Yes, I've arrived in La Paz. I almost forgot how much I love it down here. It's like there's another me that is just waiting to burst out and navigate cobblestone streets while speaking Spanish.
My trip went very smoothly. The flight across the US was lovely - right on time and I had a window view. The Sierras were snowcapped and gorgeous, the badlands (or somewhere around Utah or New Mexico) were decorated with incised canyons which sprawled together in shapes that looked like coral, the everglades were an otherworldly abstract of plant colors and water. I also got a lot of reading done about the Tiwanaku (you'll be hearing a lot more about them).
The flight from Miami to La Paz was full and I gave my window seat up so a very young Menninite couple with a baby could sit together. I wondered what they were planning to do in Bolivia - travel I guess. Anyway, that left me with a center seat across the isle with a very cozy fit between two long-legged men. I will definitely need a nap today.
I arrived in La Paz an hour or two late, but no worries. The flight was supposed to arrive at 5:30am, so another hour or two was helpful. I got my Bolivian visa ($135!!!) and made it through customs just fine. A taxi was waiting and brought me right to my hotel for 50 Bolivianos (about $7). Good deal! Even more exciting, my room was ready when I arrived, so I'm all checked in and unpacked already.
I had toasted quinoa cereal with bananas and yogurt for breakfast, along with a glass of fresh squeezed juice (the only kind here) and a cup of coca leaf tea. The coca is a must here for dealing with the altitude.
Yes, have I mentioned that the La Paz airport is at 13,400 feet above sea level? The city is at 12,000 feet or so. The air is THIN. I have to keep taking deep breaths. Coca tea helps with the adjustment to altitude, and it's tasty too (and no, it's not like drinking cocaine...much much milder, with a nice herby flavor).
It's great to be back!
Karen
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