An Experience I will Never Forget

It’s almost Christmas and the festivity is in the air in Cochabamba. I have been here about 2 and half months now, working with Proyecto Horizonte most of that time. I had been travelling in Central and South America 5 months prior to arriving, and while I had plans to be well out of this continent by now I decided I wanted to park up somewhere for a few months, hone my Spanish and get involved with the community. That was when I found Proyecto Horizonte! It was perfect as they were looking for someone with some background in marketing and events, to help out in their efforts to build awareness of their cause, and I had the experience. As well as being involved in this area of the organization I also helped out in the Guarderia with the 2-3 year olds and in the vacation program at the school, teaching English. These have been wonderful experiences for me, both in being able practice my Spanish but more so gaining insights into the lives these children live which are so different to our own, and seeing how much the work that we do helps them. What impresses me the most is the multitude of various initiatives Proyecto Horizonte has going and any one time to help the local people in Ushpa Ushpa. A true sense of community is built and there are so many resources in place that improve the lives of these people on a day to day basis. The scope for even more projects is fantastic too.
Living in Cochabamba has been thoroughly enjoyable too. If there isn´t a dinner, BBQ, or night out on the town organized with other volunteers, there are plenty of opportunities to go and listen to great live music, soak up endless sunny days or take a weekend trip to an out of town attraction. Bolivia is rich in diversity and every place visited offers a whole new experience. Getting around the city with the trufi system makes the public transport system in my country New Zealand look like something for amatures, which makes for ease in getting places. The city is big enough that you can find everything that you need, but small enough that things are easy. You have rich and poor living next door to each other, so you can relax in style at a swanky restaurant or bar in the north of the city, live in a nice apartment cheaply and then head to the southern parts of the city to be reminded about where you are.
Unfortunately my time here has to come to an end shortly after New Year which I admit I´m sad about. I´ve met some wonderful people both local and extranjero who I will really miss, I´ve felt extremely rewarded for being involved in such a wonderful cause and am leaving having achieved my goal of coming here to improve my Spanish. All in all, this has been a time in my life I will always look back on fondly.