Bolivia Part 3: La Paz

Click the links to read Part 1 and Part 2.
The last leg of our trip was in Bolivia’s capital, La Paz. Many of us were ecstatic to be back in civilization. La Paz was a third world version of New York City with taxis everywhere, constant foot traffic, and plenty of places to have a sit-down meal. Unfortunately our hotel’s heating was broken and I slept in my ski jacket most nights. The redeeming feature of our accommodations was the view out into the bowl of La Paz. For those who don’t know, the capital is basically a huge crater.

Although the city was spectacular to wander and look at, a police strike was occurring during our stay. It was advised not to take out any large, personal cameras. As a photographer, that was devastating news. But the risk of getting my camera stolen or broken wasn’t worth it. Luckily, my iPhone took decent pictures. I was able to discreetly capture the amazing cathedrals, street musicians, and shopping streets.

One thing that was more frightening than breathtaking was the amount of wires the people of La Paz think are acceptable to hang from one post. Not only are these hazards on every corner, many of them are tilting over into the main roads!

After 16 days, lots of travel time, many new faces, and countless memories, I packed my suitcases one final time and headed home. Now back in the states, I appreciate hot water, comfortable beds, and paved roads a lot more. What we consider normal and expected is actually a luxury for many people in other countries. Not everyone has been fortunate enough to be born into a country where they get to drive home on the interstate, in their car, to their well-constructed house, where they get to sleep in their soft bed. This was one of the most eye-opening experiences I have ever been on and something I won’t forget for a long time.

July 25, 2012June 29, 2014 by Elle Masri Categories: TravelTags: bolivia, life, photography, photos, travel Leave a comment

Bolivia Part 2: Lake Titicaca

After leaving Sorata (read Part 1 of my Bolivia trip here), the second leg brought the group to the shore of the beautiful Lake Titicaca which stretches into Peru. While the seemingly endless lake provided magnificent scenery (the photo on the right was taken from my hotel window), we were far away from the rest of civilization. And when I say far away, I don’t mean San Diego to LA… I’m talking about 5 hour trips into villages on unpaved roads carved into the side of a mountain. It was a daily internal battle whether to take a nap and dream of paved 21-lane-wide freeways or hold my breath throughout the terrifying ride to take photographs. Since my title on the trip was the official photographer, I spent much of the trip holding my breath. It was definitely worth it though… check out the photographs below.

Most of the trip was spent visiting the projects, but we did get to go see 2 Inca ruins sites. The first one was located on an island. The boat ride to get there was gorgeous and the when we finally reached the ruins that were perched on the top of the small mountain, I was speechless.

        

The next Inca ruins site we went to a few days later was just as stunning. The amount of infrastructure these people were able to create still remains a mystery. The intricacy and precision of their designs was just as impressive as their ability to transport these huge stones from hundreds of miles away.

   

When we weren’t being tourists, our time was spent visiting the native Bolivian people whose lives have been transformed by the QBL projects. From The Gregorian Weavers to the community members from the most rural villages, it was the welcoming people that we constantly spent time with that made the trip unforgettable.

                              

July 18, 2012June 29, 2014 by Elle Masri Categories: TravelTags: bolivia, history, photographs, photography, travel 4 Comments

Bolivia Part 1: Sorata

Thanks to the support of family, friends, and other donors, I have been fortunate enough to have spent the last 2 weeks in Bolivia as the photographer for a non-profit called Quaker Bolivia Link. QBL primarily puts fresh water and greenhouses into rural communities throughout the poorest country in South America: Bolivia. Not only do they build projects that change the quality of life for many communities, they also educate the people about hygiene and nutrition.

When we arrived at the over 12,000 ft. altitude, it felt like the oxygen was being sucked out of my lungs after only a few steps on solid ground. Luckily our group of 11 loaded up the van and set off on a scenic drive to the town of Sorata which is a few thousand feet lower than La Paz.

     

While we acclimated to the altitude in Sorata, our group traveled to various projects, spent an evening with some kids from the local boarding school, and did a bit of site-seeing. The beauty of this country took my breath away, but the amount of poverty we witnessed left me stunned and speechless. The nicest hotel in the town was beautiful, but the lack of shower curtains, a rag for a towel, rock hard pillows, and deformed beds made it very clear that we were no longer in a first world country.

