I’ve been in Santa Cruz for 10 days now. It’s been a very busy 10 days. Emergency response is work that involves long long hours and very little sleep! I’m fairly certain that I haven’t had a night of 8 hours of sleep since I’ve been here. Tonight is the night!! 8 hours, here I come!

I have been working as a member of the water and sanitation commission of the Departmental government. I am not supposed to be coordinating the group, but really I am. I have spent several days out in the field evaluating the water and sanitation situation of people who have been affected by the flooding. I have spent many many many hours in meetings. And other hours working on our strategy and trying to get things done.

I think, finally, that we may accomplish some response this week! I am excited about that. I can’t believe it has been this long and still nothing is really being done. There are a lot of people here who don’t seem to understand that there are people without food and shelter and adequate sanitation, living in make-shift camps on the road because that is the highest place in the community. There is also the problem of Carnaval. The whole city of Santa Cruz shuts down for 4 days. This makes it difficult to buy materials and supplies for use in the field! Everyone is on holiday! The emergency response department of the government gave the employees the day off tomorrow. How nice for them. However, as I said, we are making progress and that is what counts!

On to other more fun topics – Carnaval! I mentioned before that I wouldn’t be able to go to Oruro for Carnaval. But, there is a Carnaval in every city (Oruro is the best one). Carnaval in Santa Cruz has been going on since Friday. I managed to get out to see a bit of it last night for an hour or so! It was quite the experience. There is a parade that takes most of the day – it was still going on at 9pm! There are floats and bands and people dancing. Beer is for sale from coolers in the street, as well as food from vendors. There are tones of people walking around, watching the parade. It is also the custom to shoot each other with water and foam and paint! My t-shirt will never be the same….the paint is not water soluble! Oh well, it was worth it to see Carnaval! The same sort of stuff went on today, and apparently will go on tomorrow.

Well, must head to bed if I am going to get 8 hours – good night!!