Bolivia

Bolivia

Bolivia is a wonderful country. Known as one of the poorest countries in the world the people and natural beauty is everywhere. Retiring to the country after a disability took some thought but allows my family to live. These are some of the learning experiences that I have had since getting here in August of 2015.

Transitioning from the States to Bolivia takes time. The lifestyle is more laid back, and I might dare to say normal then in the states. The hours of work seem more relaxed without a need for everything pushed upon you to get to work. Examples doing business for a visa long term a Bolivian government person being responsive to a person just waiting three hours in line is “I am sorry you will have to come back tomorrow.” The significance is sometimes paperwork is not as important as you think it needs to be. Be patient life happens for a reason.

In Bolivia medical clinics and doctors are available everywhere. The main concern is to find the one that is most up to date and understands conditions from the States. Some major changes is that laboratories and hyperbaric chambers experience cost less in time and money than asking for and not receiving the studies in the States. Example hyperbaric chambers for eight sessions cost less than 88 dollars. While I spent 104 dollars to be told I could not get into the hyperbaric chambers because my insurance would not pay for it. The experience taught me that I am a bit claustrophobic but helped my skin and body adjust to the altiplano.

Dentist are another wonder instead of a dentist assistant cutting my gums and making my gums bleed I had a real dentist clean my teeth gently no cutting or bleeding and with care. The dentist actually made my mouth feel good instead of the normal terror I have during a dental checkup and cleaning. The medical care in Bolivia is surprisingly more careful and they seem to care more about the outcome compared to the visits to the state doctors.

Lifestyle changes reflect a reality of the person choices. The biggest change at times is for the smallest things and the realization you can do something about those changes after thinking about what you really want. An example reading material. In La Paz, Bolivia the bookstores are nice, and very personalized to accommodate students, professionals and readers of a different variety of tastes. For those that are English readers, the classics can be found in several small bookstores off side streets near universities. While those that would like to read the latest version or bestseller you need to have thought ahead and either purchased an online subscription, or kept your library card information for virtual library or be willing to pay shipping and handling costs, which are at time equate to triple the book's cost.

The ability to be flexible is important more than ever. Families with cars can go anytime and anywhere. However, when dependent on taxis and buses sometimes you need to wait a few minutes to maybe an hour in the bigger cities. At the same time, as in the countryside, the weather now and then makes travel interesting. If you live in the countryside, you want to realize your timetable and that of the public transportation system, might take a week or more during seasonal rains. Meaning be prepared to have an adventure even when you are suppose to be on a vacation for only three days be prepared to stay longer at times.

Waiting in a different country provides insights you would near hear about or get to know in the states. In the states everything is hurry up and wait or be patience while in Bolivia family life and tranquility sometimes take a higher meaning than those in the states.

Traveling in Bolivia is exciting. Examples are many and varies depending on your destination. Arriving in Alto airport above La Paz city take an adventure by taxi ride to the bottom. Instead of being normal hold your arms up and your head out the window. Pay an extra tax to take the highway which has no traffic. The ride is better than a roller coaster. Next try a hotel adventure to the roads behind the scenery like hotel Caracato. On the bus ride look down to the valley floor and realize you are less than an inch from going over the edge and that you can not see the bottom.

The most fun you can have is to participate in a carnival or local custom. The mardi gras is not at all like New Orleans. People dressing up as clowns, devils, slave masters, bears, etc walking, dancing, running down a mountainside or street eating, drinking, eating some more, and sometimes it is one large water fight, or flour fight between the crowd and people dressed up or it might be a solemn event every way the event is fun to watch and be involved with. Or find a local memorial where people are remembering a saint and actually think about what is happening spiritually. Bolivia is a wonderful place to relax and learn to be human again.

Food in Bolivia is different. Taste buds seem to be bent to a hot sauce yakwa by name which covers everything. Instead of a ketchup or tasting the food be prepared to live with a hot sauce that at times causes the dehydrated potatoes to have a taste. Drinking be prepared to be surprised by wines and liquor that beats or at least matches the states. The wines are wonderful to dream to while the liquor Triago a distilled wine reheated twice is something that will take your breath away at times.

In the end come to Bolivia for the culture and enjoy the lifestyle that should have been available in the States. The people and culture still provides a wonderful time to all those that want to enjoy life and relax.