We are poised to depart. Bags are packed, documents assembled, goodbyes said. One more day to get things organized and then we're off. Next post will be from Bolivia. Feliz viaje!

The wisdom of packing light

As I prepare to travel, I struggle with what and how much to take along. I can imagine any number of scenarios in which I can use the things I own. Especially problematic are books - I always take too many books wherever I go, and books of course are especially heavy. 

We pack, I think, in much the same way that we live - anticipating possible eventualities, and feeling that if we are only well prepared, we will be able to deal with whatever we encounter in a way that will not cause us too much discomfort. We project our anxiety about the future onto things - if I have my wool socks my feet will never be cold, if I have enough books I'll never be bored, and so on. Our things become fetishes, magical objects that can ward off the malignant spirits that seek to do us harm and cause us to suffer.

But there is a wisdom to be found in not overpacking for a trip. By traveling light, we show an acceptance of the reality that we are destined to suffer. Despite all our preparations, our planning and packing, we inevitably will find ourselves in difficult and unpleasant situations. We cannot reasonably hope to guard ourselves from all that might befall us. When we realize this, we may come to see our things as burdens rather than guardians, weights that drag on us and limit our mobility. Walled in by mountains of stuff, we are cut off from the thrilling challenges of life. 

Having made the incredibly daring decision to go to Bolivia, push it one step further and truly open yourself to the possibilities.

The Waiting Game

It is Friday morning and we leave for Bolivia on Wednesday, July 1. I am busily putting things in readiness. At home, this means buying gifts for a range of people, getting shots and haircuts and new shoes, cleaning equipment and making sure I have the right batteries and cables for all my little electronic gadgets, putting together a syllabus and arranging for the readings to be available. On the receiving end, it means lots of emails to Bolivia, squaring away the funding, setting up various projects, figuring out what I owe people and trying to have everything I need to bring them.

My main goals for this summer: to have a successful program; to do some research and writing; to have fun, see friends, make good on promises; to maintain my equanimity.

The Sun

The sun in Bolivia is incredibly strong. I've often wondered if the high altitude has something to do with it - at 8000 feet, are we really that much closer to the sun that it burns more fiercely? In any event, I have learned to be prepared when going outdoors. Though it is winter now in South America, it is still easy to get sunburned and dehydrated.

Be sure to bring a hat and sunscreen with you to Bolivia. Use them when you go outside. Drink lots of bottled water. Simple precautions will keep you healthy and happy.

House gifts

Natasha asked me today about what to bring as gifts for the families with which we will be staying. Good question. It is not obligatory to bring a gift, but it is a nice way to thank people in advance for their generosity in taking you into their home, and to start things off on the right foot. I don't know the details about your homestays, so I don't know, for example, if there will be children in the family. If you are really eager to know, you can contact Lee Cridland (info@volunteerbolivia.org) at Bolivia Cultura for more information.

Some appropriate gifts might include:

• hand towels or bath towels

• kitchen items

• books and magazines in English

• small hand tools

• toys for children (even if none live in the house, they will know people who can use them)

• baby clothes

• clothes for adults 

• other small items for use around the house

Generally speaking, I am not the best person to give advice on being nice. Your mom might have additional insights into this topic.

What to expect

When you first arrive in Santa Cruz, expect to be really tired but excited. You'll pass through customs, and be surprised at how easy it is (unless, of course, you're surprised by how difficult it is - one never knows). Everything will be different - the food, the money, the styles, the smells and sounds. You'll miss home but wouldn't want to miss a thing in Bolivia.

Someone will get sick on the first day in Bolivia. Don't let it be you. Wash your hands a lot. Don't drink the tap water. Don't brush your teeth with the tap water. Don't eat food that you buy on the street. Eat only in restaurants that you know are safe. Don't eat fruit or vegetables that have been washed in tap water.

When we arrive in Cochabamba, you may feel funny at first from the high altitude. It may be hard to sleep the first few nights. You may feel nauseous, especially if you drink alcohol.

You will feel uncomfortable speaking Spanish at first, if it is not your native language. Don't be shy - people have low expectations and will be happy with your attempts. Be polite to people and they will think the world of you. Shake hands with everyone upon joining or leaving a group of people. Say "provecho" or "gracias" when finishing a meal. Little things go a long way.

Do I contradict myself?

Very well then I contradict myself,

(I am large, I contain multitudes.)

---- Walt Whitman

"Song of Myself"