Copa...Copacabana

We all had a great weekend in Bolivia; Lake Titicaca was absolutely gorgeous (from the Bolivian side; from Puno it was a bit ugly), and Copacabana was nice, despite the very touristy feel. The weather was great, although it was a bit cooler than in Arequipa. I was advised to leave out a particular story from my blog, but ask me sometime about crossing the Peru-Bolivia border. It´s a good one.

Don´t worry, I didn´t buy it.

Copacabana.

Copacabana at sunset, from our hostal window.

A view of Lake Titicaca from the Isla del Sol.

The famous reed boats of Lake Titicaca.

School this week has been going really well. We were without teachers today, but the volunteers were very capable of handling the situation on our own. Teaching is such a challenge because there are three grades for each floor, and all the students are at a different skill level, even within a particular grade. Magaly, for example, is in grade two and can barely add, yet she is dragged along with the others as they learn fractions. It´s a very frustrating environment. Today, however, we were able to give some individual attention to those students who never get the chance to catch up. We made some great progress in their mathematical skill level and introduced a few new English words and concepts. I wish all days could be as successful as today.

At the end of this week in school we will celebrate the June birthdays, which includes mine, Carla´s (the project manager), and Maricruz´s, who is in the 5th grade. I hear lots of eggs are involved...raw ones...that will end up on my head. Pictures to come. Hopefully a video as well.

On our way to school in the morning. The van gets quite cozy.

The view of the chacras from the school. Many of the children´s parents work here.

Until next time,
Señorita Jenna

PS Thanks for the cards in the mail, Mom, Martha, Sarah, and Andrea!