Messi in La Paz

Our time in La Paz was largely spent adjusting to being in a city after a month in the jungle - and a city that really likes to party at that. We were lucky enough to meet up with some great friends in the highest capital city in the world, Rae and Stephen Mickey from Parque Machia, and also Gilbs and K-Wottz (from way back in December, the wonderful couple we camped with on the beach in Chile). We stayed in one of the infamous party hostels of the city, a couple of nights in the Wild Rover, and then a couple at the Loki. We prefered the Loki as it seemed to be a more mature crowd, though the shots still flowed at all times of the day! They are famous for their 'bloodbombs', similar to a jaegerbomb but with vodka and a red colouring - really wakes you up, and really gets you drunk!

 

We spent many an hour exploring the markets of La Paz, and bought an obscene amount of alpaca (mainly me, mainly socks) along with some other things, like a wooden recorder and a wonderful hand woven throw for when we finally get a house and settle somewhere...may be in storage for a while! We also explored the witches market here (I have stolen some photos from Gilbz and K-Wottz as we didn't have our camera on that day) - where they sell charms and bottled potions for various things; luck, wealth, travel, health... there are also haggard old crones (Dave´s words!) selling palm readings and fortune telling on the roads. We thought this was a bit of a tourist trap, but on further investigation they actually refuse to offer their services to tourists, because they believe they are sacred and an important part of their culture - not to be used for our Western amusement - which I give them serious kudos for. The main thing tourists take away from the witches market is the baby llama foetus', which are sold to be buried under new houses or buildings to bring luck and prosperity. At first I wasn't sure they were real, but I have since been convinced otherwise (and I was till too suspicious to touch one!).

 

 

We also attempted to be allowed in to San Pedro prison, after both having avidly read the popular book The Marching Powder before reaching La Paz, but unfortunately (or very possibly quite fortunately) the guards were having none of it, and even stopped people taking pictures. I managed a sneaky one though.

 

The coolest thing we did in La Paz was get tickets and go to a Bolivia V Argentina football game. I'm the first to admit I'm not a football fan, but I got involved. We all bought (fake) football shirts and got hyped up - we were pretty shocked and appalled to find that there was no alcohol served in the stadium, but it turned out the atmosphere and group spirit of the Bolivians didn't need any more fuel! The game itself was good, ending in a 1-1 drawer. We were sat in the Bolivian side, but behind several Argentinans, which added to the enjoyment and the banter between sides. One of the strangest things I noticed was that between halves, the referees were escorted on and off the pitch by armed policemen. All the boys were very happy because they got to see Messi, and our seats were pretty close. I hear he's the best in the world, but  I'm mates with Gazza so was pretty far from star struck. 

 

  

We had hoped to go to the Bolivian side of Lake Titicaca, Copacabana and Isla del Sol, but unfortunately there were horrendous road blocks, and we heard some nightmare tales from other travellers. And plus our Bolivian visa was up, so after an emotional Goodbye to Rae, we were off to Puno, Peru. 

PS - If you are reading this, please comment, it encourages me to keep it up to date!