Bolivia is a dangerous country, whilst I dont need the embassy to tell me that (The UK embassy has advised all travellers not to enter La Paz), the signs of political unrest are obvious. Our arrival on an overnight bus from Potosi was interesting. Our bus was turned away at a check point 30mins out of La Paz due to supposed road blocks. We eventually jumped into a taxi who ensured us he could get us into the city. We zoomed past protesters, blocked roads, riot police and tear gas, Something I am told has become a daily occurance due to the emment election. We spent a day or two briefly checking out the countries capital including the witches market; stalls set up with pre-made magic spells, ornaments, good luck charms and ingredients for personal spells including dried llama fetuses, cats paws, condor feathers and other partial animal sundries. The black market around the corner had a street lined with "black" electrical appliances of any description (off the back of a truck, sold cheap in US dollars). There was everything imaginable, I am thinking of buying a gameboy and discman for the sake of it, anyone for Sony stereo system??? (Curt, you could have financed you decks for $500 US). On Friday Steve and I took off on a mountain bike tour down the worlds most dangerous road. The 64km stretch from La Cumbre (just out of La Paz) to Coroico goes from an altitude of 4900m down to 1800m at the bottom in the space of a few hours. The main dirt section won its name by having the highest annual mortality rate out of any road stretch anywhere in the world; averaging 100 deaths per year. Locals say that a truck or bus goes off the road every fortnight. The narrow laned super highway supplies some amazing views of the surrounding mountains. 30cms away from cliff faces, one slip could spell the end. Looking over the edge one is faced with free falls of anywhere between 50-800ms. Our tour company made it clear they only had 200m in abseiling equipment. Hitting some amazing speeds on the decent it only took a fews stops , a body covered in dust, mud and sweat and a few hours to reach the bottom. We have since been staying in Coroico in a resort (Bolivian standard) with the most breathe-taking views of the mountains . Weather has warmed up and the sauna is only 13 steps away from the pool. Went on a mountain hike today from sunny perches to drenching rainforests (got some good shots). Heading off to the Amazon Jungle with Celia tomorrow. Steve has gone on a two week mercy mission to rehabilitate some monkeys; all too funny considering one of his quotes of the day. Lets hope he doesnt teach it any of his tricks, if you know what Im saying. Well as I jump in for a swim in this sub tropical climate Ill think of all you Victorians and Taswegians. Enjoy the winter and until Im off fighting anacondas and malaria... over and out. dave..
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