What Happened?

So I go the ¨job interview¨ which was a total sham. It was at someones house near the center of the city. There I was, the only gringo in a sea of Bolivians, trying to be persuaded into selling Herbalife products. It was like being at an infomercial. Needless to say I left dissapointed. The best part of the whole experience was the cab drive on the way there was the first one I have met who speaks english.

Looking Good, Life That Is

This morning I was awakened by the sound of a text message being sent to my cell. Normally I would be annoyed, but today was different. Seems as though some friend of mine here in Cruz town has recommened my skills to an empresa, or a private company. Tomorrow I go to their office for an interview. This an exciting turn of events, because I have no idea what to expect or how to prepare. I really have no idea what the company does or how much I could get paid. All I know is that they are an American company. Needless to say this is a welcomed change given all the money I don´t have. Stay tuned to see what happens next.

Back in Black

I heard that tune at Pueblo Viejo the other night and I immediately thought about Flem. They have a really good cover band there that plays a wide array of American rock songs. Their keyboard player looks like the keyboard player from Spinal Tap. The resemblance in uncanny! It was there I had a very interesting encounter with a very pretty lady. Brent and I were hanging out and listening to the music, and there was this lady behind us with some guys (brothers or cousins I assume). Anyway, she looked over at me and made this face (a good one). Needless to say I was intrigued. Later on that night as I was heading to the bathroom she was heading back to her table. She stopped and talked to me (in Spanish), and later on that night I got her number. Now she may have just talked to me because I am a gringo, and I do tend to stand out in a crowd, but who oh well...Richard does need to practice spanish!

My days have begun to mold into the same basic rountine. This routine for the most part involves waking up late in the day, playing video games, eating, and hanging out with friends. Not a bad deal I know, but I start to feel useless after a while. Although spending time there has taught me some new skills, like how to wash clothes by hand, since the water line broke that connects the washer. Oh how domestic am I! I need to buy a fan, because it is not even summer here yet, and it is getting hot!

Now don´t think old Richard is lazy, far from it. I have continued looking for work, but nothing much has happened in that department. But I have begun volunteering at Juan Latino, a community 45 minutes outside of Santa Cruz, in the country. There I am beginning to teaEnglishish to the children in the community. I figure there I can be more fruitful with my time, and do some. There are a number of ideas I have which can help the children learn. I could spend all my time here hanging out in clubs and roaming about the city, but what kind of Bahai would I be then?

I think a buddy of mine is getting a job over at Cambridge, and there they pay well. He may need some help with classes, and I of course would be more than happy to help a fellow gringo as a T.A.

Look for another post next week, unless blockades or riots block me from the internet cafe.

A few more photos...

My fellow gringos, Aaron and Brent.

The Plaza in the afternoon.

Finally Some Pictures!

This post of course is dedicated to the anniversary of Aaron and Audrey, whom I miss dearly.

Me with my host sister Teresita (what is she eating?). She is precious.

This is a night shot at the Plaza in the center of Santa Cruz. It is a little dark in the shot, but it is a nice well lit place. They have men in suits who walk around selling coffee. From what I have heard they have the best coffee in Santa Cruz. Now if only I could like coffee.

The Story So Far

First off, I have to thank everyone who reminded me how I didn´t put the link to this page. Josh and Jonas, I am lost without you even when we are worlds apart. So for those of you who do not know, I am staying here in Bolivia until the 29th of December. It was a tough decision, but one that I do not regret. The powers that be seem to want me here. What will I be doing you might ask? That remains to be seen. As of today I am finished with my classes at Nur University and I need to make some money. Getting a work permit would require me to sell off my organs and limb, so I think I will stick to teaching english. It pays well, and unless I want to go on a diet of empanadas and water I should start soon.

Today I moved out of my host families place and into an apartment, which I will reflect more upon later.

Mob Rules

So I meant to post something a month ago before I left for Bolivia, but yeah I didn´t. A lot has happened over the past month believe me.