La Paz

La Paz - At once the highest Capital in the world - within the poorest country on the continent, as it is a bustling valley city full of life - nestled into the base of the surrounding snow-capped Andean peaks

Bolivia may be the poorest country in South America, but it´s cultural wealth - the mindblowing Andean landscapes - and the remnants of mysterious ancient civilizations make it a rich and exciting destination for all those wanderers who are looking for more than just postcards.



One week in Bolivia, and already I feel as if at home...

What is interestng about Bolivia is that from the moment you step across the border you begin to feel as if something is different.. Not quite like Peru... What it is, upon first experience, you are unsure - but it is there...
After some time you begin to understand what this is... In Bolivia, you are not treated like a walking dollar sign.. There is a sudden feeling of belonging and mutual understanding.

In Peru, everywhere you go there is a constant bombardment of vendors, street kids, homeless, artisans, shop merchants, tour company personel, shoe shiners, restaurant staff on commission, and general riff raff - "Mister! Amgio! Buy this! Okay just look at my products then!" ... It is everywhere. And though it is a nuisance at first, after two months of wandering the country one begins to either tune it out or just not let it bother them anymore... But as Noel had said to me in our discussion the other night - it truly does take away from the experience. It creates an invisible barrier between yourself and getting to truly know the culture and life of a civilization - whereas here, in this city, life goes on with or without you.. No one is entirely dependant upon tourist dollars. There is so much to do and see in Peru.. so many beautiful locations, sights, monuments and activities that the industry thrives off - and that means one thing: the population is ready for you, and expecting you. Here in Bolivia the attitude is to the point: Take it or leave it, but don´t waste my time - and I love it.

Who says its "The most Dangerous Road in the World"? Inter-American Deveolpment Bank?! Pfffft. ... Oiii !!! An average of forty vehicles per

La Paz

year fall off the edge? So that´s like what.. One vehicle dropping off the edge of that there cliff every week and a half?... Wait, you mean we get a t-shirt at the end if we mountain bike it?! Deal.

So that is pretty much the shape of it.. How can you really visit Bolivia and NOT take this road (though those who take it by bus must surely be a little off - but bike? suuuuuuure. Besides, so far only an Israeli and French girl have fallen off the edge to their death by bike this year - that I know of). It leads from here into the Amazon, apparently. And though I havn´t talked to Noel about what I have decided that we should endevour in - I am sure he will be up for it! We shall see.

Adios folks!

Joseph


(PS: I broke down and bought another camera - as you can see... I wasn´t going to, but I reckon that in the years to come I might regret not having a collection of photographic memories to flip through)

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