Every visit must come to an end. And with it did my time in La Paz. I had moved there, spent a little over two months there in the end.
I loved it. It really helped me understand culture more and what it actually is. I got to know all the little idiosyncrasies from Paceña life, and I enjoyed Bolivia itself greatly.
Upon leaving I realized just how... Well, poor, Bolivia is as a whole. La Paz is one of the more affluent towns and when I got to Lima I realized just how far behind La Paz is.
We had made quite a few plans before we left. Initially it was go to Uyuuni, a few days in Sucre, Potosi, a bus to Santa Cruz and fly to Lima. Planning never works. Everything became a headache thanks to lack of information, expensive flights, and road blocks.
A few days before we left, we took our final voyage into the mountains. What was a planned 6 hours quickly turned into 10-11 as night set on us and a group got lost. On the return to the ground there's a giant 15-20 foot drop blocking your way and only two of us were able to navigate around it at first. Another group climbed back up to try to find a way out; they couldn't.
It was a great day though, and Neil's return and the rescue mission was quite funny. I like to do all my climbs without good and water (Neil's tip) so, I was pretty hungry by the end. Word of advice; don't step on cacti! ouch.
I was the donkey heading up, which I always love to be. Something about climbing up just feels me with an entirely different energy. I never get tired, and I never have issues.
I get to the top. And quick. Then I take in the views. In those moments everything is calm. I have no issues and the world is at peace for me. Being at the top of a mountain (I use this word incorrectly) is something that just soothes me. It's so quiet. Inside and outside of me.
In the end our final trip in La Paz was to... tiawanaku! Anyone who knows me, knows this type of thing fascinates me. Clearly, the town was pushed forward by aliens. It's one of the first civilizations and lasted for over 2000 years before, a suspected drought ended it.
Tiawanaku had this special energy about it. The bus ride wasn't too long, and was comfortable somewhat. The museum was underwhelming really, but the ruins were all I cares about.
Once you arrive in the field you take a large set of stairs up to the platform. I can't really describe tiawanaku.. If you're ever around it's a must see but I wouldn't suggest traveling only to visit it.
It's a really somewhat sacred ground. My favorite fact was that the Spanish Inquisition found one of the monoliths before anyone else, tried to exorcise it (you can see a cross etched in it) and re-buried it. It wasn't found until a few hundred years after that!
La Paz is a treat. Anyone who needs to get away for a month, and wants to live cheap should head there. If you can deal with altitude issues.
I learned so much in my time there, and will never forget the people I met. They all hold a special place in my heart! I even picked up a new football club to support.
Well, I'm ill be in Lima for a while, so expect some good posts. The fruit here is so amazing. Best avocados in the world.
Take care!