52 Bolivian Sundays – 3rdculturechildren

2013 in Review: Photo Project ’52 Bolivian Sundays’.

It first began with an inspiration from WordPress, a weekly ‘suggestion’ proposed to bloggers/photographers all around, a ‘weekly photo challenge’ idea. It soon morphed into a very personal photo project, where we’d share impressions, images, and ‘tastes’ of life in Bolivia, our home from August 2012 until next Summer. Now, before we begin next year, and start making plans for our future home, Brasilia, Brazil, I’d like to share the ‘results’ of this ‘blogging experience’, the Photo Project 52 Bolivian Sundays!

Clearly, if you pay attention [and count!] the number of links, you’ll be able to reach one not-so-perfect result: unfortunately, the full 52 weeks mark was not achieved… [insert a sad face here] Although, tried my best to accomplish it… Maybe 2014 will bring better luck and longer weeks for this around-the-clock mamma of 3, working inside and out of the house, and being a trophy wife to dear husband! 😮

Please find below the topics for each ‘weekly inspiration’, and follow the link to its original post, if you wish! ♥

Last Sunday of 2013: Ending the Year with “Joy”

“One” “Community” “Grand” “Eerie” “Horizon” “Hue” “Infinite” “Good Morning”

“Saturated” “From Lines to Patterns” “Inside” “Unusual Point of View” “Sea” “Focus” “Carefree”

“One Shot, Two Ways” “Foreshadow”

“Masterpiece” “Fresh”

“The Golden Hour” “Nostalgic”

“Companion” “World Through Your Eyes”

“Background and Foreground”

“Escape” “From Above” “Culture”

“Up and Down” “Change” “Color”

“A Day” “Future Tense” “Lunch Time” “My Neighborhood”

“Lost in the Details” “Forward” “Kiss”

“Home” “Unique” “Love” “Beyond”

“Illumination” “Resolved”

Photo Project “52 Bolivian Sundays” [‘Joy’], for the last Sunday of 2013!

Inspired by this week’s WordPress Photo Challenge, and finishing up with our personal year-long photo project, 52 Bolivian Sundays [feel free to visit link on the right for previous weeks!], a joyful interpretation [and super bias, ’cause, I do live for these little 3 kiddos, pictured here with a couple of their friends…] for this last Sunday of 2013′!

♥ EnJOY as you please, and thanks for stopping by! ♥ Happy New Year to All of Us!

Continue reading “Photo Project “52 Bolivian Sundays” [‘Joy’], for the last Sunday of 2013!”

Photo Project “52 Bolivian Sundays” [‘One’]

Inspired by this week’s WordPress Photo Challenge, and continuing with our personal photo project, 52 Bolivian Sundays [feel free to visit link on the right for previous weeks!], a humble interpretation of ‘One’…

♥ Enjoy as you please, and thanks for stopping by! ♥

Continue reading “Photo Project “52 Bolivian Sundays” [‘One’]”

Photo Project “52 Bolivian Sundays” [‘Community’]

Inspired by this week’s Wordpress Photo Challenge, and continuing with our personal photo project, 52 Bolivian Sundays [feel free to visit link on the right for previous weeks!], a humble interpretation of ‘Community’: reaching out to the Bolivian community through a common passion – soccer!

PS: I'm proudly married to the team's captain... :o Community Outreach while exercising his passion for soccer! — *PS: I’m proudly married to the team’s captain… 😮 Community Outreach while exercising his passion for soccer!*

♥ Enjoy as you please, and thanks for stopping by! ♥

Photo Project “52 Bolivian Sundays” [‘Grand’]

Largest freshwater lake in South America

touring the Yungas region... — touring the Yungas region…

♥ Enjoy as you please, and thanks for stopping by! ♥

Continue reading “Photo Project “52 Bolivian Sundays” [‘Grand’]”

A snapshot from mystic Copacabana: Photo Project “52 Bolivian Sundays” [week 44, ‘Eerie’]

“Something eerie has a story to tell — one you aren’t quite sure you want to know.” [The Daily Post]

My offer for this week’s photo challenge [Week 44… 2 more little months to go!], sharing bits and pieces of the Bolivian culture, through the 52 Bolivian Sundays Photo Project. Today, an interpretation of ‘eerie’, as we look at a snapshot of the religious, mystic and mysterious city of Copacabana. People worshiping along the altars hallway seem like ghosts in this scenario…

♥ Enjoy as you please, and thanks for stopping by! ♥

Continue reading “A snapshot from mystic Copacabana: Photo Project “52 Bolivian Sundays” [week 44, ‘Eerie’]”

Horizon: Where sky meets earth. Photo Project “52 Bolivian Sundays” [week 43].

Horizon. The space or line where the sky meets the earth.

“Horizon. The space or line where the sky meets the earth”. [from the Daily Post]

The city of La Paz, at night, seen from El Alto.

♥ Enjoy as you please, and thanks for stopping by! ♥

Continue reading “Horizon: Where sky meets earth. Photo Project “52 Bolivian Sundays” [week 43].”

Photo Project “52 Bolivian Sundays” [week 42, ‘a Hue of Color, from Tarija’]

This past week, our family took advantage of the children’s school break and flew out of La Paz, seeking warmer temperatures, good hiking, and a relaxing scenario. Tarija is famous for its warm weather and the colorful winery settings. More to come, as we get our photos organized in the ‘shoe box’. For now, a quick example of what we saw/experienced/enjoyed over there:

The orange shades displayed by the glasses filled with Singani drinks – one of Bolivia’s trademarks – seem to perfectly fit the bill for ‘a hue of me‘… a lovely combination of orange and wood tones…

♥ Enjoy as you please, and thanks for stopping by! ♥

Continue reading “Photo Project “52 Bolivian Sundays” [week 42, ‘a Hue of Color, from Tarija’]”

Photo Project “52 Bolivian Sundays” [week 41, ‘Infinite’]

“Infinity can produce contrasting effects on (and in) us: it might make us feel dwarfed or amplified, afraid or empowered.” [The Daily Post]

World’s Most Dangerous Road, Bolivia

My offer for this week’s photo challenge [Week 41… 11 more to go!], sharing bits and pieces of the Bolivian culture, through the 52 Bolivian Sundays Photo Project. today, an interpretation of ‘infinite’, as we look down into the Road of Death in Coroico [Yungas Region].

♥ Enjoy as you please, and thanks for stopping by! ♥

Continue reading “Photo Project “52 Bolivian Sundays” [week 41, ‘Infinite’]”

Photo Project “52 Bolivian Sundays” [week 40, ‘Good morning, Sunshine!’]

We all start our days in different ways: going for a run, hitting snooze 17 times, or watching the morning news, among many, many others. [from The Daily Post, Wordpress]. Why not start the day by greeting the Sunshine? 😮

My offer for this week’s photo challenge, sharing bits and pieces of the Bolivian culture, through the 52 Bolivian Sundays Photo Project: being greeted by a typical ‘Good Morning’ at work – yes, we’ve got a garden around the building! 😮

We all start our days in different ways: going for a run, hitting snooze 17 times, or watching the morning news, among many, many others. [from The Daily Post, WordPress].

