La Paz- Bolivia

Having crossed the border, the quickest yet, we are now in Bolivia and heading for Copacabana still on Lake Titicaca. A typical border town it is full of restaurants, tourist shops, cafes and of course lots of backpackers. We are still at 3800 m and the last week of exertion and pushing your body to the limit, climbing at altitude, has lowered the bodies defences and quite a few of us have come down with either a sickness or diarrhoea bug so although there are local walks and trips out to the islands to visit more Inca ruins I decide to hang out locally, rest up and recover ready for more strenuous activities to come.
Fully recovered, but still puffing after any exertion, we head to La Paz. We travel through an impressive scenic route through the Cordillera Real on one side and the lake shoreline on the other. We crossed the lake by ferry and barge across the Estrecho de Tiquina ( Tiquina Straits)
Ithaca looking pretty impressive perched on a wooden barge until it reached the middle and was swaying quite a bit, Rogan poised for a swim. We travelled separately in a wooden motor boat. Safely across we continue driving to La Paz, 3660 m, with snowy Mt Illimani (6402m) in the background. A massive sprawling city La Ciudaad de Nuestra Señora de La Paz ( the City of Our Lady of Peace ) was founded and named on October 20 1548 by a Spaniard called Captain Alonzo de Mendoza. The Spaniards loved shiny things and this was no different, the gold mines being seized pretty quickly and Cpt Mendoza installed as the city's first mayor. Despite its name La Paz has seen much violence in its history. Since Bolivian independence in 1825 the republic has seen over 190 changes of leadership. A high mortality rate accompanied high office, the job of president came with a short life expectancy. As recently as 1946 the then president Gualberto Villarroel was publicly hanged.
Now a bustling city we are staying at the Milton Hotel, right in the thick of it. Markets all around we spend two days exploring the side streets finding the Witches market with all manner of potions for every ailment, fruit and veg markets, tourist shops, museums, the gold museum in particular, church's and even time out for a game at the bowling alley. A bustling city it was a great couple of days again photographing locals about their business.
Needless to say another adrenaline boost was required so the Death Road Awaits, blog to follow.

Adios

Tony x

1-3. Ithaca leaving port
4-5. Ladies selling a few bits at the port
6-10. Shots around town
11-13. Street sellers
14. Dodge bus, bygone era
15-16. Witches market, foetus, frogs and god knows what else.
17. Streets full of tourist gifts.