UC Davis Blum Center for Developing Economies

In the field with Dr. Gutierrez September 3 I have both witnessed and experienced illness during this program. Being physically unwell while abroad is not an experience I would wish upon anyone. During the few days that I felt unwell was the time that I felt the most homesick. I wanted nothing more than to have my mom beside me at those times. While my bout with illness lasted only a few days, I have seen my fellow friends also struggle throughout the program. This really put my perspective of health into a new light. I came to Bolivia to offer a hand to the health care system, but it was really the caring health team that delivered me back to good health. It has made me incredibly more grateful for my good health. Furthermore, I am now more determined than ever to pursue this journey so that I am one day able to offer a return to good health to my patients. This effect is not one that will fade anytime soon. I will continue to foster this line of thinking throughout the process of bec...

La Muela de Diablo August 28 There are no shortages of wondrous sights to experience in La Paz. Since our arrival, we have wasted no time taking in as much as we could. From countless museums filled with hundreds to thousands of years of history, to ancient ruins that encapsulate the human ability, to scenic lakes with water clearer than anything I’ve seen, and to a fútbol stadium filled with thousands of energetic and passionate fans. Throughout all these experiences, I have been enjoying all that the city has to offer. I have always had a special fondness for the wonder that is the outdoors, which is why my personal favorite place that I have been to since arriving to this city has been a day hike to the Muela del Diablo (or the Devil’s Molar named after the shape of the rock seen from the north west). It truly is an iconic feature that adds greatly to the city. Only 13 bolivianos round trip, the journey was well worth it as a group of us traveled to the volcanic neck, the core of...

Blog Post 1 August 5 Arriving in La Paz has already provided me with so many amazing sights and encounters. My host family has welcomed me in with open arms and after a good deal of rest took me on a tour of the neighborhood (Montículo pictured below). The view from her apartment is mesmerizing (also included in the photographs). I definitely feel the eleven stories as I choose to take the stairs some days. The table depicts a small evening snack filled with conversations between the two of us, a much needed opportunity for me to practice the language. Beautiful view of the neighborhood View from my homestay’s apartment Witches’ Market I wasn’t sure what to expect in terms of my temporary home when I first arrived in La Paz. At 4 am, I wasn’t exactly in the best state to make a first impression on my host family. Since the first night, I’ve been blown away by the hospitality and warmth that I received by my host mom and her extended family. Señora Carola exte...