Why not start the day by greeting the Sunshine?

My offer for this week’s photo challenge [Week 40 finally arrived… 12 more to go!], sharing bits and pieces of the Bolivian culture, through the 52 Bolivian Sundays Photo Project: being greeted by a typical ‘Good Morning’ – yes, we’ve got a garden! 😮

♥ Enjoy as you please, and thanks for stopping by! ♥

Continue reading “Photo Project “52 Bolivian Sundays” [week 40, ‘Good morning, Sunshine!’]”

Photo Project “52 Bolivian Sundays” [week 39, ‘Saturated’: the Quena Case].

The quena is a South American wind instrument, mostly used by Andean musicians

Saturated. With colors. My offer for this week’s photo challenge, still sharing bits and pieces of the Bolivian culture, through the 52 Bolivian Sundays Photo Project! 😮

This photo was taken during one of our recent hikes, just outside La Paz, through the Valle de La Luna unique geological formations. Flute players, Andean musicians usually come over and greets adventurers and pass-byers with their art… in more ways than one!

This beautiful wood case is commonly used to carry the Quena set, the traditional Andean flute. Note the unique wood work inside the case, all the colorful faces, carefully design to represent different Bolivian pueblos.

The quena is a South American wind instrument, mostly used by Andean musicians.

And here, a little bit of ‘cultural’ background… 😮

The quena (Quechua: qina, sometimes also written “kena” in English) is the traditional flute of the Andes. Traditionally made of bamboo or wood, it has 6 finger holes and one thumb hole, and is open on both ends or the bottom is half-closed (choked). To produce sound, the player closes the top end of the pipe with the flesh between his chin and lower lip, and blows a stream of air downward, along the axis of the pipe, over an elliptical notch cut into the end.

Quena is mostly used in traditional Andean music. In the 1960s and 1970s the quena was used by several Nueva Canción musicians, this use was in most cases for particular songs and not as a standard instrument but some groups such as Illapu have used it regularly. In the 1980s and 1990s some post-Nueva Canción rock groups have also incorporated the quena in some of their songs; notably Soda Stereo in Cuando Pase el Temblor and Los Enanitos Verdes in Lamento Boliviano. The quena is also relatively common in World music.

♥ Enjoy as you please, and thanks for stopping by! ♥

Photo Project “52 Bolivian Sundays” [week 38, ‘From Lines to Patterns’].

Today’s challenge is inspired by Evan Zelermyer‘s stunning urban, abstract, and architectural images from his “Shape, Line, Texture, Pattern” post published earlier this week. I’d love to see your interpretations of these elements, so grab your camera, get outside, and snap a great shot of shapes or lines that you stumble upon, or a cool texture or pattern that catches your eye.

lines and patterns

dressed in patterns

Lines and patterns through the traditional Andean Aguayo…

♥ Enjoy as you please, and thanks for stopping by! ♥

Photo Project ’52 Bolivian Sundays’ [week 37, ‘Inside’].

During a family day at their school, following the rules of the game: one would be safe if and when, inside the circle…

This photo shot capture not one little girl heading for ‘base’, but actually three having the same idea, at the very same time… ♥

https://twitter.com/3rdCultureChild/status/378715417399025665

https://twitter.com/3rdCultureChild/status/378128388226961408

♥ Enjoy as you please, and thanks for stopping by! ♥

Photo Project ’52 Bolivian Sundays’ [week 36, ‘Unusual Point of View’].

A traditional, hand-woven fabric made by Bolivian women artisans who use it to carry anything from their groceries to their children.

Each pattern is unique to the woman who has woven it.

Aguayo (cloth), a multicolored woolen cloth, part of the traditional dressing in the Andes region.

Texture and color, under an usual point of view…

♥ Enjoy as you please, and thanks for stopping by! ♥

Photo Project ’52 Bolivian Sundays’ [week 35, ‘Sea’]. Okay, no sea in Bolivia, but…

I totally understand the words ‘sea’ and ‘Bolivia’ do not got together in the same sentence!

For the ones who have forgotten a bit of their geography: no, the country of Bolivia do not have access to the ocean, it does not have a ‘sea view’ of it’s own… Not going into political details… some neighboring countries may have some justification to that… 😮 but for now,leaving politics completely out of any of my blogposts!

For this week photo series, I’m bringing in two possible options for the ‘Challenge Sea’.

Sunset by the lake Titicaca

fun by the boardwalk in Chile

I totally understand the words ‘sea’ and ‘Bolivia’ do not got together in the same sentence!

Sorry for that… ♥

For the ones who have forgotten a bit of their geography:

Unfortunately, the country of Bolivia do not have access to the ocean, it does not have a ‘sea view’ of it’s own…

Not going into political details…

Some neighboring countries may have some justification to that… 😮 but for now, leaving politics completely out of any of my blogposts!

For this week photo series, I’m bringing in two possible options for the ‘Challenge Sea‘.

The first one: Bolivia does have the largest fresh water lake in South America [woot,woot!]

Sunset by the lake Titicaca

The second option: the easiest way to get a unique ‘sea view’, on any given ‘Bolivian Sunday’ is to visit the neighboring Chile…. like our family did, some time this year!

fun by the boardwalk in Chile

Maybe, I’m cheating…(?) but I can’t go against geography, right? If there’s no sea, there’s no sea… ♥ Enjoy as you please, and thanks for stopping by! ♥

Continue reading “Photo Project ’52 Bolivian Sundays’ [week 35, ‘Sea’]. Okay, no sea in Bolivia, but…”

Photo Project ’52 Bolivian Sundays’ [week 34, ‘Focus’].

For this week photo series, I’m bringing in our view from the top of the Muela del Diablo [‘The Devil’s Molar’] mountain – result from a recent family hiking trip. If curious to see more unique images about this intriguing, challenging attempt, filled with endless beauty, come by later and click here! [Still working on the “Pictorial Journal”!] 😮

For this week photo series, I’m bringing in our view from the top of the Muela del Diablo [‘The Devil’s Molar‘] mountain – result from a recent family hiking trip. If curious to see more unique images about this intriguing, challenging attempt, filled with endless beauty, come by later and click here! [Still working on the “Pictorial Journal“!] 😮

For the second view, moving the point of interest a little – from the natural scenario, searching for the urbane: at the center, the city of La Paz, surrounded by the mountainous chain, and blessed by the lightest blue sky…

Enjoy as you please, and thanks for stopping by! ♥

Photo Project ’52 Bolivian Sundays’ [week 33, ‘Carefree’].

For this week photo series, decided to go with a very personal impression of ‘carefree’… kids definitely say it better than any grown-up would do! 😮

Enjoy as you please, and thanks for stopping by! ♥

For this week photo series, decided to go with a very personal impression of ‘carefree’… kids definitely say it better than any grown-up would do! 😮

Enjoy as you please, and thanks for stopping by! ♥

Photo Project ’52 Bolivian Sundays’ [week 32, ‘One Shot, Two Ways, the Kenua Tree’].

