We set off alone on our first local bus on the long journey to La Paz. This included a protracted border crossing into Bolivia and a change of coach at the attractive town of Copacabana. At one point the passengers had to leave the bus for a small ferry while the bus was floated across the water separately. Eventually we passed the sculpture of Che in El Alto (Bolivia is still in many ways evolving from gaining its independence in 1825 and the subsequent revolutions) and descended to La Paz. Although in a valley, at 3660 m it is still one of the highest cities in the world.
The markets are particularly lively and fascinating in La Paz. Most of the stalls are run by middle aged indigenous ladies nicknamed 'cholitas' who wear a particular style of dress (mestiza) including very wide gathered skirts about 5 layers thick to cope with the cold, long plaits joined at the bottom and distinctive bowler hats. Apparently this style was imposed on them by the Spanish king in the 18th Century.
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| Freeze dried (by being left outside ) potatoes and cheese |
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Llama foetuses in the witches' market! |
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| Skirt stall! |
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| At a Sunday dance show |
On our last day in La Paz, while Nic went on 'the world's most dangerous road' mountain bike route (of which more very soon!), Carolyn went on a city tour which included visits to the strange rock formations shown below and named by Neil Armstrong and a very impressive precious metals museum (Calle Jaen museums) with pre-Columbian silver, gold and bronze pieces.
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| Valle de la luna |
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