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Published: January 25th 2007
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City Tour
Witches Market La Paz, the cultural and parliamental, but not constitutional capital of Bolivia. Arrival here brings my trip to a close, 41 days on the road with Kumuka has been nothing short of fantastic. Of the 17 on the truck, 4 boys go on to Rio for carnival, I could not think of four guys who are going to enjoy it more - Be careful gents!
People of Boliva are very proud, but shy compared to Peruvians. A smile goes along way, and street hawkers rarely pester. La Paz also has many night spots and Gringo areas for the gang to unwind, and that we did, with a few big nights on the town and lazy days to follow. Given the prices of drinks are 5 times less than Auzz, a few grand cocktails were put away.
On the cultural side, a city tour was taken, where the local Witch markets were explained. Bolivians believe vary much in luck and will make offerings for most aspects of life. A tour of the main parliament square, gold and silver museum followed by a trip to Moon Valley ensured we kept our tourist status.
A trip down Death Road for most
City Tour
Witches Market of the boys was a great way to get physical again after Machu Picchu. Death Road is between La Cumbre and Corioco and is named as such because on average 100 people die each year making the journey. The situation has changed in the last 8 weeks, as a new road has opened up which leaves Death Road, relatively free of other vehicles. The experience and danger of the road does not change.
The trip begins with a big safety talk and bike usage talk, brakes and the sensitivity of the hydraulic disk breaks is emphasised many a time, to try and ensure people do not endo themselves into oblivion. A trip down on paved road, through a couple of police checks points and very cold conditions gets us to the beginning of death road. More safety talks, explanations of overtaking rules and passing were given. With memories of a quad bike crashing in Banos coming to mind, this little pumpkin was going to take it easy!
The trip down was awesome, not really down hill mountain bike, but sufficient to experience the danger of the road. With tight bends, much water, sheer drops of up to 500
City Tour
Witches Market metres the results of going over the edge were obvious. The tour guide stoped us at deadly points in the road. Stories of buses with 49 passengers going over the each, cyclist going to fast, getting to scared, drunk driving were recounted. Wreckage could be seen of many of what was left of vehicles. The worst crash was of an overloaded bus of 80 people. A crash site from August of last year was shown, were 21 of 49 survived a 90 meter fall. Talking to locals, many new people who had survived, or died in the crash. The trip was a mix of sadness for the number of deaths and excitement of the scenery and downhill experience. The trip concluded with some photos and a few beers. The only injury was Andre, who caught his leg on the peddle during a bunny hop. Border line stiches, but the tough South African would have none of that!
A trip to the local Alisitca markets proved an eventful day. It is coming up to Bolivian carnival, a month of partying, different in nature to Rio, but party none the less. The Alisitca markets on this day a packed with mini
City Tour
Parliament Square offering. The Bolivians believe that for luck, if they buy a mini version of something, they will get this in the next year. Mini euros, USD, bolivianos, children, houses, cars, passports, chickens, roosters, and almost anything could be bought.
The markets were blessed by a visit by current Bolivian president Evo Morales. What also came with him was an entourage of press and security agents. In the small space of the market alley way, the president made his way by, pushed back by security agents, there was little room to move. The situation got worse with people pushing and almost tackling me. What actually happened was I got pick pocketed. The guy tackling me nabbed my wallet from me. I soon realised, but he was gone and there was no chance to chase him through the crowd. A little shaken, but ok, the rest of the afternoon was spent cancelling a VISA card, getting to the tourist police for a report and getting more money out of the bank…After 5 weeks in South America without incident, I was a little lacking in security by having my wallet in an unzipped pocket.
Many a farewell and goodbye dinners and drinks
City Tour
Parliament Square were had over the week as various people departed.
Thanks to all who have read this blog, sent me messages, comments and emails whilst I’ve been away. I will catch up with you all soon. I depart tomorrow and return to normal life on the 28th of Jan…
Recuerdos de despedida y de Suramérica
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