It’s higher than any other tree in the world. Polylepis woodland is a distinctive, high-elevation Andean forest habitat that occurs above cloud level (3,500-5,000 m) as patches of woody vegetation surrounded by paramo (e.g., Festuca species) or puna (e.g., Ichu species) grass and shrub (e.g., Baccharis species) communities. These high-altitude woodlands tend to be relicts of a once-widespread habitat and comprise mainly evergreen trees of the genusPolylepis (Rosaceae) which are highly drought tolerant. The trunk and branches are laminated with brown-reddish bark that peels off in paper-like sheets as a protection against extremely low temperatures, and often have mosses and lichens growing on them.

For this photo, decided to go with different angles to better showcase the unique and intriguing texture displayed by the tree.

It’s higher than any other tree in the world. Polylepis woodland is a distinctive, high-elevation Andean forest habitat that occurs above cloud level (3,500-5,000 m) as patches of woody vegetation surrounded by paramo (e.g., Festuca species) or puna (e.g., Ichu species) grass and shrub (e.g., Baccharis species) communities. These high-altitude woodlands tend to be relicts of a once-widespread habitat and comprise mainly evergreen trees of the genusPolylepis (Rosaceae) which are highly drought tolerant. The trunk and branches are laminated with brown-reddish bark that peels off in paper-like sheets as a protection against extremely low temperatures, and often have mosses and lichens growing on them.

The original/inspirational photo:

For this week photo series, decided to go with different angles to better showcase the unique and intriguing texture displayed by the tree.

Enjoy as you please, and thanks for stopping by! ♥

Weekly Photo Challenge: One Shot, Two Ways | Browsing The Atlas

Weekly Photo Challenge: One Shot, Two Ways | WryGrass
WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge: One Shot, Two Ways | unexpectedincommonhours
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Photo Project ’52 Bolivian Sundays’ [week 31, ‘Foreshadow’].

Warning drivers for what’s about to come… and cross… 😮

Enjoy as you please, and thanks for stopping by! ♥

Photo Project ’52 Bolivian Sundays’ [week 30, ‘Masterpiece’].

Nature’s masterpieces at their best expression… a few examples of unique works of art throughout the Bolivian country. Enjoy as you please, and thanks for stopping by! ♥

Moon Valley - "Valle de La Luna" — Moon Valley – “Valle de La Luna”

The urban peacefully co-existing with the natural

Nature’s masterpieces at their best expression… a few examples of unique works of art throughout the Bolivian country. Enjoy as you please, and thanks for stopping by! ♥

Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 29, ‘Fresh’].

Coroico, Bolivia

Family trip to the Isla del Sol, Copacabana.

Cotapata Park, Bolivia

Enjoy as you please, and thanks for stopping by! ♥

Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 28, ‘The Golden Hour’ – going back home].

Inspired by this week’s photo challenge, and continuing our travel project “52 Bolivian Sundays”, we’re cruising though week 28. For this week, a set of photo shots, departing the USA and getting back to our current home, Bolivia – all taking advantage of the intriguing light of the ‘golden hour’, the last hour of our last day. According to Cheri Lucas, from Wordpress, “The Golden Hour. In photography, the “golden hour” is the first and last hour of sunlight of the day. Photographers venture out on sunrise hikes or sunset treks to capture a magical shot, due to the quality of the light during that time of day.”

Inspired by this week’s photo challenge, and continuing our travel project “52 Bolivian Sundays”, we’re cruising though week 28. For this week, a set of photo shots, departing the USA and getting back to our current home, Bolivia – all taking advantage of the intriguing light of the ‘golden hour‘, the last hour of our last day; an overnight flight separating our family from the ‘goodbyes’ to dear friends and family in DC, to a warm ‘welcome back’ from our friends and colleagues in La Paz.

According to Cheri Lucas Rowlands, from WordPress, “In photography, the “golden hour” is the first and last hour of sunlight of the day. Photographers venture out on sunrise hikes or sunset treks to capture a magical shot, due to the quality of the light during that time of day.”

Enjoy as you please, and thanks for stopping by! ♥

And, since we’re talking about the last flight from this year’s R&R, here are a few shots from two little people taking advantage of the night flight opportunity – posing as flight captains before the take off! 😮

Find here , more impressions from other bloggers on “nostalgic”… Thank you all for sharing!

Weekly Photo Challenge – The Golden Hour (motherwifestudentworker.wordpress.com)
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Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 27, ‘Nostalgic’].

Inspired by this week’s photo challenge, and continuing our travel project “52 Bolivian Sundays”, we’re cruising though week 27, and this picture of my oldest daughters and her two BFFs in the hammock sent me back to a happy place down memory lane… growing up in Brazil, and having the luxury of hours spent swinging in hammocks…

Venue: Nor Yungas, Bolivia

Inspired by this week’s photo challenge, and continuing our travel project “52 Bolivian Sundays”, we’re cruising though week 27, and this picture of my oldest daughters and her two BFFs in the hammock, sent me back to a happy place down memory lane… growing up in Brazil, and having the luxury of hours spent swinging in hammocks…

Venue: Nor Yungas, Bolivia

Enjoy as you please, and thanks for stopping by! ♥

Find here, more impressions from other bloggers on “nostalgic”… Thank you all for sharing!

Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 26, ‘Companion’].

Venue: Nor Yungas, Bolivia

Weekend with friends at the Yungas Region

Inspired by this week’s photo challenge, and continuing our travel project “52 Bolivian Sundays”, we’re cruising though week 26, already back from a much deserved R&R with friends and family in the USA…

Leaving here the question: ‘what’s life without good companionship?’ 😮

Enjoy as you please, and thanks for stopping by! ♥

Find here, more impressions from other bloggers on “companionable”… Thank you all for sharing! ♥

Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 25, The Kallawaya Ceremony].

Inspired by last week’s photo challenge, and continuing our travel project “52 Bolivian Sundays”, this set of photos represent the begining of winter in Bolivia, and all the Celebrations associated with that.

The Kallawaya have been well known as traditional healers and medicine men for centuries, and come from the Cordillera Apolobamba near Charazani in the north of La Paz department.

The Kallawaya culture dates from the Pre-Inca period. It originated in the Charazani region (and surroundings of Curva, Chajaya, Inka, Chari, etc.), located in the northern part of the department of La Paz.

This practice is currently carried out itinerantly using plants, animals, minerals, etc., and is part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage recognized by UNESCO.

The Kallawaya speak Quechua, Aymara, Spanish and and their own language where kallawaya means “initiate“.

Their magical and medicinal lore is passed down from one generation to the next, and their therapies are based on rituals, ceremonies, massages, potions, etc., that are used in order to prevent, treat or cure physical or psychic ailments.

The kallawaya have a special Weltanschauung, so their psychotherapy works in three dimensions: symbolic, spiritual and animist. The latter awaits the return of the Ajayu (the soul or element that generates life).

Enjoy as you please, and thanks for stopping by! ♥ Original inspiration here ♥

Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 21, ‘Background and Foreground’].

