Last night I had dinner with my new friends Ed and Frances, hopefully I'll see you guys in Santa Cruz in a few weeks!
Today has been another cruisy day in La Paz as i wait for a flight to the Amazon basim tomorrow...as anybody from the Trailblazers forum or who have checked my blog today could tell you I have spent a LOT of time on the web! The connections aren't great here and I wanted to uplaod all my pics & update my blog before taking off tomorrow. There will be internet at the small town I fly into (Rurrenbeque) sp? but I hope to leave there via 4x4 and find a road less travelled. i will be flying in some old run down 8-10 seater...I am already sweating bullets...I may have to watch ALIVE (the movie) for some recipes...worse case scenario and all that ;)
I did manage to check out the Coca Museo...its a must do (US$1 entry)...its a prety unbiased view of Coca and cocaine and provides a great history of both from 4000BC up to present day.
Entrance to the Coca Museo
First you crush the leaves....
...add some hydrochloric acid etc...
...refine a bit...and voila....Cocaine! :(
I also got a chance to call my Mum and older brother Alan in New Zealand and fill them in on my latest (mis)adventures and catch up on the latest family news...calls cost a mere US$0.10/min :) I also got to chat with Teresa, the good woman that runs my little company...most of the discussion involved my dog Trooper and his issues...he takes after his Dad...he got run over a month ago and his eye hasn't quite healed...he is just lucky he doesn't go mountain biking with Lisa Randall ;). Fortunately we got a second opinion from a specialist and he won't need an operation. Thanks again to Tonya (Teresa's sister) for taking such good care of him while I am gone.
I also went exploring (read I forgot my map) in search of the Witches Market...the markets here are similar to markets in other 3rd world countries...different products grouped together by street. La Paz tends to remind me a lot of Marrakesh...it can almaost have an old world meets hippie vibe is some parts.
The shoe market...
The suit market...
The Witches Market!...note the dried Lllam feotus's :(...there was more inside but no pics allowed!
}This guy reminded me of my dog Trooper but wouldn't stop growling at me...don't try and pet a Witches dog!
On the long way back to familar ground (I had no map :)) I came across the famed "Zebra Crossings" of La Paz.
These guys and girls are paid to dress up like Zebras and control pedristrian crossings...its hilarious but seems to work a treat :)
I am off to have a couple of quiet drinks before sorting out my gear for tomorrow trip. I am leaving my bike and just taking my 20L backpack so I'll be travelling light (read, very stinky...eat your heart out Carole Farmer!) for the next 5-6 days.
I hope everybody is doing great!
Cheers,
Neal
5 comments:
Uh oh..I've kidnapped Trooper and am taking him for a bit of a run at Pine Log..I hope he fares better than his dad did : )
Thanks for the dried llama fetus pic, it was just what I needed when I was eating dinner. Have fun on your next adventure!
I've stumbled on this page after searching, La Paz, Bolivia Bike Shop. I am curious though, where did you store your bike when you went to explore the jungle?
Hi Andy.
I left 90% of my gear and my bike at a 2-3 star hotel in La Paz - no charge no problem - i just booked a room on my return. What are you planning? I miss Boliivia and hope to return for the 3rd time this year.
Cheers,
Neal
I'm just dreaming now, no real plans just yet. One day though!
Just do it mate! :) It was the best trip ever for me! Let me know if I can help out with advice etc...y touring bike is stored in Atlanta...I may be taking it back down to SA or it may be available depending on your plans.
Cheers,
Neal
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