From the author: You know, it happens that you want to drop everything and go somewhere for a couple of months. And while Belarusians end up with such breakdowns in tickets to Thailand, my choice was unexpected for everyone, especially for my mother. This is the story of how it won me over Bolivia.
If someone confuses Libya and Bolivia, I will arrange a brief digression into geography. Bolivia is a country in Latin America that shares borders with Peru, Brazil, Chile, and Paraguay. There is no private access to the sea, but there are mountains. Lots of mountains. The real Andes, the view of which fell in love with me at first sight.
The most common question: how to get to Bolivia? Relatively long, but real. A few transfers, a flight across the Atlantic and voila, you get to the airport and it takes your breath away! Tickets can be found through the metosearch engine.
My destination, and the main place of residence for a couple of months, was La-Pas. This is the unofficial capital and the main life is concentrated here.
La Paz is located at an altitude of about 4 meters above sea level in the mouth of a dormant volcano. That is why an unprepared person becomes ill and simply short of breath. Thanks to the guys who became the guides for my trip, who selflessly gave me tea from coca leaves. Just a couple of days and you can breathe deeply.
The study of the country was started precisely from La Paz. And you know what? All my fears that I would end up in barracks where there is no electricity and, God forbid, the Internet, turned out to be completely unfounded. Crazy traffic on the streets, neat houses scattered across the Andes. Spectacular center with glass skyscrapers. There are absolutely luxurious areas, with expensive cars, shops, restaurants and other paraphernalia.
There is a historical center, the buildings of which are amazing. The bus station was designed by Gustave Eiffel! One of the most popular means of transport is teleferico cable car, which not only helps to get relatively quickly from different parts of the city, bypassing the serpentines, but also to enjoy the most beautiful view of the city. Mountains, mountains and more mountains. Mountains are everywhere. You can't even believe the picture is real.
In general, you can talk about La Paz for a long time. But my travels didn't end there. The carnival was waiting for me. Every year in February, the whole country turns into one big playground.
I was thrown into the city of Oruro, which gathers many tourists from all over the world to look at this bright and unusual action. The celebration starts at 10 am. Hundreds of dance and music groups march along the main streets of the city.
Everyone sings, dances and, of course, drinks. And so on throughout the week! It is better to just look at the photo and somehow be there yourself.
Every city, every region is different. Even the cuisine is different. Although the main ingredients are generally the same. My heart is unconditionally given to street food!
Right in front of you, a woman in a traditional costume will cook a burger, a local variation of a sandwich, or an enchantingly delicious beef heart on a small grill. And you can drink all this with freshly squeezed juice or coconut milk for ridiculous money.
This country is full of contrasts. You leave the mountains and find yourself in the desert.
It seems to you that nature can no longer surprise you, but then Lake Titicaca suddenly begins to appear, and you realize that you cannot help but make a stop in a coastal town to walk along the coast and watch the sunset.
Yes, the news and people are frightening that there is a lot of crime there, but honestly, in the months I lived there, I never met anything like that. Yes, the locals are wary of the Russians. Well, we're not that frequent visitors.
Although she personally knows a Ukrainian woman who opened an Italian trattoria in the city! In any case, increased attention is provided and it is sometimes even very pleasant.
Bolivians value family very much. Weekly fees for lunch or dinner are a must! Despite all this, they have very large families. When was the last time you got together with all your uncles, aunts and other relatives?
And by the way, they have one tradition. On his birthday, when the birthday boy made a wish and blew out the candle, he is suddenly dipped face into this cake, probably to make the wish come true.) Checked, it works!
And you know, this is an ideal country for relaxation and brain shaking! Another culture, another mentality.
There are no these people who constantly sullenly run to work or home. If you get a chance, be sure to go.
If you are going to Bolivia, think over in advance where you will stay.