Inspired by this week’s photo challenge, and continuing our travel project “52 Bolivian Sundays”, we’re cruising though week 21, the last one before our family goes back to the USA for a much well-deserved R&R… The chosen spot for our last weekend of May was the intriguing scenario of the Yungas, and these background and foreground images here bring out a bit of the unique beauty of the Cotapata Park. Enjoy as you please, and thanks for stopping by and riding with us! ♥

Inspired by this week’s photo challenge, and continuing our travel project “52 Bolivian Sundays”, we’re cruising though week 21, the last one before our family goes back to the USA for a much well-deserved R&R… The chosen spot for our last weekend of May was the intriguing scenario of the Yungas, and these background and foreground images here bring out a bit of the unique beauty of the Cotapata Park. Enjoy as you please, and thanks for stopping by and riding with us! ♥

Find here, more impressions from other bloggers on “In the Background”… Thank you all for sharing! ♥

From WordPress: “I’m looking forward to seeing you all but disappear into the moments you capture. – Pick”

Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 20, ‘Escape’ – Zip-Lining in the world’s most dangerous road].

According to Cheri Lucas, “Escape. Depending on your current mood and headspace, or time in your life, this word can evoke different emotions and conjure a variety of images.”. today, sharing images of a great escape… to the world’s most dangerous road! Join us! 😮

It’s the rainy season all over the city of Nuestra Señora of La Paz: a cold rain often comes at the end of the afternoon, letting us know the upcoming night will be even colder.

It’s time to get the fireplace going, pop in a movie for the kids, and why not, go over the recent photos taken during the a well-deserved experience with nature.

Escaping to the Yungas mountains, on a biking trip, cycling through the world’s most dangerous road, couldn’t be better sealed up than with a unique Zip Line adventure. Instead of going from tree to tree, why not go… from mountain to mountain? 😮

According to Cheri Lucas, the one providing inspiration for this week’s photo challenge: “Escape. Depending on your current mood and headspace, or time in your life, this word can evoke different emotions and conjure a variety of images”. Today, sharing images of a great escape… to the world’s most dangerous road! Join us! 😮

Go Zip-lining at the Yungas!

Definitely, one of the highlights of this month of May: Zip Lining with Gravity Bolivia! All are welcome to enjoy as much as the group did!

Find here, more impressions from other bloggers on “Escape”… Thank you all for sharing! ♥

Cycling the World’s Most Dangerous Road! (3rdculturechildren.com)
4 Most Dangerous Roads in the World (absolute-adventure.com)

Pattern: Colors of the Seasons in Bolivia.

I’d almost forgotten! Inspired by Wordpress Weekly Photo Challenge, this blog shares a ‘weekly taste of Bolivia’.

Without noticing, I jumped straight from week 18 [“from above”] to week 20 [“escape”]! Humm, am I trying to ‘escape’ from something? Don’t think so! And to prove that, here is the response for the 19th week of this year, inspired by “Pattern” – the colors of the Seasons in Bolivia, an ode to our 10th month in country [already? time really flies when you’re having fun!].

I’d almost forgotten! Inspired by WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge, this blog shares a ‘weekly taste of Bolivia‘.

Without noticing, I jumped straight from week 18 [“from above”] to week 20 [“escape”]! Humm, am I trying to ‘escape’ from something? Don’t think so! And to prove that, here is the response for the 19th week of this year, inspired by “Pattern” – the colors of the Seasons in Bolivia, an ode to our 10th month in country [already? time really flies when you’re having fun!].

Color Patterns of Fall:

Color Patterns of Winter:

Color Patterns of Summer:

Color Patterns of Spring:

Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 18, ‘From Above’].

Above us all, the peaceful skies over the city of Nuestra Señora of La Paz, turn into a magnificent and quasi-frightening scenario. Suddenly, the temperature changes and the clouds let us know that a powerful force of nature will bring down the showers. They might simply be hail or the heavy rain showers… one never knows what to expect… It’s the force of nature in action. It may last for a few minutes, and before one is ready for it, the sun will be shining again, above us all. It’s nature at its best performance…

Above us all, the peaceful skies over the city of Nuestra Señora of La Paz, turn into a magnificent and quasi-frightening scenario. Suddenly, the temperature changes and the clouds let us know that a powerful force of nature will bring down the showers. They might simply be hail or the heavy rain showers… one never knows what to expect… It’s the force of nature in action. It may last for a few minutes, and before one is ready for it, the sun will be shining again, above us all. It’s nature at its best performance…

The idea for this post is to try ‘inverting’ the perspective of the suggested theme. “From Above” inspired me to look for a different approach – the way the nature ‘perceive’ us, from above. Above us all, as the most powerful force…. Let’s see how it came out! 😮 Thank you all for visiting, and sharing your impressions! ♥

Find here, more impressions from other bloggers on “From Above”… Thank you all for sharing! ♥

Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 17, ‘Culture’ from other Countries in Bolivia]

The Diplomatic Ladies Association [Asociación de Damas Diplomáticas] in La Paz, Bolivia, organized a fair to showcase products and a little bit of the culture of the many countries who mark their presence in La Paz. Entrance fees were used as a fundraiser for charity projects throughout the capital. Here, a collection of snapshots of a few of these countries, including Panama, Japan, Great Britain, and, the United States…

Wish I wouldn’t be so caught up working at the booth, and gone around snapping more pictures from the beautiful German Embassador’s Residence! Maybe next time… next year, for sure! 😮

Diplomatic Corp present at the Diplomatic Ladies Event in La Paz {April 2013}.

Photo Credit: Periodico La Razón, La Paz, Bolivia

Wish I weren’t be so caught up working at the booth, and had the opportunity to go around snapping more pictures from the beautiful German Embassador’s Residence! Maybe next time… next year, for sure! 😮

Find here, more impressions from other bloggers on “Culture”… Thank you all for sharing! ♥

In the meantime, what else has our ‘home diplomatic corp’ been up to? Take a look at this beautiful initiative: https://3rdculturechildren.com/2013/04/25/la-paz-runs-for-boston/

Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 16, ‘Up & Down’ in Viña del Mar, Chile]

The most popular beach resort in Chile, Viña del Mar is within reach of both Santiago and Valparaiso. Viña teems with tourists during peak months December, January and February, despite Antarctic currents that make swimming a formidable prospect. Renaca is the hippest spot to sink onto the sands – and the ‘chosen spot’ for our son’s ‘acrobatic performances’… 😮

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The most popular beach resort in Chile, and an easy flight-and-drive from our house in La Paz, Viña del Mar is within reach of both Santiago and Valparaiso. Viña teems with tourists during peak months December, January and February, despite Antarctic currents that make swimming a formidable prospect. Our family went there during Spring/School Break [why not?] Renaca Beach is the hippest spot to sink onto the sands – and the ‘chosen spot’ for our oldest kids’ [7 & 5 yrs] ‘acrobatic performances‘… Our 2-year-old daughter is still too shy [and her parents, too cautious!] to give it a try! 😮

“Viña del Mar, is a city and commune on central Chile’s Pacific coast. Its long stretches of white sandy beaches are a major attraction for national and international tourists”, from Wikipedia.

