Shopping Day!!!

Today we decided to lay low and take a break from the last few busy days and prepare for another busy week! We woke up casually and made ourselves a tasty little breakfast outside on the beautiful patio. We've all decided that the warmest summer we've ever had is our 2 weeks of winter in Bolivia, its definitely been nicer than expected!

After breakfast we headed out to do some shopping and take a little visit to the Witches Market. We were all very successful with buying fabulous jewelry, scarves, blankets, rugs, and much more (and plan to be successful once again when we take on shopping day #2 next Saturday)!

While we didnt make many purchases at the Witches Market, as we thought customs may have a little issue with 7 Llama fetuses making their way into the US. Sorry guys, I know youre all bummed. We all promise we found many other good options for you!

It was very interesting seeing the market itself though. Not only are there fetuses for purchase, but we learned that the true tradition with it is a ceremony that takes place when building a new home. Karola informed us that here in Bolivia, it is tradition that before the foundation is laid, the owner buries an offering consisting of a llama fetus, coca leaves, sugar cubes with customary symbols, herbs, strings of wool, paper money, confetti, and wine. By doing this you ensure prosperity and good luck with your new home. She said that it is thought to be so important that construction will literally stop and not continue until this has taken place. We were once again intriuged by the traditions and customs of this amazing country.

Once the shopping exhaustion had set in, we headed out for a traditional Bolivian lunch where we tasted a sweet dark beer (similar to Guinness but much lower alcohol content and much sweeter), and some fabulous roasted potatoes. Some of us tried the traditional dish called Wátia, which was seasoned steak, chicken, and pork that was cooked in tin containers buried in the ground and covered with lids and soil for many hours. It was served over plaintains, roasted potatoes, corn on the cob and a freeze-dried potato. It was quite literally a mountain of food.

The rest enjoyed another traditional trout dish served with rice and vegetables which was equally incredible!

Tonight we had a little team meeting to organize the rest of our final week here, and prepared "goodie bags"for PT's, Rehab Hospitals, Nursing Homes, and the Prosthetic Factory we will be visiting soon.

Thanks again for all the great comments...keep them coming as we all love to hear from you!
Adios!