      

And while the quality of our rooms didn’t exactly lend themselves to a good night’s sleep, the charming town square, markets, and people made up for it. Since my Spanish was quite rusty, I had difficulties navigating the town and conversing with the natives. This was especially true when a man called to me and asked if I would take his picture. This was all good and dandy until he started trying to speak to me. I had to resort to “No hablo Español.” This man was persistent though and using hand gestures patted his lap and then after saying “camera” pointed to his friend. After my interpretation that he wanted me to sit on his lap and have his friend take the picture, I quickly said “no gracias” and scurried back to the hotel. Although, who knows if that’s what he was actually trying to get across – That may have been one of my many misinterpretations! Luckily my job was to be a photographer and not a translator.

                        

June 29, 2012June 29, 2014 by Elle Masri Categories: TravelTags: bolivia, photography, travel, volunteer 6 Comments

Bolivia Update

Thanks to the support of family, friends, and community members I am almost at my $3000 goal and am off to Bolivia to save the world… one photo at a time! I am so excited to have my perspective of the world turned upside down and venture outside my very privileged bubble of Southern California.

December 31, 2011June 29, 2014 by Elle Masri Categories: TravelTags: bolivia, fundraising, photography, traveling Leave a comment

Off to Bolivia to Save the World… One Photo at a Time!

I am off to Bolivia!!! On Sunday, December 11th I was at work and chatting with one of my volunteers about photography when a different volunteer overheard our conversation. Upon finding out that I primarily do portraiture, I was invited to replace the photographer that usually attends the trip, but is not able to go on this year’s QBL community service project.

On the trip I will be able to photograph the beautiful mountains and villages along with capturing portraits of the people of Bolivia, my fellow travelers, and the projects that are providing clean water, fresh vegetables, and other vital resources to people in need.

Below is my letter (with a couple adjustments) that I sent out yesterday. It includes a brief description of QBL, the trip, and my fundraising efforts. Feel free to look into the program more, contribute, send good thoughts and lots of luck, and share the information. Interested in coming along? Leave a comment requesting more information! I’ve already raised $600 (In less than 24 hours)!! Let’s keep the momentum going! I’m planning bake sales, lemonade stands… you name it, I’m going to do it – I can’t wait to make a hands-on difference and I have less than 6 months to make it happen!

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Dear Family, Friends, Community Members, and Fellow Bloggers,

I am excited to announce that yesterday I was presented with the honor of being the photographer for this year’s QBL community service trip to Bolivia. The Quaker Bolivia Link brings hope to scores of Andean villages. Living at almost 13,000 feet on Bolivia’s plateau – the Altiplano – communities struggle to survive and preserve their unique culture. QBL runs vital development projects which provide food, generate income, and improve health.

On the trip, we will be building irrigation and drinking water systems as well as greenhouses to provide families with clean water and fresh vegetables, items that here in the United States we are fortunate enough to take for granted. (For more details on QBL, visit www.qbl.org)

The trip will be held on June 15^th – 30^th, 2012 and costs $2800. My goal is to raise $3000, donating the additional money to QBL. That additional $200 is enough to provide 3 separate families of 4 with a water faucet.

I’m asking you for assistance in sending me to Bolivia to make a hands-on difference in addition to funding materials that will change a family’s life. Any amount is appreciated – it all adds up! There are a couple ways to contribute.

1) Keep it simple! Send a check to:
(contact me for an address)
2) Schedule a portrait session! Includes: 60 minutes of photography, 2 8×10 prints, 5 4×6 prints, and 1 high resolution file (perfect for Christmas cards!). This package is normally $150, but I am going to offer it for $100. [San Diego County only!]

If you aren’t in the position to contribute, no problem. All I ask is that you forward this email on to a few people who may be able to instead.

Thank you all so much and have a happy holidays!
Elle Masri

December 13, 2011June 29, 2014 by Elle Masri Categories: TravelTags: bolivia, community service, qbl, volunteer 4 Comments