I'm glad I fought my natural urge to listen to no one and assume I knew best because I definitely needed my coat. In fact, I was still cold and could've gone with my thermal pants as well.
The trees in the horizon looked like AT-ATs, but after 10 hours (6 hour ride my ass!) we finally made it. Of course we missed our stop and had to hail a taxi.
One Of the stranger "signs" was when We arrived at our condo. At first I noticed it's Edificio Vergel, the exact name of my place in La Paz. And then I notice the name of the taxi service; "Chicago".
Cochabamba is like scar face era Miami, sans violence. The weather is great, there's a lot to do, and there's no internet anywhere. Similar to la Paz, there are tiendas everywhere and propped up restaurants on the sides of the roads.
After a slight rest we headed up to the big cement Jesus. It's similar to the Redeemer, but on a smaller scale. You can take a hellish route (I wish) and walk up, or take the transferico, a lift like in Pittsburgh that is also opening in La Paz at the end of the month. The views from it are wonderful.
The Concrete Jesus was a sight to behold, and being one of the highest points in the city, the overlook was incredible too.
Our next stop was a small town hidden by a lake called Tarata. It was día de los niños and there was a small celebration. My friends went in search of Chicha, and I just tagged along. The town drunk (assumedly) forced me to drink the fermented corn drink, and it was terrible. But when a local lady wielding a machete tells you to do something, you do it! We visited the wonderful church in town, and for a small tour. Inside their garden were some wonderful plants including a cherry moya tree and a date tree.
At night we went to a bar that will sound familiar, "Muele del diablo", though I don't think the mountain has ownership or stock.
The following day, after a good rest (lies. I woke up at 6) we headed out to the family farm in Apoto. A grand piece of land, with tons of animals as well. It started raining and we had to cancel our plans to hike a mountain; bummer.
We visited another small town and it's market, and let me tell you... Food doesn't get fresher than this. The colors are so vibrant and the taste is so amazing. Oh and the price? 10 large green apples can set you back 10 bolivianos... Or about $1.30.
The condominium we stayed in had this wonderful view from the 11th floor. And on the next day we woke up early, had our homite and batida and set off for a 3 hour bus ride to chapara. Nellman and Jellman sail again.