I attended a great CIDA (Canadian International Development Agency) briefing session prior to my trip to Bolivia. Three days in downtown Toronto.
There were about 40 people there, mostly in their 20's who are off on international assignments. It was inspiring to see so many committed and idealistic young people going out into all parts of the world to represent Canada. We should all be proud of them.
We all learned great information on intercultural communication, what to eat (or not) and how to take care of basic needs. On the third day we each met with a citizen of the country we were visiting. The four of us who were going to Bolivia met with Marco, a big, gentle man who was born on the shores of Lake Titicaca. He had been given a one way ticket out of the country by one of the previous military govrements and now works with Canadian Native groups in Ontario. He gave us fascinating details on the customs and the political situation which will be invaluable when I arrive.
I also met Harold Yule, who is also going on a CESO assignment in La Paz and will be staying at the same place. I am reassured that there will eb a friendly face there when I arrive on September 17th
