Thanks for your emails and messages asking where in the world we are... Just a reminder... we're in Bolivia! Our Internet and phone were out last week so I was unable to respond to you. A lot has been going on. We finally received all of our household belongings and then two days later we let our cook and nanny go (long story, but basically we didn't feel comfortable being asked for a raise every few weeks when we're paying more than most Americans in this community). The timing wasn't perfect because we've been surrounded by boxes for a week while I did all the housework, cooking, and taking care of the kids. In other words: I was a mom. I know, I know, it shouldn't be that hard. Remember that I am at 12,000+ feet. Things are different this close to the sun.

We've hired a new cook and nanny and so far (1 day) so good, so soon I'll be able to get back to my normal blogging. In the meantime, I'd like to share some of observations I recently shared with our good friend Terry.

• Is it me or does Evo Morales look like Ponch from CHiPs? We had a nice quiet Sunday at home ... as required by law. Today was the referendum vote to see if the president will stay in office for two more years. Alcohol hasn't been sold since Thursday night and won't be sold again until tomorrow afternoon. Only people with special passes were allowed to drive today and most businesses (besides grocery stores and hospitals) are closed. Oh, and no carrying of firearms in case you were wondering what we had planned to do today. Voting is apparently required in order to get welfare, a driver's license, etc., so they have a pretty high turn-out. I don't understand all the politics, but it seems like Evo is going to get the results on the recall and then determine which law he'll use to interpret the results. I like his style. Could he be any more ballsy?

• I had a very interesting conversation with my Spanish teacher about geography. According to her (and the Bolivian education system?) there are only 5 continents: Europe, Asia, Oceania, Africa, and the Americas. Seriously, that's what she said and then she gave ME a weird look when I named "our" continents. Also, Canada doesn't really exist. There's the South American countries, Central America (not its own continent but it isn't part of the Americas), Mexico and "norteamerica." She explained that that is really the USA. I said, "What is Canada" and she gave me the same "continent" look.

• It is pretty crazy to see all indigenous people here although sometimes I am fooled by the other Gringos I see because I assume they are English-speaking. There is a big divide in the country (thanks Evo) between the Spanish/European descendants and the indigenous people (from what I understand - MH could explain the situation a lot better). We interviewed a cholita (an indigenous woman who wears traditional dress) to be our cook but I couldn't understand a word she was saying because Spanish wasn't her first language (or second or third, maybe). She was pretty severe looking with her hair parted down the center and her big hands that could crush my skull. I don't know how these women do it, but they can carry a goat and a baby on their backs at the same time. MH saw a lady running up a hill with a dining room table on her back. And here I get winded climbing the stairs with an empty laundry basket

• I am afraid that I am getting too comfortable with climbing into a freshly made bed with crisp, clean sheets and plumped pillows. This past week was pretty tough with only the gardener's help and luckily he took pity on us (and made our bed) and stayed for an extra hour to make sure our floors were polished and our car was washed. Thank God because it had only been a week since those things were done.