Remembering Bolivia

Some countries are too incredible to stop writing about once I leave their sovereign borders. And each time I think back to all I saw and did in Bolivia I really can’t believe I was in such a fantastical part of our planet. The breathtaking Andes, the daunting altitude, the lush rainforest, the crazy bowler hats, the vast salt flat, the decorated llamas, the pink flamingos, and that harrowing mountain bike ride…how can I not reprise such a trip!?  So here is a look back in a few pictures…

La Paz, BoliviaCalle Jaén – A charming and iconic street in La Paz’s historic district.

Jen at Casa de Piedra in La PazBest place to stay in La Paz..no broma!

El Alto PlanoNeed to get a witch reading? Head here in El Alto Plano! The fires are lit to burn all the offerings to Pachamama.

Witch in Alto PlanoOur witch doing readings with her coca leaves.  Prior to each reading she would pray to the Virgin Mary and Pacha Mama. A picture of Jesus and two human skulls sat directly to my right…rather distracting.

During the witch readingI have to admit I was nervous to hear my reading, BUT for me the coca leaves revealed great things about my health and professional realm. However, when it came time to address my love life they weren’t so optimistic.  If fact when the witch asked about the man I was dating at the time, her only response was, “Find another.”

Jen JeddaIf you want a reading too, our witch’s cell number is on the sign above!

Zebras in La Paz!Zebras in La Paz!? Yep, and these ones help you cross the road safely at the “zebra” crosswalks.  You have never met a more friendly, energetic striped creature in your life!

La PazLa Paz as seen from El Alto Plano.

chulita in bola

I loved witnessing the indigenous women, or “Cholitas,” in their layered skirts (meant to emphasize their hips and child birthing capabilities) and bowler hats. I heard different accounts on the history of the bowler hats but the common thread was that in the 1920s a shipment of the hats arrived from Europe for a group of railway engineers.  They were too small for the men so were peddled to the local women.  The fashion trend caught on and still exists 100 years later!

Warning in La Paz

In parts of La Paz and in some rural parts of Bolivia I saw dummies hanging by nooses.  These are warnings to robbers and general do-badders that such actions will be punished to the severest degree.  They kept me in line.

Andes MountainsThe rugged Andes Mountains in route to the Amazon Basin! The plane was so small I couldn’t stand up straight in it. The barf bag stayed close.

Airport in RurrenabaqueThe airport…eh, landing clearing…in Rurrenabaque.  Welcome to the Amazon!

Jen Jedda hunting for AnacondasHunting for Anacondas in the Amazon. I have to admit I wasn’t the most fervent hunter…and I have never watched my step so closely in my life. Mission Not Accomplished…no anacondas were sited.

Piranhas for Dinner!We couldn’t find Anacondas during the day, but we ate Piranha in the evening! Tasted like chicken :).

Uyuni Salt FlatOh la la! The Uyuni Salt Flat!  Largest Salt Flat in the World…

Uyuni Salt Flat…the most beautiful sunsets in the world…

Uyuni Salt Flat…and the best place in the world to take silly pictures!

And lets wrap up this walk down memory lane with these two highlights!

FlamingosFLAMIGOS in the high altitude lakes of Bolivia.

The world's most dangerous roadMy favorite picture from my adventure on a mountain bike on “The World’s Most Dangerous Road.” I survived the road and this picture!

For all the posts about my trip to Bolivia, check out my other blog posts…you may end up planning your own trip!!

Also check out this video my friend, Jorge (manager extraordinaire at my favorite boutique hotel in La Paz), sent me. It was made by the Bolivian Tourist Board. Bolivia Te Espera! Bolivia does indeed await you…and maybe me one more time!

 

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