Our destination to Chalalan Ecolodge took a 40-minute plane ride (19 passenger plane) on Amazonas from La Paz to Rurrenabaque. We stayed one night at the Hotel Oriental in Rurrenabque and then rode in a boat for 5 hours up the River Beni and River Tuichi. A two mile hike up from the river led us to a magical place! On this adventure we traveled with Sharon Schauss and Danny and Margaret Richards. Our guide, Jovani, was exceptional with his knowledge. We learned so much as we traveled through the rainforest and learned about all the wonders of flora and fauna. 

Last night was our second annual Oktoberfest in Mallasa at the Oberland Hotel. We all enjoyed a beautiful evening outdoors in La Paz–the mountain air became a little chilly as the sun set; however, a great time was had by all!

Hoping for another opportunity to revisit Copacabana–a very relaxing and somewhat healing weekend after being sick for over 2 weeks! Our hostal–Las Olas–was an incredible spot on the hill above Lake Titicaca! Thank you, Ria, for having a birthday in May when we almost got to celebrate with you. I know you were with us in spirit–all the way from Myanmar/Burma! 🙂

BJ

Transition to high altitude was not as difficult this time, thank goodness! We still have to take it easy climbing our “hill,” but the breathing is easier this time around.

I’m teaching in a different first grade classroom, so have spent a lot of days making it look like “home” again! Ernie has moved up from the garden level to the third floor in the high school, so is now relieved of the smelly room and allergy issues! We are ready to hit the ground running! YAY!

Happy Birthday, BJ!

Ernie shocked and surprised me with my first ever surprise birthday party! We were all working hard in our classrooms the morning of August 6, my birthday and also Bolivian Independence Day. Our new school year would begin the next day. I thought a few people were joining us at an Italian restaurant just outside of La Paz in the countryside. I had no suspicions whatsoever and was totally floored when I opened the door to pick up Sandra to go with us when the entire organized crowd shouted out “Surprise!” Well done, Ernie and friends!