Sorry for the late post today, we have had a very long day. We started out at 9:00 after a very sound sleep for all of us. Heidi picked us up and we made our way to the big market to buy the rubbermaids for the Christmas hampers. The big market is basically the Costco of Santa Cruz and is made up of hundreds of tiny single purpose shops. We made our way through the maze to the plastics store which sells everything you could ever want made out of plastic. The 12 large containers cost us 400 Bolivianos which is approximately $65 total. After Melody and Heidi led us back through the market at a speed that is unsustainable for someone carrying 12 heavy plastic containers in 37 degree heat, we eventually arrived back at the car and went on to the bank machine to get some cash.
Before we left, we got Melody's cell phone unlocked so we could buy a chip down here and use it. The cell system here is a few generations older than back home, but you can walk into any store and buy a sim card and set yourself up for next to nothing. Unfortunately, Melody's phone doesn't support the older tech, so we ended up getting a card and then Heidi was kind enough to lend us a phone to use while we are here.
After the cell fiasco, we went to the fruit stand area and picked up a kilo of peaches, a kilo of cherries, a kilo of mangosteens, 12 bananas and a kilo of plums for about 12 dollars Canadian. I have to say that the fruit here is one of the best parts. Its available all year round and costs next to nothing to buy and was probably picked this morning.
After eating wayyyyyyy to much fruit, we made our way to El Jordan to start setting up for the evening recital and fundraiser. The fundraiser is comprised of some pretty good singers doing their thing and in between sessions, they sell tacos, quesadillas, fresh lemonade, iced coffee and empanadas. In order to stretch the taco meat, it is mixed 50/50 with beans because the meat is expensive for them to purchase.
The kids helped to setup the tables and decorations while Melody and I chopped onions and tomatoes for a couple of hours followed by cooking the taco mixture. The show was scheduled to start at 7:00 so of course it started at 7:30 which is right on time for Bolivia. My job for the evening was manning the grill to warm up the hand made tortillas for the tacos and to cook the quesadillas. Lukas was in charge of cheese, Melody filled the tacos with the meat, tomatoes, lettuce and cheese and Jordan was a runner for the iced coffees. By 10 o'clock, we had sold just over 130 plates of tacos and quesadillas and raised a decent amount of money for the upcoming Christmas activities.
Now for the bad news parts of the day (because I know you all are more interested in those bits anyways). The mosquitos are quite fond of Logan and he reacts to them of course, so he has some nice bumps on his legs. My heat rash has decided not to wait a week like last time so it has started on my arms and my feet and ankles are swollen up like old people retaining water and my toes are tingly. I am not sure what that means, but I will be keeping an eye on it as I am quite fond of my toes. Nothing negative to report for Jordan, Lukas or Melody at this point.
Last negative item.....the freezer in our fridge works like a charm, the fridge itself keeps things at barely cool.
Here are some pictures from the last two days since the internet is working well at the moment.
