Indigenous La Paz

La Paz, Bolivia, 4 - 10 August 2007














We arrived into La Paz, aka highest capital city in world. It is set deep in a canyon at an altitude of 3,600m. We made our way to our "real" hotel. Alter 3 days in the back of the jeep coupled with the 11 hr journey we were delighted with some genuine comforts, but unfortunately the hotel was too far from the action! We stayed one night, had 2 showers each, enjoyed a tasty meal in the restaurant then moved to Happy Days Hotel in Sagarnaga beside the witches market. Luxury standards dropped but so did the price! There was an eccentric auld dear running the show at Happy Days, she imposed a lock out curfew of 8pm, yes 8pm! So when we arrived back after an evening out on the tiles we had a real job trying to get her down to open the 3 chub locks and various chains that formed a formidable line of security! Nevertheless we stayed 3 nights before we got tired of that routine, & the nomads moved again....this time to Hotel Fuentes around the corner (nestled in the witches market) slightly more expensive but it inc. breakfast & was considerably nicer.
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But what of La Paz? It is a true major city with the sky scrapers, 5* hotels, traffic congestion & throngs of people. What set´s it apart from any other major city is the number of street markets - they are everywhere selling absolutely everything (from llama foetuses & pigs trotters to abundant fresh colourful vegetables & coca leaves). Other cities have a high street, La Paz has the street markets! And of course the indigenous ladies in their colourful attire & bowler hats!
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We spent our days walking the streets & happening upon nice eateries, coffee shops & pubs a go go eg Sol Y Luna, Olivers Travels (best fish n chips) & let´s not forget the Irish Pub (highest in the world) based in the Loki Hostel.

Beardy Dave, who it would appear forgot his razor blades, chose to have one of the local barbers do the honours with a cutlass - brave man!! On the hair removing theme I opted for a leg wax, can´t let Dave have all the fun! I also afforded a luxury item... a hairdryer - I was a tad sad after my travel sized Asda brand died on me a few weeks ago :-(

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So the few days that we originally had planned to spend turned into a week! A few gringos recommended a little Yungas town (lowland so it means hot hot hot) called Sorata, good for chilling & trekking, so off we go....

Sweeney Todd gives Dave a close shave!