Bolivia — Day 1 & 2
Sunday, December 6, 2009
My flight left SF at 12:25 am Dec 6; Sunday morning. I flew from SF to Dallas, TX, to Miami, FL, to Santa Cruz, Bolivia… over 20 hours (including layovers). I boarded the first flight still completely stressed from the crazy week I had prior. I had to relocate my entire business within a few days, plus get everything ready for the trip, stay on track with my MMA training and for about 4 days I had been battling stomach pain… Oh ya, and this damn cauliflower ear. I’m not complaining though, I like being pushed to my limits.
By the time I got to Miami I was so exhausted I was hardly even conscious. I passed out on the floor of the airport with my backpack as a pillow, but the pain in my tummy and the headache I had wouldn’t permit me to sleep.
During the 7 hour flight from Miami to Santa Cruz I was seated next to a very sweet young mom from Cochabumba, Bolivia. She had her one year old on her lap and her 5 year old on her other side. The baby was adorable…..when she wasn’t crying. She screamed and cried, piercing screams, throughout much of the flight. The flight attendants felt sorry for me and offered me free alcohol, which I declined.
Upon landing it took about 90 minutes to go through customs.
I was nearly delirious after about 40 hours without sleep. Finally, when I was released from customs, I was greeted by about 15 smiling faces, all family. It has been over 15 years since I’ve been here.
The weather was tropical; it was warm, raining, and humid. As we drove through the city I noticed how much more modern it had become since last I came. It was somewhat disappointing. I love visiting less Westernized cultures. I learn completely new ways of thinking, and realize what is really important.
I chatted with my cousin Mariela during the drive. As she asked about all the family and how they are, the pain in my stomach turned into sharp, intense, shooting pain. I couldn’t hear what she was saying because the pain was doubling over. After a few minutes the pain faded.
When we arrived at the house I was excited to see my room: I had my own bathroom, television, and refrigerator. Bolivia has evolved light years.
Apparently my mom told my Bolivian family that I’m some kind of workout and diet freak. Every time they hand me something to eat they say, “Here, this is fat free!” or “Don’t worry, there’s no sugar in this.” When I got to my room they brought in some free weights, some kind of cardio apparatus, and a scale, “in case I want to weight myself every day.” Lol! I had to explain to them that I can eat everything and I’m not that obsessed. Thanks Mom.
Monday, December 7, 2009
I woke up and two of my favorite cousins were waiting to greet me, Kitita and Luli. They drove me around Santa Cruz and I accompanied them on everyday tasks like grocery shopping.
I’m thrilled to report that my abdominal pain has faded from painful to mildly annoying. I only feel it when I take a deep breath. I guess all I needed was some R&R.
Thus far my family won’t let me go anywhere on my own. Apparently the crime rate here has skyrocketed. They advise against wearing jewelry or using your cell phone in public. It sucks for me because I’m so adventurous and independent. I hate having to have a chaperone or to ask for rides everywhere. I’ll figure something out.
I found a Hapkido gym nearby and I had my cousin Mariela take me there last night. The class was good… It’s sorta like MMA in that it combines numerous fighting styles. The main difference is it is focused on self-defense rather than fighting for sport. I learned some new Akido style takedowns and two new kicks. I sparred freestyle with the instructor for a few minutes. He’s an amazing fighter. Super fast. My family had my 12yr old cousin who we call ‘Gordo’ (even though he’s skinny) accompany me throughout the class for safety.