Women Wrestlers in Bolivia

by Catherine D. and Maya M.

La Paz is the highest capital city in the world at 11, 913 feet above sea level. In Bolivia, woman's wrestling takes place in a small town called El Alto high in the Andes mountains near La Paz. This is where woman's wrestling originated. The natives in this village are called Aymara and they participate in this event. The traditional costume is a ruffles skirt, petticoats and bowler hats.
Both men and women fight against each other. This Bolivian hobby helps the people forget they are very poor.

Welcome to Bolivia!

By Natalie M.

At our last Jungle Club meeting we learned about Bolivia. Some of the features include a small portion of the Amazon Rainforest, deserts called Chaco, and a type of plateau called altiplano. The Andes Mountains also run through this South American country, as well as vast plains of salt mineral called salt flats.

Although rain is rare at these white expanses of land, when it does rain, the water spreads like a sheet and gives the appearance of a lake. After the water evaporates, small pyramids form from wind and other elements.

Tourists come to see these unique attractions. While visiting, many stay at the Salt Hotel, a building created from large blocks of salt. There are 10 billion tons of salt that make up Bolivia's Salt Flats today.

The Navidad Holiday in Paraguay

December 17, 2008

Hello, Stoneleigh. This week we walked another 103 miles in Paraguay. Before we leave the country, let’s learn about the holiday they are preparing to celebrate.

Right now, children are very excited about a holiday called “The Nativity” or “Navidad.” In Paraguay, it’s summer right now, the weather is warm, and there are blooming flowers EVERYWHERE. Early in December, holiday decorations, especially the manger scene, or nativity, are set up in homes, on the streets, in factories, and in the shopping centers. The nativity must be in every Catholic home.

Churches and homes are decorated in bright colors to match the colorful flowers. At midnight, church bells will begin to ring and call the people to mass. This ceremony is called “The Mass of the Rooster.” Families set off a huge fireworks display at midnight on Christmas Eve to celebrate the nativity. Presents are normally only given to children.

January 6th is the Feast of the Epiphany or the Feast of the Three Kings. The children of Paraguay set out a pair of shoes with letters to the Three Kings on this night and the Three Kings bring presents to the children.

We hope you’ll do a lot of walking over the holiday. Look at the bulletin board and our blog for the story of creation from the original Paraguay religion and more about children in Paraguay! Keep Walking Stoneleigh!