The Other-World Of Bolivia
February 11 - 23, 2010
Bolivia was a real experience. It's one of the poorest countries in South America, the world really, and its people have a real chip on their shoulders. That isn't to say they don't have a reason, but a century or more beyond most transgressions, you realize their bitterness isn't helpful. They turned out to be some of the most unfriendly, unwelcoming people we experienced, which is too bad because Bolivia is a staggering country. It is partly highland territory: we spent a great deal of our time in Bolivia higher than 3500 or 4000, even 5000 meters (16,500 ft). There is also the Amazon basin on its eastern side, though we didn't venture there. Its sparsely populated highlands are incredibly desolate but even more so beautiful. The high landscapes were often breathtaking. La Paz is one of my favorite S. American cities, so vibrant, lively, and colorful. Our route started in Tupiza, where we headed out for a saltflat tour, which ended up in SA's bunghole, Uyuni. From there we made our way to La Paz for several great days before ending our time in Bolivia in the town of Copacabana on the shores of Lake Titicaca. Hopefully, someday the people of this amazing country will let go of the past and be better for it.