Nov 22, 2009

Bolivia, La Paz

We started our 6 hour bus journey from Puno to La Paz in a lovely big tourist coach, however that comfort soon changed when we crossed into wild Bolivia. Instead we got on board a stinky cramped van apparently imported from China, even the steering wheel had been changed over. The bus dropped us off at some random street in La Paz instead of the regular bus station which prompted several tourists to complain. Soon enough they realised that in Bolivia complaining gets you nowhere. The truth was he had finished his shift and we was simply parking closer to home. Luckily enough for us, it was a 10 minute walk to our hostel.
Nothing can prepare you for the sheer and utter madness that is La Paz. What can I say, we absolutely loved it. The whole city seems like one big black market where anything you possibly need can be bought. Forget brands and big fancy shopping centres, it's the locals who run this city with the millions of street vendors on every corner. The pollution is horrific, with badly maintained vehicles pumping out thick black smoke every second. If it wasn't for the altitude forcing you to gasp more air it might not be so suffocating. The old colonial buildings are falling into decay and crossing the road is risky business but despite all this the city oozes a certain indigenous pride that left us wanting to return.













1 comment:

  1. Uau!!
    How cool is that!!
    I am amazed by the photos and all the description.
    I can see the 2 of you are having a great time!
    Love you both
    Tania

    ReplyDelete