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So we have completed the Salt Flats and I just wanted a quick round-up on Bolivia.
After the spectacular time on the Inca Trail it was hard to imagine how to follow that, but Bolivia certainly delivered. From our first stop in Copacabana (and the exploits trying to leave it!) to our travel across the salt to get to Chile Bolivia has served up a storm.
I found the people very interesting. Not as inviting or warm as I'd like, but those that were were great. I found some habits of theirs difficult. For example on the return taxi from the jungle going into La Paz I seen three men, and they were in their 40's or 50's, coming down an embankment. Two lead while the third casually walked out of an alley, peed against a wall in full view of the motorway, then nonchalantly zipped up his trousers and went on his way.
Hygiene aside they were very industrious. One boy about 12yr old came on our bus, stood at the front and sang as best he could before walking the aisle for cash. One thing we couldn't figure was the fashion. Older ladies, much too old to have such long plaited hair, wore these ridiculously tiny bowler hats. What they were for I don't know. Too small to give shade and too unattractive to be fashionable. And no sign of a sash and Garvaghy Rd nowhere!
Their culture, however, was astounding. And this varied with magnificent landscape. But it always reverted back to the mountains, even their folk music was all tales and romances about them. But, to be fair, at such high altitude and such awe-inspiring sights I can understand why.
And that's probably the main thing. From the massive Lake Titicaca to the Amazon Rainforest, the thriving city of La Paz to the barren deserts of salt, Bolivia has thrown up such a mix of natural and human interactions. All of this gave us a fabulous time and makes us feel really privileged. And thank you again got your contribution in the amazon.
One last thing. You may have seen on the news that the Bolivian Foreign Minister toured Europe lobbying the UN etc. If any of you there have any power or influence, please can you support his cause and get Coca leaves legalised throughout the world!?! From the Inca Trail to the Salt Flats I have kinda become addicted and need a supply when I get back. It is so nice and healthy! And would really boost the locals' economy.
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