Transition from Peru back to Bolivia

  La Paz, Bolivia
Sunday, May 13, 2007

Following a yummy meal at the Indian restaurant in Cusco and a sad goodbye with Jessica and Simon I was on my way to Copacabana, Bolivia ... just  a little ways from the Peru :: Bolivia border.  A harrowing overnight ride later, in which I didnīt sleep a wink, I was running around Copacabana trying to get the first boat out of that tourist trap.  I made it to the famous Isla del Sol in record time ... not really understanding why I was in such a rush, until I got there.  Isla del Sol is one of the best places that I have visited.

Cars, motos and (I think) bikes are not permitted, so foot traffic is all there is.  Its fame is well deserved, not only was it entirely tranquilo, it was so beautiful.  I didnīt hike around as much as I wanted due to time and breath shortness, but what I did see was wonderful, clear water, beautiful scenary and mountains in the distance.  I also found this wonderful hostal, which had a skylight in the room and the Senora made all of the guests dinner (which was also yummy).  Good company made also added to the great ambiance.
 
The next morning, I was headed out of the ferry back to Copacabana and consequently La Paz (my last stop before my flight out).  Incredibly, I ran into 2 other Peace Corps volunteers from my G that I had just finished service with me. 

We had a great ferry ride back, catching up on all the news that we had accumulated over the last month ... a short lunch later and we were all on buses in opposite directions, unfortunately.  Although it was so great to see Tara and Sarah for that short amount of time, I wish we had been able to travel a bit more together. 

Arriving in La Paz, the capital city of Bolivia, was entirely overwhelming.  It is, by far, the biggest city I have been in for quite a while.  After a short adjustment period, however, I am really enjoying it.  There is limitless shopping and food choices, which makes me VERY happy.  The day after I got here, I went on the notorious "road of death" with Mike. 

About 4 months ago, they replaced it with a newer road, which makes it probably less death causing, but nonetheless, I was intimidated.  At some points, the road narrows and the drop off is incredible and you try not to consider the meaning of erosion.
 
It was a realitively quick ride though and the company we went with was very reputable ... the only scary part was the ride home when it was all fogged over and you had to imagine the sharp drop-offs that the van might hurl down.  At any rate, I survived and even got a t-shirt to prove it. 

Iīm heading home on Wednesday ... so I guess this will be my last update.  Iīm glad I took this trip ... the experience has definitely been worth it --- a good transition period.  I hope Iīve been descriptive enough ... although words could never suffice for the real thing.