Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
dowry became
sin velos
(without veils). These nuns were employed in the roughest chores of the convent, cook-
ing, cleaning and attending to the needs of the
velo blanco
. They slept in communal quarters.
The rules inside the convent were strict. Personal effects were not permitted and communication with other
nuns was allowed for only one hour a day - the rest was spent in total silence. Meals were eaten without speaking
and contact with the outside world was almost completely prohibited. Once a month each nun was allowed a brief
visit from their family, but this took place behind bars and with a black curtain preventing them from seeing and
touching each other. Visits were supervised to ensure that no rules were broken and no goods changed hands. The
only other contact with the city was through the sale of candles and foodstuffs, which was performed via a re-
volving door so that the vendor and the client were kept apart. Such transactions were the sole source of income
for the nuns who were otherwise completely self-sufficient.
In the 1960s the Vatican declared that such conditions were inhuman and offered all cloistered nuns the world
over the opportunity to change to a more modern way of life. Many of the nuns in Santa Teresa rejected the offer,
having spent the better part of their life in the convent and knowing no different. Today most of the few remaining
nuns are of advancing years and while the rules are no longer as strict as they once were, the practices have
changed little. These days the cloistered lifestyle is understandably less attractive to young girls in an age where
their families permit them to exercise their own free will.
Courses
Cochabamba is a popular place to hole up for a few weeks of Spanish or Quechua lessons.
Cultural centers offer courses for about B$50 per hour.
Centro Boliviano Americano
(
422-1288; 25 de Mayo N-365)
Can recommend private language teachers.
LANGUAGE COURSE
Escuela Runawasí
(
424-8923;
www.runawasi.org
; Blanco Galindo km 4.5, Villa Juan XXIII)
The Escuela
Runawasí offers a recommended program that involves linguistic and cultural immersion
from B$1200 per week. It also includes a trip to a relaxing Chapare rainforest hideout.
CULTURAL COURSE
LANGUAGE COURSE
412-2323;
www.icbacbba.org
;
Lanza 727)
Offers group Spanish lessons.
