La Paz

What can you say about this rather vibrant city that sits at 3600m?  It isn't necessarily a beautiful city, nor is it exceptionally charming - but it is unique. La Paz is a place where Bernard and I have comfortably spent four days wondering around the streets, buying vast arrays of alpaca goods, enhancing our DVD collection, enjoying good quality (and well priced) food and relaxing in our comfortable room.  Both occasions I have had alcohol in La Paz one small drink has gone straight to my head - so big nights out aren't exactly on my agenda - well I want to have big nights out - but end up having cheap and short nights out instead! La Paz is the ideal place to do what every traveller needs to do - their washing, catching up on internet, posting excess luggage and souvenirs home, booking next bits and pieces, and meeting fellow travellers (especially if staying at hostel).  We've bumped into many people we met on the road - La Paz is that kind of place.  Its essential pit stop on your way to anywhere.

The city is lovely at first light and at dusk - the sun shining on the tin roofs makes the steep hills of the city shimmer. When the sun isn't shining it can be extremely cold and when its raining, it can feel colder still.  The city is built into this steep valley, so if you are walking faster than a local, you'll be puffing within a block and the local will end up overtaking you. The key thing is to keep a slow and steady pace. We took a night-time tour of the San Francisco convent/church which was extremely interesting. It amazes me to see such antiquities openly on display without being locked away behind glass.  We walked around Plaza Murillo and watched many protests and marching celebrations.