Reflections on Bolivia

The time has finally come to wave goodbye to La Paz as we move on to the next stage of our adventure. Our last week saw a flurry of activities as we tried to get the most out of our final few days.

Highlights included visiting a project in El Alto where former prostitutes are helped out of exploitation by an organisation that provides them with the opportunity to gain a skill and work making beautiful handmade bags and purses, whilst supporting their mental health, and in many cases, childcare needs. We also went to the famous 'Cholita Wrestling' show that is hosted twice a week in El Alto. Again the origins of this lie in community action - this time to combat domestic violence. The founders were women who initially wanted to learn self defence to protect themselves against abusive partners, and ended up running a very successful show that attracts tourists and locals alike. We also had the opportunity to spend some extra time at Ma Wawaki, joining the staff for an 'end of year' party where many of the children who attend therapy sessions and their families came along for food, drink and a rather impressive magic show. (We never did find out if we won the raffle...)

Reflecting on our time in Bolivia, we can hand on heart say the experience has been wonderful. The opportunity to work and live in a community who are so welcoming and understanding is incredible, and has meant we have been able to avoid some of the inherent problems that arise from 'voluntourism'. Instead, the projects were run and sustained by the community, and our involvement was based on support for their existing structures, rather than imposing our visions and values. We were there to help continue the work of local organisations that are best placed to understand and support the needs of the community.

As with all foreign travel, especially to places that are so different to home, there were of course ups and downs (the episode of sickness being a particular low point!), but the support and understanding of the Up Close team and our fellow volunteer Stephanie helped us make it through the bad times and fully enjoy the great times.

Added to this, the beautiful setting in Jupapina and the opportunity to get involved with local celebrations ensured we had a truly unique experience and could be part of a side of the country most visitors never get to see. It is certainly a period we will never forget and will share stories about for the rest of our lives. Our last few days were tainted with a little sadness, as we will certainly miss our new home, but we are both excited for the next stage of our travels and are looking forward to landing in Santiago!

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