Find here, more impressions from other bloggers on “Up”… Thank you all for sharing! ♥

Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 15, ‘Change (in numbers)’]

Innovation. Technology. CHANGE. Using social media tools to change the way the world is perceived. In this case, celebrating the landmark of having 100,000 friends on the Facebook page of the U.S. Embassy in Bolivia [text extracted & adapted from the US Embassy Bolivia Website, link here] – simultaneously welcoming guests in the five different cities in Bolivia, through webchat technology. Changing the way celebrations are done… 😮

Innovation. Technology. CHANGE.

Using social media tools to change the way the world is perceived. In this case, celebrating the landmark of having 100,000 friends on the Facebook page of the U.S. Embassy in Bolivia [text extracted & adapted from the US Embassy Bolivia Website, link here] – simultaneously welcoming guests in the five different cities in Bolivia, through webchat technology. Hope on over to their fan page for images from guests in all 5 cities… Number of fans are changing every day… Changing now the way celebrations are done. 😮

Photo is current Profile Cover of Facebook Fan Page for the Embajada de Estados Unidos en Bolivia – https://www.facebook.com/usdos.bolivia

Find here, more impressions from other bloggers on “Change”… Thank you all for sharing! ♥

Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 14, ‘Color’]

Just mentioned [on a previous post] our recent trip to Chile, during the Easter break, taking advantage of the short and pleasant flights to Santiago. As part of our personal photo project called 52 Bolivian Sundays, inspired by the Wordpress Weekly Photo Challenge, now it’s time to share colorful images, from recent visit to Viña del Mar, Valparaiso and the Concha y Toro Winery, located in Pirque, a few of the many scenarios spotted during our family trip to Chile. Find here, more impressions from other bloggers… Thank you all for sharing! ♥

Just mentioned [on a previous post] our recent trip to Chile, during the Easter break, taking advantage of the short and pleasant flights to Santiago. As part of our personal photo project called 52 Bolivian Sundays, inspired by the WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge, now it’s time to share colorful images, from recent visit to Viña del Mar, Valparaiso and the Concha y Toro Winery, located in Pirque, a few of the many scenarios spotted during our family trip to Chile.

Find here, more impressions from other bloggers… Thank you all for sharing! ♥

GREEN AND DELICIOUS BURGUNDY! 😮

ALL BURGUNDY… AND EXQUISITE! 😮

THE COLORS OF HAPPINESS & FRIENDSHIP!

Classic Travel Family Photo: everyone exhausted, but happy! 😮

city mural

kids just being kids!

Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 13, ‘A day in Valparaiso, Chile’]

Just mentioned [on a previous post] our recent trip to Chile, during the Easter break, taking advantage of the short and pleasant flights to Santiago. As part of our personal photo project called 52 Bolivian Sundays, inspired by the Wordpress Weekly Photo Challenge, now it’s time to share a day in Chile’s main port and known for its bohemian, artistic vibe and lovely vistas. I’m talking about the famous city of Valparaiso, only 70 miles northwest of capital Santiago. Its UNESCO-designated historic downtown offers charming colonial architecture, great seafood restaurants, markets and stores were our family’s chosen spot for enjoying the last Friday of March.

Classic Travel Family Photo: everyone exhausted, but happy! 😮

kids just being kids!

family going up on the Ascensor Concepcion

city mural

A quick stop to eat, before the walking and sightseeing continue! 😮

boardwalk

hotel, by the boardwalk

Paseo Mirador

city mural

Entrance to the Ascensor

overview of the city

Colorful Valparaiso

Detail from downtown Valparaiso

Just mentioned [on a previous post] our recent trip to Chile, during the Easter break, taking advantage of the short and pleasant flights to Santiago. As part of our personal photo project called 52 Bolivian Sundays, inspired by the WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge, now it’s time to share a day in Chile’s main port and known for its bohemian, artistic vibe and lovely vistas. I’m talking about the famous city of Valparaiso, only 70 miles northwest of capital Santiago. Its UNESCO-designated historic downtown offers charming colonial architecture, great seafood restaurants, markets and stores were our family’s chosen spot for enjoying the last Friday of March.

Sharing here, impressions and snapshots of a day well spent with our family of 5 and dear friends from our time in Africa, now, adjusted expats in Santiago. Find here, more impressions from other bloggers… Thank you all for sharing! ♥

52 Bolivian Sundays [week 8, ‘Forward’]. (3rdculturechildren.com)
52 Bolivian Sundays [week 9, ‘Lost in the Details’]. (3rdculturechildren.com)
Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 10, ‘My Neighborhood’]. (3rdculturechildren.com)

Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 2, ‘Illumination’]. (3rdculturechildren.com)
Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 5, ‘Unique’]: the highest mountain in the Cordillera Real. (3rdculturechildren.com)
Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 3, ‘Beyond’] (3rdculturechildren.com)
52 Bolivian Sundays [week 7, ‘Kiss’]. (3rdculturechildren.com)
Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 4, ‘Love’]. (3rdculturechildren.com)
Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 1, ‘Resolved’]. (3rdculturechildren.com)
Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 6, ‘Home’]. (3rdculturechildren.com)

Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 12, ‘Future Tense’]

Continuing with my very personal Photo Project throughout this year, called 52 Bolivian Sundays, always inspired by the Wordpress Weekly Photo Challenge, travels recently took our family of 5 to the beautiful city of Santiago, capital of Chile, a neighboring country. We had the opportunity to enjoy day trips throughout the city and its surroundings, like the famous winery of Concha y Toro, the beach, the cosmopolitan Viña del Mar, and the exquisite Valparaiso. More posts to come, with unique images of our travels in Chile, but for now, will share an image that represents ‘future tense’, taken at the Plaza de Armas, in Santiago.

Continuing with my very personal Photo Project throughout this year, called 52 Bolivian Sundays, always inspired by the WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge, travels recently took our family of 5 to the beautiful city of Santiago, capital of Chile, a neighboring country. We had the opportunity to enjoy day trips throughout the city and its surroundings, like the famous winery of Concha y Toro, the beach, the cosmopolitan Viña del Mar, and the exquisite Valparaiso. More posts to come, with unique images of our travels in Chile, but for now, will share an image that represents ‘future tense’, taken at the Plaza de Armas, in Santiago.

So many impressions on the future to look forward to… what is out there for many of us? Find here, more impressions from other bloggers… Thank you all for sharing! ♥

52 Bolivian Sundays [week 8, ‘Forward’]. (3rdculturechildren.com)
52 Bolivian Sundays [week 9, ‘Lost in the Details’]. (3rdculturechildren.com)
Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 10, ‘My Neighborhood’]. (3rdculturechildren.com)

Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 2, ‘Illumination’]. (3rdculturechildren.com)
Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 5, ‘Unique’]: the highest mountain in the Cordillera Real. (3rdculturechildren.com)
Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 3, ‘Beyond’] (3rdculturechildren.com)
52 Bolivian Sundays [week 7, ‘Kiss’]. (3rdculturechildren.com)
Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 4, ‘Love’]. (3rdculturechildren.com)
Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 1, ‘Resolved’]. (3rdculturechildren.com)
Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 6, ‘Home’]. (3rdculturechildren.com)

Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 11, ‘Lunchtime’]

Chocolate Kahlua Mousse & Vanilla Bailey's Mousse... pairing the Irish with the Mexican! — Chocolate Kahlua Mousse & Vanilla Bailey’s Mousse… pairing the Irish with the Mexican!

