We had a free day in La Paz today. Nigel set off early to spend the day mountain biking down Bolivias infamous 'death road' with Tony and Paul. I stayed in La Paz and a group of us went on an intetesting four hour walking tour of the city, visiting old streets, local markets, plaza's, prisons and the presidential palace where we saw the changing of the guard. Not quite as grand as Buckingham Palaces changing of the guard! Certain areas of the city have their specific markets e.g. food and flowers, artisan streets, witches market etc. In the 'witches market' area there are all sorts of natural local lotions and potions plus lots of dried llama foetuses on sale. Bolivian's believe that burying one of these in the foundations of their home as an offering will ensure prosperity and good fortune.
We bumped into some friendly zebras again (Nigel and I saw some yesterday). University students who dress up as zebras to help people cross the road - zebra crossings!
We bumped into some friendly zebras again (Nigel and I saw some yesterday). University students who dress up as zebras to help people cross the road - zebra crossings!
In the evening we had a trip meeting to meet the new arrivals and get our tour details for the next twenty one day leg of our trip making our way down to Santiago.
Nigel - Mountain biking the "Death Road"
Early start for Tony, Paul and myself, mountain biking with Wicked Gravity. The day would be downhill from now on, 64km downhill to be precise. Meet and breakfast at Olivers Tavern (Brit Pub) and whisked to 4700m. Briefed and dressed for action by our guide Kieran. Great bikes and information. Party of 11 English v French. Off - 20km of Alpine road descent, bends but on tarmac. Back on the bus for am uphill and then on the gravelly Death Road itself. Manicured from 10 years ago - but still scary drops up to 300m straight down. Scary stories from the guides, but as they said you wouldn't want to do it if it didn't have the aura/legend. Cloudy and muddy, better bikes and I'm going faster than years ago mmm. Beers, t-shirts and bragging rites at the finish plus monkeys. Party bus on the way back to La Paz, long day. Do it again? You bet!
Biking Photos to follow.
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