No Entiendo.

So. Sitting in the waiting room of a Bolivian hospital, decked out in scrubs and having people refer to me as "doctora". Life is strange. I told people that I would keep them updated on the goings-on of my bizarre Bolivian life, so I figured I should probably write on this. But I don't know what to say. In the past week, I feel like I've done everything and nothing. So many times I've been asked, "Por qué estás aquí?" - Why are you here? That is a good question. I have no idea. I love that I have no idea. I also love lists. So here is a list of things I love. Because as a 17-year old white girl living in the poorest country in the western hemisphere, all I really got going for me is love. Sorry. That was rather cheesy.

1) Sun. I got a sunburn a few days ago. I'm so proud of it.

2) Trufis. Bolivian public transport, meant for people under 5'4. There is seriously nothing better than cramming into a rickety, seatbelt-less van with 15 sweaty strangers. No sarcasm here. I love it.

3) Silpancho. Deep fried, chickeny, ricey, eggy goodness. Less than 2 dollars, folks.

4) BABIES. You have no idea. Cuteness overkill.

5) Surgery. Why yes, I do want to hold down that patient's legs while you slice em open.

6) Abuelitas. Little grandmothers. On Saturday, I went for a run to the nearest farming village. Passing a tiny, elderly Bolivian woman, I threw her a "Buenos tardes". Instead of a wave and a smile, I get a "Vamos." Alrighty. I ended up going for a two hour hike into the mountains with this little abuelita, getting my own private tour. Best day. Giant pigs, donkeys, and cows crossing the dirt path in front of us, people bathing in the murky river, and tiny houses held up by sticks and bricks. So much love.

7) Clefaros. The glue sniffers living in the downtown plaza of Cochabamba. I am so excited to spend every Friday with these people. I feel helpless and naive when I go down there, but despite this, I am greeted with hugs and kisses from the Bolivian homeless. Even though they have been spit at by the world, by people like me, they greet me as if I'm their best friend. If that's not love, I don't know what is.

8) Espanol. Yes. Despite the fact that I have no idea what anyone is saying to me ever, I enjoy the rare moments when I am able to have a semi-normal conversation. Awkward miscommunications are fun too. Sure, I'm a doctor. Yep, married. Definitely have 6 kids. Why not.

9) Dog drama. I have grown to like dogs, since they are everywhere. Yesterday, we found a dog corpse on the doorstep of Privados - the private rooms. Meh, hygiene, what's that? Sterility is over-rated anyway. 

10) Banos. Oh boy. I greatly appreciate a good bathroom now. I will spare you the details of public Bolivian bathrooms. Fun fact of the day: toilet paper here is pink.

11) Jesus. Couldn't have a love list without Jesus. He's a pretty cool guy.

In summary, I love love. And I love Bolivia.