EWBbolivia

We are back in the states and we can proudly say that our implementation trip was a success! Sorry for the lack of posts the past week! After finishing our project at CETHA, Damian brought us to a school in Arampampa (also funded by Save the Children) where we interviewed professors and students on water supply/quality. We were surprised to learn that there was only one tap available for 160 students! These interviews allow us to assess situations in neighboring communities for future projects/collaboration. Towards our last days at CETHA, Damian and Professor Zolio discussed how they were able to take from our project and know how to apply it. Hearing this from them was amazing! Not only will the project be sustainable, but also grow for the better good of the communities. Water supply is a huge need for these communities! Not just for consumption, but also for hygiene purposes. We will continue to communicate with both CETHA and the school in Arampampa when fall semester begins. Side note: past posts were also updated with pictures.

Water from an open catchment that the community drinks from when water is low

School in Arampampa

Us and Damian

After eating two lunches (one with Damian and another with CETHA), we headed back to Cochabamba. Gabe was so kind to drive us there and to La Paz rather than us having to ride a bus. But before we left, the students and professors prepared a goodbye and thank you speech for us. It was a very sweet moment. We couldn't be more grateful for this opportunity! We gained just as much from this experience as they did, and we are so thankful for it! 

Gabe and Christina also giving a thank you speech

Our tank!

Mosaic of our project

Highlights of our post-project free week in Bolivia: 

Cochabamba

Ate ice-cream at Dumbo's! To sum that place up, it's like a miniature Chuck E Cheese, minus arcade games.

Visited Cristo de la Concordia (Jesus Christ statue). It's the largest statue of Jesus in the world!

La Paz

Bought items for our upcoming benefit dinner (they're some awesome items, so be pumped!)

Gabe brought us to a delicious French restaurant. It was one of those places you dress up for, but we went in our traveling clothes. :)

Took a tour to Tiwanaku (Pre-Incan Civilization Ruins)

Wes and Kia left back to the states two days early :(. It was odd saying that we only had 5 people whenever we would get a taxi or go out to eat. 

Explored parks and plazas around the city

Hello La Paz!

Art in the plaza

Mt. Illimani

Loved feeling like a kid again!

BEST slide ever!

 Watched a World Cup qualifying match (Bolivia vs Venezuela)

Score was 1-1

Gabe invited us over to his house to eat dinner and play pool. Afterwards, we sang some kareoke! Perfect way to end the trip.

Thank you again for following us on our EWB NCSU adventure to Bolivia! This experience was truly unforgettable and we are so grateful to everyone who has contributed to this project. A huge thank you to Ben Lord for leading our team!! You were a wonderful project lead and we will miss you a lot, Ben! 

Damian, his sons, and Ben

We will give more updates when fall semester starts again. Until then, have a wonderful summer!