Continuing with my very personal Photo Project throughout this year, called 52 Bolivian Sundays, sharing images that represent this beautiful country, its traditions, cultural events and neat places/things to do.
For this week, pairing with the Daily Post inspiration, “Lunchtime“, we will ‘share’ a few images from our Sunday luncheon with a couple of friends and their children…

A heathy option: colorful & delicious fruit bowl

Too cold outside? Let’s enjoy dessert inside, by the fireplace!

An all-time winner: chocolate pudding!

Mexican-style chips

As part of the menu, New Mexican stacked Enchiladas, Spanish Rice, Beans, Pico de Gallo, Flautas – all accompanied by Paloma cocktails and an intriguing set of desserts- Fruit Bowl, Chocolate & Kahlua Mousse, and since it’s also Saint Patrick’s Day, why not bring out a new family favorite – Vanilla Baileys Mousse – “pairing the Irish with the Mexican” ♥… What if it starts getting too cold outside? Simply head back inside to enjoy dessert and coffee by the fireplace… All, in a very special Bolivian-style! 😮

Throw impromptu ‘theme lunches’

So many details to look forward to! Find here, more impressions from other bloggers… Thank you all for sharing! ♥

52 Bolivian Sundays [week 8, ‘Forward’]. (3rdculturechildren.com)
52 Bolivian Sundays [week 9, ‘Lost in the Details’]. (3rdculturechildren.com)
Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 10, ‘My Neighborhood’]. (3rdculturechildren.com)

Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 2, ‘Illumination’]. (3rdculturechildren.com)
Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 5, ‘Unique’]: the highest mountain in the Cordillera Real. (3rdculturechildren.com)
Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 3, ‘Beyond’] (3rdculturechildren.com)
52 Bolivian Sundays [week 7, ‘Kiss’]. (3rdculturechildren.com)
Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 4, ‘Love’]. (3rdculturechildren.com)
Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 1, ‘Resolved’]. (3rdculturechildren.com)
Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 6, ‘Home’]. (3rdculturechildren.com)

Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 10, ‘My Neighborhood’].

Continuing with my very personal Photo Project throughout this year, called 52 Bolivian Sundays, sharing images that represent this beautiful country, its traditions, cultural events and neat places/things to do. For this week, pairing with the Daily Post inspiration, “My Neighborhood”, through a few images that are so very familiar to us, and yet, a surprise every single day, due to the unpredictable weather, so characteristic to the city of La Paz…

So many details to look forward to! Find here, more impressions from other bloggers… Thank you all for sharing! ♥

For this week, pairing with the Daily Post inspiration, “My Neighborhood“, we will ‘stroll’ through a few images that are so very familiar to us, and yet, a surprise every single day, due to the unpredictable weather, so characteristic to the city of La Paz, the place we’ll be calling ‘home’ for the next year and a half…

Our morning greeting… the nostalgic design of the streets, the contrast between the cobblestones and the always green foliage covering the house walls…

And what we spot when looking up to the sky: the ‘chaotic and intricate’ arrange displayed by the electric cables, against the peaceful tree covers and the white clouds…

What about different views from a popular playground? Trying to show the intriguing ways a child would perceive its surroundings… the metal structures, the reddish mountains in the background, the memories of our childhood brought by the set of swings, and the majestic palm trees…

A walk towards the kids school leads to a nice quaint restaurant, with an inviting outdoors patio…

And finally, a roof top, like many around our neighborhood, after one of the many 15-minutes hail showers, leaving the tiles covered with tiny pieces of ice… Don’t like the weather? Just wait a few minutes, and a new scenario will arrive at your ‘Paceña‘ neighborhood… 😮

So many details to look forward to! Find here, more impressions from other bloggers… Thank you all for sharing! ♥

52 Bolivian Sundays [week 8, ‘Forward’]. (3rdculturechildren.com)
52 Bolivian Sundays [week 9, ‘Lost in the Details’]. (3rdculturechildren.com)

Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 2, ‘Illumination’]. (3rdculturechildren.com)
Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 5, ‘Unique’]: the highest mountain in the Cordillera Real. (3rdculturechildren.com)
Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 3, ‘Beyond’] (3rdculturechildren.com)
52 Bolivian Sundays [week 7, ‘Kiss’]. (3rdculturechildren.com)
Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 4, ‘Love’]. (3rdculturechildren.com)
Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 1, ‘Resolved’]. (3rdculturechildren.com)
Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 6, ‘Home’]. (3rdculturechildren.com)

Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 9, ‘Lost in the Details’].

Continuing with my very personal Photo Project throughout this year, titled 52 Bolivian Sundays, sharing images that represent this beautiful country, its traditions, cultural events and neat places/things to do. For this week, pairing with the Daily Post inspiration, “Lost in the Details”, brings images from our recent visit to Mallasa, and a day very well spent with friends from La Paz and from Washington, DC, at the Oberland Hotel Complex, a taste of Switzerland in Bolivia. In order to get there, one of the requirements is to appreciate the fascinating mountains from the Valle de La Luna [The Moon Valley]… The mineral content of the mountains varies greatly between individual rock formations. As a result, the sides of the mountains are different colors, creating very striking optical illusions. A majority of them are a clear beige or light brown color. There are also areas that are almost red, with sections of dark violet.

Moon Valley – “Valle de La Luna”

Above, details from the drive up to the Hotel Complex, through the Valle de La Luna mountains.

Continuing with my very personal Photo Project throughout this year, called 52 Bolivian Sundays, sharing images that represent this beautiful country, its traditions, cultural events and neat places/things to do. For this week, pairing with the Daily Post inspiration, “Lost in the Details“, brings images from our recent visit to Mallasa, and a day very well spent with friends from La Paz and from Washington, DC, at the Oberland Hotel Complex, a taste of Switzerland in Bolivia. In order to get there, one of the requirements is to appreciate the fascinating mountains from the Valle de La Luna [The Moon Valley]… The mineral content of the mountains varies greatly between individual rock formations. As a result, the sides of the mountains are different colors, creating very striking optical illusions. A majority of them are a clear beige or light brown color. There are also areas that are almost red, with sections of dark violet.

And here, a few more ‘detailed impressions’ from a great reward! 😮

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

So many details to look forward to! Find here, more impressions from other bloggers… Thank you all for sharing! ♥

52 Bolivian Sundays [week 8, ‘Forward’]. (3rdculturechildren.com)

Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 2, ‘Illumination’]. (3rdculturechildren.com)
Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 5, ‘Unique’]: the highest mountain in the Cordillera Real. (3rdculturechildren.com)
Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 3, ‘Beyond’] (3rdculturechildren.com)
52 Bolivian Sundays [week 7, ‘Kiss’]. (3rdculturechildren.com)
Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 4, ‘Love’]. (3rdculturechildren.com)
Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 1, ‘Resolved’]. (3rdculturechildren.com)
Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 6, ‘Home’]. (3rdculturechildren.com)

Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 8, ‘Forward’].

