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Justin and I arrived by around noon. First thing we saw was a donkey running up the street dragging a rope behind it. First impression: a whole lot more touristy than La Paz. But because La Paz is the 'big city', Cocacabana is a whole lot cheaper as well, for lodging. Meal prices were more expensive, but the food was better. Walking around, the 'touristy broken record sound' was very present. Repetitive touts for "Tickets La Paz, Puno, Isle del sole" become part of the the background before you knew it. I just assumed my Asia trip 'I don't hear you, don't acknowledge you' pose and found that the touts gave up on me rather quickly.
We checked into the more scenic and more expensive Hostel Leyenda for the first night. For the 2nd, we went a few doors down and got one for half price ($5 each vs $2.50) at the Alojamiento Katha Kahuna. After moving, I realized that the more expensive one came with a towel, TP, and breakfast. The cheaper one actually had hot water. Too bad I couldn't find both at the more expensive one. Showering at AKK was interesting. The knob to turn the water on
is outside of the shower room. The protocol for showering is as follows. Get undressed and get into the shower stall. Knock on window. Shower attendant comes and turns the water on. Shower. Knock on window. Attendant turns water off. Hey, for $2.50 a night you get a shower boy in Bolivia! I still prefer the do it yourself kind.
We also hiked up the Cerro Calvario (hill next to town) for sunset. I assumed that the path I saw going up this hill was the way to go. Turns out, it was the 'scenic back way'. The path kind of ended, and then it turned into a bit of a rock climb. We both got up there, and the views were rather nice. Dinner at La Orilla was a nice treat. The American born Washington D.C. native Bolivian owner was a great host, and the food was not only cheap but tasty. We tried to go back there, but his place is closed on Sundays and seems to stay closed till dinner on Monday. We found a worthy substitute in the Coffee Bar Copacabana. Real espresso machine, great breakfast, fresh squeezed OJ for $3. Granted, it is odd
when breakfast costs the same as lodging. But the owner also had English CNN. First time I watched English language TV since November. We got up to speed on the reaction to the latest nuke test in North Korea, after which I was reminded as to why I didn't miss TV.
One of the random aspects of this town was that tall the dogs smelled really nice. I mean, you can pet them, and then smell your hands and smell nothing. I can smell dog on my hands whenever I pet the domestic dogs in the USA. These dogs have the run of the town, but also seem to have someone bathe them very often. And they were all nicely brushed. Maybe I just got a weird sampling, but this town seemed to have the most pampered dogs I have come across in my life. Oh, and they were also very friendly and approachable. Not as approachable as the llama I ran into on my walk along the beach though. My first experience with a llama was a baby. It came up to me once I approached, and let me pet it while it checked out my clothes with
its mouth. I have heard these creatures are naturally curious, but this thing was just a kick. So soft. Seemed like a soft affectionate camel. I heard they spit, but this thing just starred at me with curious eyes.
After enjoying the city for a bit, we headed over to the Isla del sole for some Inca sightseeing.
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