On 7 August I wrote what I though was a witty, if hysterical account of our problems with the electrical connection to our apartment in Sucre. The principal character was my landlady, Nela.
I would like to thank the one *anonymous person who commented on the post for showing me that I had, in fact, launched a character assault on Nela, when he/she concluded, 'What a "bitch" your landlady sounds'. It was such a shock for me to read those caustic words, as I consider that I have a good relationship with Nela. She has been very helpful to Ed and I with our applications for residency; I have brought her flowers and biscuits; she has made me herb tea when I have been sick and we always exchange a kiss on the cheek when we meet.
I asked my dear friend Ed to read the post, and he gently steered me to place where I could see why I had invited such a comment. On re-reading my post it is very clear that I forgot that Nela was a struggling human being and instead painted her as someone who deliberately set out to make my life a misery. I also forgot to remember why I am here in Bolivia - because I love the country and I love the people.
Bolivians rarely complain about anything (although when they get really mad they demonstrate and even block the roads), and this is a very attractive characteristic (and one I struggle to adopt). The negative side of this trait is that behaviour that is taken for granted in other societies - punctuality, competence and honesty are often disregarded. This is not a problem for Bolivians, but can be a problem for those adapting to living in Bolivia. Most of the time I remember that what can be interpreted as shortcomings are not malicious, and should not be taken personally. But sometimes I forget my desire to be patient and compassionate - I miss the mark.
I am going to renew my efforts to be a better person. I am off to deliver the flowers pictured above to Nela, with an apology for my bad attitude and a hug. I am also going to hit the delete button on my post of 7 August.
* Although I am grateful to the universe for using this person to give me a much needed message, I am slighty puzzled by their identity as they were signed in as the Absolute Absolution, the name of the boat I share with friends.
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