The store was filled to the brim with colorful clothing, hats, and
various other props. I got my costume and props within 10 minutes and then I
had to wait an hour till the rest of them got what they wanted. I guess things
don’t change too much culture to culture.
The
night of the big dance had arrived and at 6:30 some people from the town were
allowed into the Hogar to watch. My group of dancers and I watched most of the
show before we needed to head into the back to change (we were the grand
finale). I got to watch the girls of the Hogar play instruments, sing, and
dance during the show. They were all very talented and it was a pleasure to
watch the traditional music and dances (except one dance was to Pitbull’s hit
single Fireball, not so traditional). I have videos and I will post them as
soon as I figure out how to do it. For now, pictures will do. Anyways, a funny
little thing that happened to me: I had the honor to hand out the prizes for
the night’s raffle. When this old lady won a basket full of potatoes she came
up to me and began to shake my hand. She then pulled me closer (I didn’t know
if I should’ve do the kiss on two cheeks kind of thing) and I kind-of gave her
a hug. It was awkward and embarrassing and I think I heard some people laugh.
My
part of the show came up and I did pretty well! I messed up one part but the
girls told me I did very well and was the highlight of the show. I will post
the video of the dance ASAP. After the show there were snacks! The snacks included
pastries, chips, and popcorn. Apparently in Germany they don’t put salt or
butter on popcorn (to add to this, they sounded repulsed of the idea of putting
butter on popcorn)! They just put sugar on it! Today I learned that the Germans
have not lived life to the fullest yet haha.
Overall
it was a good day! I look forward to reading the emails you guys send me so
keep those up! Thanks so much for your support. It really is helping me get
through this time down here in the “land of surprises”-Mother Superior. Other
than that, Chao!
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