Bolivia - On the way to Cochabamba

I arrived in La Paz, Bolivia on September 4th. I didnt have any problems getting my Bolivian visa, all of the paper work was in order. It was just a matter of forking out 135$ to get through to customs. But I can now say that it was worth it!

I spent one day in La Paz, finding it surprisingly hard to walk and talk. The altitude did affect me luckily in some ways more than others. I had a bad headache but never had to see my lunch make a return apperance. I stuck around La Paz long enough to see one of the main plazas get a bite to eat and scope out the terminal for the upcoming trips.

Saturday morning I left La Paz (and the nausia behind) and headed east to Cochabamba. It was about a 7 hour bus trip but the scenary was spectacular! Deserts, hills, straight road, super curvy road, llamas, sheeps and lots of people with brightly colored clothing. I was riding in a double-decker bus and had the extreme pleasure of having the front seat of the bus!
It was wonderful!

Sunday, the day after I arrived was pedestrian day - no cars allowed. So Alvaro and I went on a bike tour of the city. It was the perfect way to get to know the city, breath some fresh air and ride a bike! It was perfect!

When I arrived in Cochabamba, I was greeted by Alvaro a good friend of a friend of mine from the PC.
Now, you may have heard of Latino hospitality, but I have been schooled in what it means to invite someone into your home and treat them as a long lost best friend. Alvaro, his mom and sister took phenomenal care of me for 5 days. I was able to rest, see the city, visit some museums, try many amazing new foods! learn to cook some new foods! (see the Sopa de Mani below). And just hangout with real Bolivians and not be a tourist, just a human.

The road to Cochabamba - the flat part