Find here, more impressions from other bloggers… their special understanding of “Forward”: Thank you all for sharing! ♥

Continuing with my very personal Photo Project throughout this year, titled 52 Bolivian Sundays, sharing images that represent this beautiful country, its traditions, cultural events and neat places/things to do.

For this week, pairing with the Daily Post inspiration, “Forward“, a great place to spend some good quality time with friends, the Bowling Alley in La Paz: “Rock’n Bowl” – our chosen spot for the last Saturday of February! 😮 Hitting it forward!!!

Find here, more impressions from other bloggers… Thank you all for sharing! ♥

Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 2, ‘Illumination’]. (3rdculturechildren.com)
Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 5, ‘Unique’]: the highest mountain in the Cordillera Real. (3rdculturechildren.com)
Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 3, ‘Beyond’] (3rdculturechildren.com)
52 Bolivian Sundays [week 7, ‘Kiss’]. (3rdculturechildren.com)
Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 4, ‘Love’]. (3rdculturechildren.com)
Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 1, ‘Resolved’]. (3rdculturechildren.com)
Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 6, ‘Home’]. (3rdculturechildren.com)

Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 7, ‘Kiss’].

Here her big brother welcoming his Valentine’s Day sister, with a kiss, a perfect fit for this week’s theme. She’s not a baby anymore… better to say, she’s a young lady… a ‘señorita’… 😮

We’re pleased, lucky and grateful for all the experiences we’ve been through, and we’re grateful for having had this intense, warm, active and loving girl into our lives for the past five years… Half a decade ago, husband and I received the best gift one could ever expect for Valentine’s Day: the birth of a baby girl! ♥

Being born in South Africa

Here, the big brother welcoming his Valentine’s Day sister, with a kiss, a perfect fit for this week’s theme. She’s not a baby anymore… better to say, she’s a young lady… a ‘señorita’… 😮

Find here, some lovely impressions from other bloggers… their special understanding of “KISS”: Thank you all for sharing! ♥

Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 6, ‘Home’].

Home is anywhere where one is able to share the joy of being alive, being its own person… Home is where we share, where we teach in exchange of learning… home is where we feel safe, surrounded by trustworthy friends… Home is the place where we share love…for a nomad like myself, trying to answer the question: “where is home” has a very unique response, because it’s a challenge to define ‘home’ for ‘serial expats’… Very personally, home is the place I feel free to be myself, and share all my passions! 😮

The ‘photographers’… 😮

Go on a boat trip along the waters of Lake Titicaca

Join a ‘greening initiative’ for a weekend of activities

For this week’s photo challenge, we’re all trying to answer the question: ‘What is home?’ Some amazing bloggers have already done it!

What about you? ♥

Home is anywhere where one is able to share the joy of being alive, being its own person… Home is where we share, where we teach in exchange of learning… home is where we feel safe, surrounded by trustworthy friends… Home is the place where we share love…for a nomad like myself, trying to answer the question: “where is home” has a very unique response, because it’s a challenge to define ‘home’ for ‘serial expats’… Very personally, home is the place I feel free to be myself, and share all my passions! 😮

Previous Posts from the Project “52 Bolivian Sundays”: 😮

Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 5, ‘Unique’]: the highest mountain in the Cordillera Real.

At 6,438 m (21,122 ft), mount Illimani is the highest mountain in the Cordillera Real, the second highest in Bolivia and the 18th highest in the Andes.
It lies just south of La Paz at the eastern edge of the Altiplano.
It dominates the city of La Paz like a sentinel on guard.
It has three prominent peaks seen from La Paz (it actually has several peaks over 6000 meters) and the most commonly climbed route is on the west face.
To climb this mountain one should have some experience and be very well acclimatized. It’s recommended to spend at least 7 days above 3000 meters and work on some high altitude trekking or climbed another 5500 meter plus peak.
Here, the magnificent peak, waiting for a storm to come… Despite the frightful image, the mountain remains peaceful among the dark clouds…

At 6,438 m (21,122 ft), mount Illimani is the highest mountain in the Cordillera Real, the second highest in Bolivia and the 18th highest in the Andes.

It lies just south of La Paz at the eastern edge of the Altiplano, dominating the city of La Paz like a sentinel on guard.

It has three prominent peaks seen from La Paz (it actually has several peaks over 6000 meters) and the most commonly climbed route is on the west face. To climb this mountain one should have some experience and be very well acclimatized. It’s recommended to spend at least 7 days above 3000 meters and work on some high altitude trekking, before any attempt!

Here, this series of images display the snow capped magnificent peak, waiting for a storm to come…a very common scenario during this time of the year… Despite the frightful image, the mountain remains peaceful among the dark clouds…

…and after the storm has passed – the calming view of the mountain, once we’re safely back home, in La Paz!

♥ Thanks for reading! Curious about the previous posts on this Photo Project?

Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 2, ‘Illumination’]. (3rdculturechildren.com)
Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 3, ‘Beyond’] (3rdculturechildren.com)
Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 1, ‘Resolved’]. (3rdculturechildren.com)
Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 4, ‘Love’]. (3rdculturechildren.com)

Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 4, ‘Love’].

A traditional expression of love, for something bigger than oneself…

Religion, devotion, faith, Love – many names for the several different ways of approaching what’s believed to be a stronger, powerful protective force… People seeking blessings, seeking help, seeking guidance…

Cerro Calvario (Calvary Hill) is a hill in Copacabana lined with small monuments representing the 14 Stations of the Cross. Pilgrims visit the Stations for prayer and penance. Thousands of pilgrims journey to Copacabana – some on foot for the entire 158km distance from La Paz, and it’s the chosen inspiration for the fourth week of this 52-week Photo Project, and the last Sunday of January 2013.

At the summit of Cerro Calvario, pilgrims light incense and buy mini replicas of various material possessions that they hope the Virgin will grant them during the year.

The Virgen de la Candelaria in Copacabana is a statue of the Virgin Mary sculpted by an Inca craftsman in 1576. Believed to work miracles, the statue of the “Dark Virgin of the Lake” is the most important pilgrimage destination in Bolivia.

According to a local legend, in 1576, some Inca fishermen were caught in a terrible storm on Lake Titicaca. As they prayed for help, the Virgin Mary appeared and led them to safety.

A traditional expression of love, for something bigger than oneself…

For this week’s photo challenge, we’re all trying to answer the question: ‘What is love?’ Some amazing bloggers have already done it! What about you? ♥

Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 2, ‘Illumination’]. (3rdculturechildren.com)
Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 3, ‘Beyond’] (3rdculturechildren.com)
Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 1, ‘Resolved’]. (3rdculturechildren.com)

Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 3, ‘Beyond’]

Do you have a photo which invites the viewer to look beyond? Are there hidden depths in the background? Is the focal point just a framing for the rest of the picture? If it’s not clear why we should look beyond, tell us! Lead us through the story in your photo.

