Welcome to Boliviaª

Now I already know that my Dad will be still pacing up and down the hallway waiting for me to make some contact but sorry its a busy time watching over 17 people in a developing country.
We arrived into La Paz and my god the altitude hit us like a tonne of bricks suffocating us. It was even worst at night as it was rather cold and my down jacket was definitely a good call.

We have since sent 3 days travelling to and from as well as walking around the Isla del Sol where there are Inca ruins, amazing views of the huge mountains spanning the Altiplano, llamas, donkeys, Bolivia ladies in their tophats and beautiful fabrics to carry anything from luggage to children on their backs.

It hasnt been a culture shock, not so much as India was back at the beginning of the year but the altitude makes walking very hard, especially as the whole of La Paz is on a hill. I was literally dying from just climbing the stairs. That has since changed and we are much better acclimatised after reaching and trekking around 4000 metres plus. We have camped on the beaches at Copacabana and Isla del Sol, watching amazing sunrises and sunsets over looking Lake Titicaca, bartered at markets for food, been to the Witches market of La Paz where dried llama fetuses are a sacred thing to have in the house, the coca leaves can be found everywhere but I havent found myself near any yet.

We are due to leave to do the Yungas Trek in the high mountains this Friday for 5 days trekking. We will have mules for our kit and a safety horse if anyone is feeling ill. We have a couple of bouts of illness at the moment but nothing too serious. I am currently in charge today as the leader has a rest day to recover from his bout of illness. Exciting stuff.

For now though I am off helping to buy up all the food for the 5 day trek which should be interesting as their is the 200 years anniversary of the Independance of La Paz so Im not sure what will be open.

Will try to update soon. For now though Adidos.