One of the most unique lunches I have tried in Tarija thus far, was the Tarija fish and chips. My whole family adores the fish (photo 2) for a hearty lunch. I must say both types of fish tasted delicious, it was very different then Trout or Salmon... They almost taste like chicken, with fish texture. All in all a "muy rico" (very delicious) lunch.

Just a few of the views I get to see on my evening runs here in Tarija. So thankful to be here!!!

In every classroom in my school. A wooden Jesus, a picture of Mary and Jesus and the La Salles Tarija Bolivia Vision Plaque sit above the white board. :) I really love my school <3

A very popular way to spend your weekend as a young person in Bolivia... is at a Disco. So here I am surrounded by my beautiful friends :)

CHUNCHOS... I did not know such a beautiful name could exist, but it does, only here in Tarija and it is a very sacred and respected name. A chuncho is a male dancer dressed in vivid colors that dress up only once a year to dance from one cathedral to another in honor of the Catholic Saints. The festival lasts for a few days and is a very important ritual to many Tarija citizens. This year there where over 4 thousand Chunchos. The streets where packed with vendors and citizens all partaking in this annual event. It was a beautiful thing to experience and witness as an individual and I am very thankful for my friends Michelle and Emilia who helped me navigate my way through the streets of Tarija to see the Chunchos. 

Although I have not had the opportunity to try any wine yet... This wine is one of the many made here in Tarija. I am told it is very good and look forward to a toast one day at a family function.

Now there's something you wouldn't see roaming the streets of Canada usually. Bacas = Cows are seen almost daily being driven through the least busy streets of Tarija to new pasture land. Since my house is quite close to the river (a good water source) the herders and their cattle are a frequent sight for me. However I can remember gasping the first time I saw a dairy cow in the middle of the road... :)

For my first big rotary meeting in Tarija I decided to twin with my beautiful sister <3 Twins in Spanish are Gemalas. Stripes with matching flower crowns.

From statues to performing arts centers to cathedrals to plazas to simply the palm trees the beauty of Tarija is immense and perfect as ever.

Quimica = Chemistry Labs with these beautiful gems <3 L-R: Me, Gissel, Michelle, Carolina, and Emilia

It is a beautiful thing to see Tarija's young people learning traditional Bolivian dances for a festival in the square. I hope Canada can learn from them on this subject :)

This past Sunday marked my third week here in Tarija, Bolivia and I would be crazy if I did not post an appreciation collage of all of my amazing friends here in Bolivia. Since day one they have been extremely patient and welcoming into their community and never cease to make me laugh. From top to Bottom Left to Right: 1) Samuel. 2) Sebastian. 3) Nico. 4) Diego. 5) My Class. 6) Roberto. 7) Belen, Brenda, Eric, Valentina C and Belen. 8) Valentina C, Cota, Belen. 9) Maya, Valentina, Lili, Alejandra, Mabe, and Majo.

Second trip to the markado (market) was even more awesome than the first one... I find that every time I go to the same place I see something new and different. From toothbrushes to cheese to apples to potato's the markado hold it all.

Talk about old technology ;) Just kidding... I love our computer lab... Very squishy with two sides of the classroom packed shoulder to shoulder. But lots of good times in this room.

Never seen such beautiful birds :) This post is especially for my little brother in Canada. Jack I love you buddy, wish you where here to see these animals of flight.

Sister Cookies <3 My mom is an incredible baker/cook and she has been a very good influence for me in the kitchen :) These where "just because sister cookies" with a bit  of moms help.

One of my favorite home cooked meals <3 Beef, Potato Fries, and Rice, with the best flavors.

The most delicious juice you could ever imagine... Sadly unless you come to Tarija, Bolivia you will only ever imagine it... Made only in Tarija, this incredible juice is well known throughout Bolivia and sought after by many. Much love for my pick me upper Karpil <3

Motorcycles, Enduros, and Quads are all used on a large scale as vehicles here in Bolivia. I once saw a family of five people on one. A father, a mother, two little boys (6-8) and a newborn baby. NO helmets... It is completely legal, and if its slightly against a law... the police are really relaxed. Driving is crazy... No speed limits, lanes and seat belts are optional and horns are used quite frequently... However amoungst the chaos, I have not seen one accident here. Maybe we have it backwards in Canada? Or maybe its just different...

My NEW favorite flavor of ice cream: Dulce de Leche. YUM!!!

While on the topic of dogs, here are some pictures of the many strays that roam the streets in Tarija. These beautiful dogs are without permanent homes, but still friendly as ever. There are some areas of land that are dedicated to feeding these free souls, but the first time I saw them my heart pulled majorly. I wish I could deworm, fatten and adopted all of these dogs, but at the same time I think they are happy here, free to come and go as they please.