Day 91 - Desfile

El Desfile

Friday, the 23^rd of September, we had no school.  Instead we had a parade.  Schools all over Santa Cruz participate.  All the staff and seniors were a part of it.  To be honest, even after it is done, I am a little confused about the whole event.  But I am here to tell you everything about this year in Bolivia, so here goes.

We were school number 43 in the parade, so we were not required to meet until 10:30.  A group would be going from the school at that time.  I had a ton of papers to grade, lesson plans to finish, and a few things to copy for the upcoming week.  I arrived at school around 8:30, so I had two hours to get a little of the pile of work that needed completion.  At 10:30, ten of us piled into taxis and went to an area nearby.

By the time we arrived it was hot.  I doubt it was much more than 90, but after such a nice winter, that 90 felt like a scorching 100.  The tropical sun, when full force on your head is unbearably hot.  Here the normal thing would be to look for a shade tree, instead we had a parade.

When we arrived, we met others from our school and more arrived in the next minutes.  Almost immediately we were told number 41 is marching, so we need to line up.  Others said 44 is marching so we were late.  From my limited perspective, it was disorganized.

About five minutes after arriving, I found myself marching down the street.  Looking around at my group, I realized several teachers were missing and at least two of the seniors.  We passed by the viewing stand and suddenly it was over.  It lasted about five minutes total.

We took a few pictures in the hot sun and went our way.  For the seniors, this is one of their memorable events of their last year of school.  For old people like me, I was just a fat roasted pig!  I was ready to meet some friends and go to the mountains. 

Take a look at my recently published novel, The Spartan Sisters.  I would love you to read it.
Spartan Sisters