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Arrived in La Paz, the highest capital in the world after another long drive day. Was wet and cold when got there, but really lovely- the city has a great vibe.
That evening we walked around the town and saw where everything was before going to a lovely French restaurant, where I ate yummy duck. Afterwards we went to a local bar for a few quite drinks. It was a lovely, but fairly chilled evening.
The next morning, the weather had improved and I did a half day city tour. This involved going to see the main plaza in La Paz with the government buildings and the Presidents residence. We drove up to a very high point in the city to get a great view and take a few pictures. Afterwards we drove down to the lowest point of the city known as Moon Valley (thanks to Neil Armstrong) Its a really pretty place with huge canyon type surroundings which iwe walked around. Finally we went back to La Paz city centre and to the witches market. The tour ended here, but we stayed to do a bit of shopping and look around. They sell all sorts, lots of llama and alpacha goods (ponchos, sockes, hats, bag etc) silver jewellery and even llama fetuses. Bought a few gifts and then back to the hotel. That evening we went for dinner and tried to have an early night as the next morning I had to be up at 6.30am ready for death road.
The next day we drove up to death road at about 8.30ish after being kitted out in all our safety gear and over trousers and vests. It took quite a while to drive there, but the views were incredible. Very windy and very steep roads with snow capped mountains in the background. When we arrives at the top we got given our bikes and had a 5 minute practise on them. Finally it was time to cycle death road.
The start of the road is fairly new and the first 20 kms are paved and smooth, but very steep and tonnes of sharp turns. Took me a while to get used to it and my hydro something or other brakes, but then I was off speeding down the road full speed ahead and having a great time. Unfortunately there were about 4 km which were up hill and when your 4000m above sea level its extremely difficult on the lungs. After that we really hit death road, the unpaved bit which is on the edge of the cliff and very rocky. Slightly more nerve racking, but real adrenalin rush. Made sure concerntrated very hard though as in the last year 15 people have died falling off the egde, including one guy who died a week before I did it. I survived though and have the t-shirt to prove it. Was an amazing day, but very tiring. All in all it was a 64km ride desending 3345m.
After the ride we went to a lovely hotel for food and a cooling swim in the pool.
That evening we didnt arrive back until 9 so took it easy ready for the drive to Peru the next day.
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