As the sun descended behind the beautiful mountains of the "central cordillera of Bolivia" surrounding the city of Sucre, firecrackers are set off on balconies and in the streets while the smoke from small bonfires engulf the city as people celebrate in full force San Juan on the 23 of June.
By early morning there was so much smog that breathing was difficult and your clothes clearly smelled like you had gone camping. Authorities in most major Bolivian cities have, for environmental reasons, put a ban on bonfires within city limits and are fining those who don't comply.
Still, hot dog sales go through the roof as people traditionally roast "panchitos" along with pigs, goats, and other animals.
The "parrillada" or "churrasco" (as barbecues are called here) usually include hot dogs or sausages, lots of chicha (traditional home-made beer made out of corn) or other alcoholic drinks with the typical South American stringed instrument the Charango or the Andean flute being played in the crowd.
However, as this popular festival in Bolivia fell mid-week and although not considered a holiday, many businesses' took a slower start the next day and some only opened in the afternoon.
As I walked to the Guia office, remains of burned wood and firecracker encasings were scattered in the streets.
Although a little tired from the night before, work still needs to be done. Over the last few weeks, new participants have been signing up to join Guia's job placement project.
In order for a participant to become part of the program, Guia requires an in-depth look into the financial situation which includes home visit. Guia can then determine if that person will gain the support needed to find them employment and often give them financial assistance.
Today, I visited Miriam's home. Shy at first, as our visit progressed, she began to smile and open up about her life and her urge to get ahead in life.
Sixteen years of age, living about 30 minutes away from the city centre, her routine is often cooking for the family and walking two hours to get to school in the afternoons.
As we climbed up to her bedroom on the second floor, I wondered how such a narrow plank of wood would withstand my weight.
As she showed me where the water leaked through the ceiling of her bedroom, she explained to me how her father rarely supports the family because most of his earnings are spent on drinking.
But that didn't stop Miriam from expressing her determination to finish her schooling and find a job that could put food on the table and get her through university. She is now working for an orphanage as helper in the kitchen from the help of Guia.
Amidst all the fun and chaos, there is never a day I don't see a smile one of the participants faces of Guia. If you would like some information regarding our projects, please contact Jessica Butler at [email protected].
You can also donate with Paypal either on our Facebook fan page which is called Fundacion Bolsa de Empleo Guia or at www.guiafoundation.org.
