Slow road to La Paz - but so worth it!

The long road to Bolivia began with the 2045 bus from San Pedro on Friday evening. After a change of bus we were on an overnight trip to the north of Chile before taking the 0830 bus to La Paz. We always thought this would be the trickiest leg of the whole trip - and it didn't let us down. All went well for the first 2 hours until we were faced with a roadblock and told that ice on the mountain pass meant that we may have to go back down to Arica and try again tomorrow! We hung around in the middle of nowhere with a load more buses and lorries for over 2 hours before finally getting the go ahead to proceed.

The landscape was incredibly bleak and at the border crossing it was well below freezing (and at 4,500m, pretty high) and Tina was so glad of the coca tea to which she has developed a strong liking - seems to stave off the altitude sickness anyway!

The scenery changed as we drove into Bolivia, becoming greener and giving us the first chance to see just how impoverished the country is. Some very primitive farming and living conditions. The journey eventually took 12 hours (24 in total) and the roads became more manic the closer we got to La Paz. The entrance to the city was dramatic as we came down a steep hill with the lights of the city far below. Bus station very hectic but we managed to get a taxi and into our hotel without incident.

Taking it easy today - at 3600m, you can definitely feel short of breath and a little light headed. Really liking the city - it is unlike any we have been to in South America - and very cheap. We had lunch at the restaurant on the left - soup, salad, chicken and dessert - for £2.30!

Heard the sound of firecrackers from the hotel and quickly saw what looked like some kind of demonstration - plenty of police around but no sign of any trouble - all adds to the scene!

Ian much in need of a haircut and as we walked down a street full of barber shops, they were all very keen for him to come in - but would you trust a Bolivian hairdresser! At least they could keep him in the 70's style to which he is so accustomed!

Sitting in an internet cafe looking down on the streets - could take a photo every minute - it is all so fascinating.

Last day tomorrow before we meet up with the tour group - should be interesting!