A final note

As my time in Bolivia started to draw to an end I started to feel a sense of guilt for leaving. I have taken so much, learnt so much and enjoyed so much and it isn’t fair to just leave it all behind. I'm leaving behind the ever-present fear, pollution, danger, sickness and at times hopelessness of life in Bolivia. All I have left to comfort myself is a promise not to forget my life here and all that Bolivia has shown me.

My last few weeks in Mineros San Juan were my busiest but my most satisfying. It was great to see Proyecto Horizonte's new website go live, the safe water project launched and the Proyecto Horizonte Christmas cards actually in print (more info to follow on Facebook)! Although I tried not to have a despidida (farewell) at all, I ended up having three awesome farewells in the different areas of PH that I was working in and eating lots of cake (thanks Tantakuna)! This worked out really well in the sense that it allowed me to spread out the final farewells to all the wonderful and important people in my time here.
Such as…
…My Spanish teacher Carla. Not only an incredible teacher and listener; she was a true friend and a vital sounding board for me during my entire nine months in Cochabamba.

…Profesorra Mery the English teacher at school who pretty much enabled and equipped me with everything I needed to get anything and everything done in the community.

…My two best friends here who put together an amazing ‘This is your life in Cochabamba’ video that made me ball my eyes out and laugh uncontrollably. Something I will cherish forever and possibly the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me!

It's over now and time to go back to my other reality but what I'll miss most of all is the smells, sounds and stories of a city that has treated me so well.

Thanks Mineros San Juan, thanks Cochabamba, thanks Bolivia!