Thursday 26 September 2012
RESIDENCIAL ROSARIO HOTEL
AVE. ILLAMPU # 704
LA PAZ BOLIVIA
TEL (591-2) 245 1658
We stopped at a viewing point to see La Paz and looking down into the valley it seemed a really big city, although only 1.5 million. Nearly half are housed illegally ie they have built without approval on the slopes and landslide is a real danger! We went on a city tour followed by a trip to 'moon' valley. Not really like the moon but an interesting geological basin of eroded cone shapes. See photos. There was a big police presence in La Paz with a midday protest by miners expected. La Paz, btw, means The Peace! When Bolovia and Peru were fighting ages ago, la Paz was founded to resolve their differences. No one shops in a store here. All locals go to markets that cover several city blocks. Each stall holder selling out of something as small as a phone booth (almost). Greg wanted to buy me a sombrero (the local indigenous ladies wear). Like a bowler hat. We eventually Found one and it looked ridiculous. This was his point! No sale. We head to Uyuni by plane, as the miners protest meant blocked roads.