Bolivian Beauty
This weekend’s article about La Paz in the New York Times brought back memories, both good and bad, of my visit to Bolivia. 
After spending a few cold days in the little town of Puno, Peru, we began our journey across the border to Bolivia. Since there was a transportation strike on, our bus ride made a large detour to avoid firecracker-throwing protestors, dumping us at the border where we had to walk across a bridge and get our passports stamped and carry on with alternative transport on the other side of the border. We were pleasantly surprised when we arrived in the lakeside town of Copacabana, Bolivia. Having already visited many of the indigenous communities living on Lake Titicaca, we took advantage of the local surroundings and hiked the shoreline to visit some of the nearby villages.
I was sad to leave Copacabana, the sunny, peaceful town where we had made ourselves at home in a great hostal with outstanding views, but it was time to push on. Our trip to La Paz was lengthy and exhausting, and we were welcomed to the city by yet another protest – this time involving police with larger-than-necessary guns and shields, leaving us wondering if our backpacks would do the trick when violence broke out. The incident may have set the tone for my impressions of the city – large, loud, bustling and busy. It was only by the time we prepared to leave that I began to discover its charm. Tree-lined cobblestone streets, unique restaurants, a colourful marketplace and some of the most incredible art exhibits we had seen yet on our journey.
Nothing could have prepared me for the beauty of the desert crossing to Chile. The landscapes and colours are an experience that only my memory can capture – photos just don’t do them justice. From stark white salt flats to colourful lagoons adorned with pink flamingos, to landscapes dotted with volcanos, geysers and Aymara communities, the three-day crossing presented a canvas rivaling any art exhibits we’d seen in La Paz. My memory is also scarred by some of the coldest, un-insulated nights I have ever experienced, but in retrospect the permanently numb state was well worth it. Below is a slideshow to give you an idea, but if you plan to visit Peru, an extension trip to Bolivia is worth considering.
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