The beautiful thing about open-ended travel is that you can think you have an idea of which countries you will be visiting, and end up somewhere completely different. For me, Bolivia has been that, ¨somewhere completely different¨. And I couldnt be more pleased.
Heading East from Lake Titicaca, in Peru, lands you in La Paz, Bolivia. That is where I jumped on a mountain bike, climbed to an elevation of 15,000 feet and took on The Death Road. Estimates have between 200 and 300 people dying on this road each year since the 1930s until it was closed to motor vehicles in the late 1990s, (took them long enough). So now you can bike down it. But given the narrow road, and the extreme drop off the side, a handfull of daredevils still die each year. Obviously I did not. And it was crazy fun.
From La Paz I ventured South to Uyuni. Its home to the largest salt flat in the world, a train graveyard, and its pretty cold. The salt flats are one of the craziest places I´ve ever been. There is nothing else in the world quite like it. Its also a good place to have a little fun with your camera and perspective.
Next was Potosi, an old mining town that is written off and poorly reviewed by guide books and other travelers alike. I had a different experience. Potosi will actually feature on its own in a future post. It was that good.
After that was a couple of fair weather towns farther to the East. Sucre is nicknamed the White City of the Americas and Santa Cruz is the biggest city in Bolivia. Both were nice places to hang out for a few days, but after a month in Bolivia, I hear Argentina calling from the South.
I could not be more happy that I gave Bolivia a chance. It delivered with a tenacity like no other.
When you seize an opportunity with an open mind you end up seeing things like the brightest moon of your life, a rock that looks like a tree, and the Big Dipper, upside down, spilling its contents into the night. Maybe not the best proverb written, but nevertheless, a true story.
Well kids, that is your update for now. I hope all is well with each of you. More later. Lovsies.
Sucha fan. I hope your book comes out soon. Can't wait to hear about Potosi and Argentinian adventures!
ReplyDeleteJust had a chance to brush up on your adventures through the other america. Sounds pretty damn sweet! I will be sure to set aside some time to sit down with a round of beer and squeeze hours of story time out of you. Proud to see you writing and traveling. It is how it should be. :) Take care buddy!
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