Getting High in La Paz

La Paz has the distinction of being the highest capital in South America.  It is built within a large canyon.  The city center is at the bottom, and most of the important landmarks are clustered in this area.  At 3,660 meters in elevation, exploring the town is a test of both the legs and lungs.

We stayed at a hostel just three blocks from San Francisco Cathedral, the most iconic of all the churches.  In the evening, we ate oranges and watched a street performance.  It was the typical kind of humor of the region.  In one skit, a man was dressed up as a woman, and another man attempted to get "her" to dance with him. 

The view is outstanding.  Brick buildings with terra cotta roofs cling to the edge of the canyon.  At night, thousands of lights shine in the darkness.

Plaza Murillo is a place where people gather to sit on benches, eat ice cream, and feed pigeons.  Several government buildings and a cathedral surround the square.  We arrived at the Presidential Palace just in time to watch the changing of the guard.  On the Bolivian Congress Building, the clock spins in reverse as a testament to their heritage and identity as a country in the South.  It is meant to encourage unique and creative thinking. 

Crowded markets line the streets and are separated by product type.  They sell everything.  It is possible to wander from the clothing market to the light bulb market in a matter of minutes.  The Witches Market provides various herbs, potions, spices, amulets, and incense as remedies to any affliction.  The most disturbing items are the llama fetuses hanging on the edge of each booth. 

La Paz is dizzying in every way.  Unlike other South American capitals, it is not merely a launch pad for the rest of country.  It is a great place to explore, eat street food, and experience Bolivia's culture.