We flew from Brazil to La Paz, Bolivia. La Paz, like most of Bolivia is very high altitude.
View over the city from the airport road in El Alto
There is an extensive, and cheap, gondola system for public transport
The airport is at 4,200m so it was a bit of an altitude shock and a number of the group (including Ronnie) were affected. Some altitude sickness drugs, and Coca tea (made from the leaves of the Coca plant that also is used to produce a well-know white powder drug) helped a lot.
Due to the altitude, hotels must have oxygen available.
An alternative treatment available in the hotel
Bowler hats worn by women are a big part of the traditional costume. The British imported a huge number to sell to the British workers. Unfortunately they were all a small size. So they convinced the local women that they were the latest fashion accessory from London and it stuck.
Once Ronnie recovered from altitude sickness, we took a walking tour of the city.
Michelle with extrovert guide
One of many colourful parades
Government building – note the “backward” clock dial
Ornate church
If you look closely, some of the stone carvings on the church aren’t very Catholic. They integrated traditional beliefs into the Christian carvings to help convert the indigenous people.
The Witches market sells lots of alternative medicines and potions. Llama foetuses are an especially powerful offering to Pacha Mama (mother earth).
