Advice on Cochabamba, Bolivia
Replies: 1 - Last Post: Dec 24, 2011 2:01 PM Last Post By: mamani5904
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Advice on Cochabamba, Bolivia
Hello, I just arrived in Cochabamba and am planning to stay here for 3-4 months to immerse myself in Spanish, but I need some advice about this city. I chose Cochabamba because there are fewer tourists/english speakers here than other places. I plan to take some classes for a month or so at Runawasi language school, but am looking for other things to do with my time that are productive, allow me to speak spanish and get involved with the local community to make friends. My primary goal is to learn spanish, but I want to also be doing something that I'm interested in at the same time.A few things I would like to get involved in are:
1) Salsa Dancing- can someone tell me where the good clubs/classes are? I already know how to salsa dance so I don't want to go to beginners classes, but I'm open to other types of dance in general. Someone told me there is a Cuban club but I couldn't find the name or location on the internet.
2) Yoga- does anyone know where the yoga studios are in Cochabamba? I would like to get involved with yoga and/or meditation/spirituality groups here.
3) Volunteering/some type of research assistance- I'm not sure what the right thing will be for me in this area. I'm interested in health/wellness issues and arts. I have a Masters in Social Work and experience working with abused/neglected children, but I would like to do something different here. I"m open to different ideas but am thinking I'd like to do something more than just work with kids in an afterschool program. Perhaps be involved in some broader research project?
Thanks for your help. If you have a suggestion for another Bolivian city that you think would better suit my needs, let me know! I chose Cochabamba b/c I have a friend here and I hear it is the least touristy of all the major Bolivian cities.
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Hey whimsy If you're college age and fairly personable, find out where the college kids hang out after school. I lived in coch for 2.5 years in the 70s;don't care for it now though. Unless you've already put your $ down, consider going to Sucre to study there. MUCH more tranquilo and less hectic, also less dangerous-a small town feel with beaucoup college kids.If staying, though, go check out the Centro Boliviano americano near the Plaza Colon-all sorts of good info there. The Liriuni hot springs, outside Quillacollo, are neat. A little messy and disorganized, just like everything else in bolivia.
You're also close to the jungle/cloud forest in Villa Tunari to indulge your inner Tarzan. Safety tips: never carry cash, passport, credit cards in your bags-always on your body, preferably well hidden.
Happy trails and Feliz Navidad
Vagabundo Jon

