Arriving in Bolivia, my first impressions were: “What landscape and density”, “wow it’s exotic”. But when I put a foot in Riberalta, I lost all my bearings.
Indeed, Riberalta is a city very different and exotic from what I know. It was the first time I had traveled so far, and the shock was immediate, I wondered what I was doing here. Yes, it’s true. On the one hand, that’s what I was looking for, a total immersion in the Amazon, the discovery of a new world andFinally, there isn‘t only work and immersion in the family, indeed, the discovery of the city was a stage. Riberalta is a peaceful, quiet city where the days are punctuated by the rays of the sun and the music that can be heard in the street. I like this spirit of conviviality, and thanks to that, I feel good in this city and safe, it is important. In addition, here the food is excellent, real dishes are waiting for you. a new culture, as well as this tropical change of scenery. On the other hand, I wanted to run away. Yes it was a strange feeling, I think it was the clash of cultures. Of course, everything has changed.
I discovered the Keren family, my host family. A united family, with values, warm, and filled with love. In terms of immersion, it was total: I eat typical food, do activities with them, speak Spanish, meet their family; I am an integral part of their family. Concretely, if you travel and you have the opportunity to be immersed in a family, do it! It’s the best way to learn, discover and enjoy the journey. Above all, feeling love and warmth is very important on a first trip. As far as I’m concerned, it makes me feel good.
I didn’t come here just to discover a culture, I came here as a volunteer in communication. Communication student, it seemed to me necessary to increase my skills, and why not abroad? It’s been a long time that I wanted to travel far, and discover something completely different from Europe. So mixing personal and professional experience was the most appropriate solution. I took my courage in their hands, and made all the necessary steps to come. A one-year break in my studies was mandatory, but I don’t regret this choice because it is beneficial for my professional and personal future. Here, I take care of communication on the networks, the graphic part, and some administrative tasks. An important role, and a responsibility that allows me to grow and enrich myself. It’s an interesting job because you do not just have to communicate in French, but also in English and Spanish. Even more interesting!
Finally, there isn‘t only work and immersion in the family, indeed, the discovery of the city was a stage. Riberalta is a peaceful, quiet city where the days are punctuated by the rays of the sun and the music that can be heard in the street. I like this spirit of conviviality, and thanks to that, I feel good in this city and safe, it is important. In addition, here the food is excellent, real dishes are waiting for you.
As you have seen, some difficult first days, but a total immersion that allows me today to feel good in this city !
