Cochabamba

Hola a todos!

After trying to board the wrong plane...twice...I finally made it to Cochabamba, Bolivia. The weather is very temperate: hot afternoons and cold nights. I am staying with the Daza family. They have 3 connected houses in a quiet part of town. Let me introduce you all to the family.

This is Janaina and Ramon, the parents.

Here is me with two of the kids, Carlos and Estefania.

Again Estefania and the middle child, Juan.

And here´s me in the room I´m staying in. I´ve got a sweet bedspread with Tinkerbell on it :)

The other day we took a tour of the home of one of the richest families in the world; in the top 10. They control all of the major gold mines here in Bolivia. Bolivia is well known for its high quality gold and silver. The house has an extensive garden, a pool, huge rooms and an outdoor theater. It was absolutely beautiful.

Contact Information

I have bought a prepaid cell phone to use in Cochabamba. Unfortunately it would cost a ridiculous amount to call all of my favorite people, but I will give you my number in case you need (or really really want) to talk with me. For a cheaper option download skype and look for Victoria McArdle.

Country code (591) - Cellular (60769688)

Houston

After packing up my house and saying goodbye to friends in Seattle, I flew down to Houston to stay with my good friend Ryan at the Cooksley residence. I love this house, second only to my own in Alaska, and they have the most comfortable guest bed. In case you´re thinking that I must have flown down there to enjoy the amenities of the guestroom, let me assure you it´s the people inside the house that made my visit so much fun. To say thanks to Ryan´s parents for putting up with me, we made them dinner Friday night. Spicy Italian sausage pasta!

The weather was actually fairly pleasant during my visit. We got to witness a couple thunder storms where we sat out on the patio and watched the lightning. On one of the hotter days, Ryan and I washed his car (now you know why I was invited to visit!).

Much physically strenuous activity was involved like a pilates class that killed our abs, tennis (thought I was going to die of heat stroke), and the hardest of all: soaking up the sun.

The night life is pretty fantastic in Houston, always things to do. Friday night was spent mostly at a winebar called Crush, were you could breath the open air while sipping (or gulping) wine. I would like to draw special attention to the gentleman on Ryan´s right, my new friend Jason, who makes the most hilariously awkward faces whenever a camera is around.

Saturday night we went clubbing at an extremely busy bar called the 8. When Ryan and I showed up there was a huge line all the way out the door and around the corner. We figured why not try to get in more quickly using the VIP line. Apparently we looked like we belonged with the ¨in" crowd :)

Welcome

Greetings Everyone!

I want to welcome you all to my personal blog, which will contain private information that you have been made privy to. What I´m saying is you´re special! If you want to know what I´m up to or view pictures of my trip as I traipse around the world, then be sure to read up on ¨Where in the world is Victoria?"

Cheers,
Victoria