After dropping out of the air at 6:40 am local time, I took the local shared van to the city center with another chap who was on the same flight. As I didn’t have any Bolivian currency, I had to pay with US dollars to cover the 4Bs fair. The fair collector agreed to take $3 between us, equal to 21Bs at the current exchange rate. To my surprise, a couple of the local Bolivians voice protest to the bus driver saying that the clerk was trying to rip-off the tourists. This is always a good sign when the locals are honest.
After checking in to the hostel to rest a little from the altitude shock, I took a walk by morning to explore the center of town on foot. As the hostel is only 3 blocks from Plaza Murillo, I went to explore the government buildings and see Evo Moralles’ presidential abode. It’s a pleasant welcome to see local city life bustling about – reminds me I’m home on the road again.
From there, I wandered off the map into the winding streets up the hillsides; perhaps not the smartest thing as it really tested my lungs and stamina at this altitude. The higher I went, the more stunning the view of the city nested on high slopes. So far, La Paz has already proved unique in what she has to offer.
After resting atop the hillside a while, I wended back to the hostel pass food stalls, stray dogs, local markets to rest and obviate against any altitude related problems. Just in time too as torrential rains just started pouring… time enough to plan for the next few days ahead.