With at least a post a week for 2013, which I’m calling “52 Bolivian Sundays”, I keep moving forward with the plan to share my [photo] impressions about our surroundings, the culture we’re currently calling ‘ours’, the place we’ll call home for the next year and a half…

Today, for the third Sunday of 2013, I’m sharing one of photo I snapped during a recent visit to a local Art Exhibit in town. The photo responds to the weekly photo challenge, “Beyond“, trying to answer to: “Do you have a photo which invites the viewer to look beyond?”

Leading the readers through the story in the photo. What do YOU SEE BEYOND the picture? 😮

This is s very powerful picture, an oil painting, part of this months current Art Exhibit at the Museo de Arte Contemporaneo ‘Plaza’, in La Paz [more images from my visit to the museum to come later this week, after we return from our family escape to the Lake Titicaca!].

The image has many possible meanings/interpretations, although I believe there’s not doubt about its powerful impact/reaction… The picture portraits the image of a kid, maybe in despair? And, at the same time you find yourself looking at the helpless face of this boy, you discover the image is being ‘ripped off’ from its reality, which brings us to the questions:

‘Is it all real?‘ ‘Is all the pain portrait here, simply an illusion?’ Is the image a symbol of a lost childhood?’

What about you? What are you seeing beyond the painted image? ♥

Original posts from Photo Project:

Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 1, ‘Resolved’]. (3rdculturechildren.com)
Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 2, ‘Illumination’]. (3rdculturechildren.com)

Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 2, ‘Illumination’]

Today, for the second Sunday of 2013, the chosen photo is inspired by the weekly photo challenge, “Illumination”, and is a little remembrance of the way the city of Nuestra Señora de La Paz greeted the New Year of 2013… Illumination brings rebirth, reinvention.

“Lights are functional — everyday objects in our rooms and on our streets. Yet lights can be powerful symbols: signs of life, curiosity, and discovery…”

Today, for the second Sunday of 2013, the chosen photo is inspired by the weekly photo challenge, “Illumination“, and is a little remembrance of the way the city of Nuestra Señora de La Paz greeted the New Year of 2013… Illumination brings rebirth, reinvention, rejoice!

“Lights are functional — everyday objects in our rooms and on our streets. Yet lights can be powerful symbols: signs of life, curiosity, and discovery…”

Original post from Photo Project:

Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 1, ‘Resolved’]. (3rdculturechildren.com)

Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays [week 1, ‘Resolved’].

Well, this is the time to come up with New Year Resolutions. I’m no different than many others, and since once of my resolutions is to get better at photoblogging, I’ve resolved to do something.

Just created a project for 2013, which I’m calling ’52 Bolivian Sundays’. And why? Well, it’s a simple way to share my visual impressions about my surroundings, throughout this year… and considering our family still has a year and half here, it’s safe to bet on the 52 weeks.Today, the first Sunday of 2013, the opening photo is inspired by the weekly photo challenged, “Resolved”.

52 images of natural landscapes, people, culture, food, tradition, daily life, social events, artistic expressions… you name it! But each and every one of them need to represent the place we’re now calling home, the beautiful country of Bolivia! ♥

My first resolution for the year: getting out and exploring the country. We haven’t done a lot of traveling in these past 5 months here, but now it’s time to explore… and find out what’s hiding behind these mountains…

Well, this is the time to come up with New Year Resolutions. I’m no different than many others, and since once of my resolutions is to get better at photoblogging, I’ve resolved to do something.

My resolution? Trying to blog better, more consistently… this year, I’ll see if I can abide by a weekly schedule… with at least a post a week for 2013, which I’m calling “52 Bolivian Sundays”, my plan to share my [photo] impressions about our surroundings, the culture we’re currently calling ‘ours’, the place we’ll call home for the next year and a half… Hopefully, I’ll stick to the plan, and have a photo post out every Sunday… 52 images of natural landscapes, people, culture, food, tradition, daily life, social events, artistic expressions… you name it! But each and every one of them need to represent the place we’re now calling home, the beautiful country of Bolivia! ♥

Today, the first Sunday of 2013, the opening photo is inspired by the weekly photo challenge, “Resolved“. My first resolution for the year: getting out [more] and exploring the country. We haven’t done a lot of traveling in these past 5 months here, but now it’s time to explore… and find out what’s hiding behind these mountains… or, what lies beyond these clouds… 😮

Weekly Photo Challenge: Resolved (hawth.me)
Weekly Photo Challenge: Resolved (kncali.wordpress.com)
Weekly Photo Challenge: Resolved (Organ Player Paris) (chrisbreebaart.wordpress.com)
Weekly Photo Challenge: Resolved (scsurfbutler.com)
Weekly Photo Challenge: Resolved (windagainstcurrent.com)
Weekly Photo Challenge: Resolved (pilotfishblog.com)
Weekly Photo Challenge: Resolved (artistoftheeveryday.wordpress.com)
New post Weekly Photo Challenge: Resolved (thebeltanedaily.wordpress.com)
Weekly Photo Challenge: Resolved (thepanamaadventure.wordpress.com)
Weekly Photo Challenge: Resolved (myblogexactly.wordpress.com)

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During a family day at their school, following the rules of the game: one would be safe if and when, inside the circle…

This photo shot capture not one little girl heading for ‘base’, but actually three having the same idea, at the very same time… ♥

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A traditional, hand-woven fabric made by Bolivian women artisans who use it to carry anything from their groceries to their children.

Each pattern is unique to the woman who has woven it.

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Coroico, Bolivia Family trip to the Isla del Sol, Copacabana. Cotapata Park, Bolivia

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According to Cheri Lucas Rowlands, from WordPress, “In photography, the “golden hour” is the first and last hour of sunlight of the day. Photographers venture out on sunrise hikes or sunset treks to capture a magical shot, due to the quality of the light during that time of day.”

Enjoy as you please, and thanks for stopping by! ♥

Find here, more impressions from other bloggers on “nostalgic”… Thank you all for sharing!

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Venue: Nor Yungas, Bolivia

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Venue: Nor Yungas, Bolivia

Inspired by this week’s photo challenge, and continuing our travel project “52 Bolivian Sundays”, we’re cruising though week 26, already back from a much deserved R&R with friends and family in the USA…

Leaving here the question: ‘what’s life without good companionship?’ 😮

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It’s the rainy season all over the city of Nuestra Señora of La Paz: a cold rain often comes at the end of the afternoon, letting us know the upcoming night will be even colder.

It’s time to get the fireplace going, pop in a movie for the kids, and why not, go over the recent photos taken during the a well-deserved experience with nature.

Escaping to the Yungas mountains, on a biking trip, cycling through the world’s most dangerous road, couldn’t be better sealed up than with a unique Zip Line adventure. Instead of going from tree to tree, why not go… from mountain to mountain? 😮

Definitely, one of the highlights of this month of May: Zip Lining with Gravity Bolivia! All are welcome to enjoy as much as the group did!

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I’d almost forgotten! Inspired by WordPress Weekly Photo Challenge, this blog shares a ‘weekly taste of Bolivia‘.

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Coroico, Bolivia

Family trip to the Isla del Sol, Copacabana.

Cotapata Park, Bolivia

Find here , more impressions from other bloggers on “nostalgic”… Thank you all for sharing!