Category: Bolivia

Today is the first official travel day of the post-Ties, multi-country trip. The first goal of the day was to arrive at the airport by 6:30 for the flight out of Asuncion, Paraguay. It’s a breeze getting through this airport because it is so small, but the airline specifically indicated we had to be there VERY early for our flight. At the hotel we asked the front desk to call a cab and they pointed to an older gentleman sitting on the sofa in the lobby as a possible option. Not knowing he wasn’t a cab driver, we agreed. Once we were outside it became clear he was driving his personal car to make some extra money.  Not thinking much of it we headed out. I was a bit concerned during the first few minutes at the very slow pace our new friend was driving. But, once we got on more open roads it was pedal to the metal.

Continue reading “11: Bolivia, Here We Come!”

This officially starts the part of our journey where I truly believe it’s not possible to capture the beauty with a camera or in words. It is necessary to see some of the sites in person, but I will do my best.

After picking up the rental car, we were on our way to Copacabana, Bolivia which is located on the south shore of Lake Titicaca. The drive to Copacabana took us through the capital of Bolivia, La Paz. I couldn’t believe my eyes. The sight of La Paz is stunning. The city is situated in a valley high up in the Andes Mountains. Not only does the city sit in the valley, but they have taken advantage of every possible inch of mountainside as well. The city rises up from the ground in a way that defies comprehension. At first glance it almost appeared as if buildings were floating in the air. The sight literally took my break away and created a pure sense of amazement. I’m not often shocked, but the first view of central La Paz most certainly earned my attention.

Continue reading “12: Ferries & Protestors & Roadblocks, Oh My!”

Our first night in Copacabana was a cold one.  We had specifically picked hostels that listed heat as an option, but as we learned this first night, and reinforced along the way, heat is a relative thing.  At our first hostel they provided a small electric room heater and then proceeded to explain that we could only run it twenty minutes at a time.  As a city, Copacabana has it’s own electric generator, which has trouble staying at the correct voltage.  It typically runs around 180V, instead of the usual 220V, and the lower voltage burns out heaters.  Outside it was in the lower 40s, inside it didn’t feel much warmer.  To complicate matters, the main blanket on the bed was actually three thick blankets sewn together.  Would you like no covers, or covers so heavy it’s difficult to move. Your choice. Enjoy!

Continue reading “13: Cold Nights and Altitude Sickness”

Much like Peru, Bolivia is known for textiles and clothing made from llama and alpaca fleece. There is a museum in Copacabana dedicated to this craft called the Museo del Poncho.  Each region of Bolivia has it’s own unique weaving patterns, symbols and techniques.  An expert can easily tell where any given piece of weaving was created. 

Continue reading “14: Take It Easy, Maybe?”

We decided to cut things short in Copacabana, in part due to how touristy everything was in the town, and to head out for lower ground to get a break from the altitude.

On the way out of town I hiked up to Cerro Calvario.  The fourteen stations of the cross are situated along the path, with the last few at the top of the hill.  There is also a small shrine where people can say a short prayer or ask for a blessing, but they need to be quick as there is a constant line of people waiting their turn.  The view from the top is magnificent, but this was also a very depressing climb.  Along the hill there is garbage everywhere, and once at the top visitors are greeted with vendors selling their goods, and more garbage.  I couldn’t wait to turn around and come back down.  Very sad.

Continue reading “15: Moving on to Coroico”