Bolivia. It is a country that not many people have heard of, let alone gone to. To be able to say I have been there is really something that has changed my life.
The initial landing in La Paz was actually quite shocking, I found myself breathless and feeling quite faint, but after all, that was understandable as it is one of the highest cities in the world! When we landed in Santa Cruz I was so excited and the atmosphere between the group was electric, it seemed that all we had been through, three flights, three sleepless nights had not even affected the mood of the group, we all just wanted somewhere we could call our base, and a good nights sleep.
Throughout the next few days at Samitpatia, we had some very funny, and memorable shall we say, experiences. Going out for dinner every night was great, but also it was the first time we had been on such long walks. The hard work started here. Eight hours a day is something none of us were used to, but the one thing that I noticed while trekking in the boiling hot sun was the determination of everyone, all the leaders included. Everyone was just looking forward to the overwhelming feeling of satisfaction that would come once the mountain was climbed or the journey was complete.
When we were told we would have the opportunity to work in either a deaf school or an orphanage all our faces just lit up, you could see everyone was just appreciating what an opportunity that would be, it is something people dream of, and because of the prospect we had been given, it was possible. The children were as adorable as expected, they never seemed to stop smiling, and hopefully the three days we spent with them with provide them with a lot more colour in their lives, as we tried to paint the walls as colourful as possible.
Once the work had been done in the orphanage then the most demanding few days began. Takesi trail. Camping for 2 nights, no washing, just days of walking non-stop for sometimes 10 or 11 hours. It was not easy, but it made us realise what is taken for granted at home; toilets with seats!! Toilets that flush!! It was such hard work, setting up camp and cooking our own dinners in the freezing cold, being in bed by seven o clock!
Once that ordeal was over the “rest and relaxation” program began. We had been given a choice of either visiting the salt panes or Peru. The majority of the group chose Peru, including myself, and I am glad I did. For the first time in almost a month we were provided with HOT SHOWERS!!!! It was so amazing how something can be so overlooked in England, but yet so are rare in other countries. Machu Picchu was also, a once in a lifetime opportunity, I have seen a wonder of the world and I am only 16!
This is how our trip came to an end; the feelings of sadness of wondering what will happen to the group next, and the excitement of returning home.
Throughout the whole trip we had reflection times and masses, which made the trip become so much more real, they created a bond within the group, which was actually very emotional, to analyse how far we had come and close we have become, it was amazing. We are so privileged to live in a community that we do, and now I understand that concept. The group bonded faultlessly and are still very close, and I am sure we will be for a long time. It is something I will never forget and I recommend it to absolutely anyone. Thank you to those who gave me the chance to do this.