Entering the city of Santa Cruz was nothing like entering the city of La Paz. Of course, there are not many cities that boast a grand entrance of 1,000 feet down the Andes. The cab ride itself was an unforgettable adventure.
Santa Cruz feels like a different country compared to La Paz. The climate is tropical, the feel is more Americanized, but run down, and the population is young. The city square is the main attraction. The cathedral and marble plaza are a spectacular sight, and there are endless shops for eating and shopping. Tonight we enjoyed a dinner from a roof top, and became acquainted with fellow volunteers. The caliber of people on these type of projects never ceases to amaze me. Quite humbling.
Our hotel is in a suburban district, about 10 minutes from the town center. We will be building homes about an hour from here, in a poorer region of Santa Cruz. Tomorrow we begin the day visiting former Habitat for Bolivia homes. The construction is similar to those we built in Guatemala. Mainly cement block, rebar, and mortar. I am anxious to see the build sights and meet the families.
It has been an interesting adventure thus far, and the best part is yet to come. My body has had a tough time with the sudden altitude and temperature changes, but I feel ready to work. We begin actual labor on Monday. I cannot wait.
