Celebrations continue post-Birthday and Anniversary

Hello dear friends, far but not forgotten, and hope you are all as happy and healthy as can be. Yet another week is flying by, full of surprises and wonderment as ever, since Fernando's birthday last Friday. His parents hosted a lovely dinner party complete with political conversation which I just soaked up (hadn't realized McCain had the nomination in the bag, MUST get internet at home ASAP and perhaps cable, too!) and then Saturday we lucked out in finding a sofa and armchair that truly make our house a home. We hosted a small birthday dinner with his high school friends which was fun, the cake I made turned out better than the risotto, and I was able to find decorating tips and everything to write on it in chocolate and fill it with dulce de leche. He came down with a cold Sunday so we're delaying proper celebration of our anniversary for a bit, which may be a challenge as the days are filling fast! I missed a book club meeting last night to instead have a physical (necessary to qualify for the bank's insurance plan) which was pretty painless, and Friday we hope to attend a dinner with folks from the US Embassy who sound fun. Til then, a few more photos and a big promise to share the joy when our internet connection is finally installed!

Carnaval and Challa

So I survived a wet weekend, which included a parade of pepinos (grown men dressed as jesters who are COVERED in foam and water as they march through La Paz) and several BBQs with friends and family. Carnaval is quite a spectacle, people get so into decorating you can't help but get swept up by the energy field albeit BIZARRE to walk the streets ever on the lookout for not only children but ADULTS in all shapes and sizes armed with multiple waterguns and armloads of water balloons (mercifully we were spared the frozen variety, which I hear HURTS).

Besides the drinking and debauchery for which Carnaval is famed, in Bolvia there's the tradition of decorating/blessing your home (and car and everything else imaginable) in a ceremony/activity called "challa" from the verb "challar." It involves scaring away evil spirits by LIGHTING FIRECRACKERS INSIDE (terrifying, I can confirm, and I've suggested we try saying "boo" next year to see if it's equally effective) and placing colorful balloons, streamers, and pink pebbles/candy (for love) and gold beads (for fortune) in strategic corners of one's otherwise relatively clean (finally!) apartment. To do this, one must be suitably decked out (see photos to come) and drinking beer, though it's usually done by noon. Certainly sets the mood!!

Next year we may check out the famous folklore and dancing in Oruro, which I hear is THE place (besides Rio) to enjoy a profesional parade, but quite honestly it was a perfect "introductory Carnaval" right here at home in La Paz. And I HIGHLY recommend the challa ritual for those of you looking for more than feng shui at home....or to scare the bejeesus out of a roommate or partner who otherwise thinks you're relatively SANE...

NEW JOB

Greetings from Carnaval-struck La Paz, where I am pleased to report I was offered a job this week! I start February 18 as an analyst of quality/service at the Banco de Credito de Bolivia: http://www.bancodecredito.com.bo/, a Peruvian bank among the largest in the country with an outstanding staff (at least in the HR department where I'll be based, but as a client of the bank I can confirm the high standards and seemingly great work culture.)

The opportunity truly came out of the blue; Fernando's sister's husband's sister's huband is in HR and when his wife mentioned my interest in teaching though my background was elsewhere, he called me at home Tuesday night to tell me about the position and offer me an interview Wednesday, which I gladly accepted for the chance to interview in Spanish for a role I didn't have my heart set on. He and his colleagues were lovely to talk to, and I am thrilled to have this opportunity to learn and grow as part of a great team (coincidentally led by a Spanish woman).

I'll be continuing to have lunch with Fernando at home (the bank's a 25 minute walk but there's plenty of public transport) and they'll start my residency paperwork right away so I should be in the clear to travel to my heart's (and wallet's) content in March/April. I've already cleared my plans to be in Boston April 12-26 and look forward to telling you all about it both via blog and more personally pronto!

Til then, it'll be updates on the crazy Carnaval celebrations already underway with constant firecrackers, water balloon fights, and confetti throwing across the city. Monday and Tuesday are both holidays, and I'm looking forward to the long weekend to celebrate!!