Today Ana Silvia, our Desk Officer in Bolivia, took me on a tour around the center of Cochabamba which is typically part of the induction tour ever volunteer receives after they arrive and a quick walk from our office on Calle Sucre. The main highlight of the tour was getting to around Cochabamba’s beautiful main square, Plaza 14 de Septiembre.

Here is an aerial shot of the Plaza 14 de Septiembre

The Plaza is a hive of daytime activity. The Plaza is surrounded by some gorgeous colonial buildings and one side is bordered by Cochabamba’s cathedral which was begun in 1571 and is the valley’s oldest religious structure. Given its central location and prominence in the city, any political activity or strike starts here making the Plaza very busy given the Bolivian proclivity for political demonstrations! Consequently, it is a great place to people watch or even watch a mime in action!

A mime doing his thing on the corner of the Plaza

If you are a volunteer in Bolivia or just find your way to Cochabamba, I would recommend heading to the Plaza 14 de Septiembre to soak up some Bolivian culture as well as some of Cochabamba’s beautiful weather.

Why can’t it be this nice in New York now?