We arrived in La Paz, Bolivia yesterday and it was a big shock from the last few days of our trip. La Paz is a very busy city with people everywhere (more on that in a bit).
Before La Paz we spent a day in Cuzco and a day in Puno (both in Peru) before crossing the border into Bolivia. Our first stop in Bolivia was Copacabana, a town that apparently is a magnet for South American hippies. The town had a great vibe, the prices where great (much better than Peru) and if it wasn't for all the dogs barking at night it would have been awesome place to stay a few more nights. The next day we went to Isla del Sol in the middle of Lake Titticaca. After a painfully uncomfortable boat ride and unexpectdely gruiling hike up a very large hill we arrive at Casa de Don Pedro, a Bed and Breakfast owned by a Argentine, but managed by a local family. The location was beautiful (perched atop the highest point on Isla del Sol) and we met a few really nice aussies staying at the B&B. We saw a great sunset from the island and had some amazing views of the lake and the Andes from the rooftop terrace.
Today we took a walking tour of La Paz and went through two very busy market districts (one which had all kinds of knock-off merchendise) and saw the legistlative building and presidential palace. It is a real diffence from the calm of Isla del Sol, but now I'm pretty adjusted to it. Tomorrow we may visit a prison (which I will definately write about).
Posted by Noah Brimhall at October 15, 2005 05:34 PM