Oh, Bolivia

Hi guys! I honestly don't remember why we added this landlocked nation to our itinerary so many months ago, but I am SO glad that we did. A wonderful human (hi, Lizbeth!) suggested that we walk across the border from Puno, Peru into Bolivia, which we did. It was hilariously chaotic, but we were so grateful that we were able to cross despite the earlier protests.

Once we arrived in Bolivia it became abundantly clear that people here are so nice, and so incredibly chill. Even the Bolivian border guards were relaxed and thought the kids' antics were funny (which they definitely are not). If my Type A-ness isn't softened just a little by the time we leave here, then something went terribly wrong. Anyway, we stayed our first night in Copacabana, this sweet little beach town on Lake Titicaca. We went out to dinner and Lu made herself at home on the sidewalk, as she always does.

The next day we drove to La Paz by crossing the Strait of Tiquina on Lake Titicaca. I know Gin mentioned this in her post, but let me just add something, which is: what the HELL was that!? We followed a bus onto what looked like a floating pile of logs held together with twine, which then was propelled across the straight while dodging dozens of other similarly precarious wooden crafts. I smiled for a photo, but I was ready to swim at a moment's notice (which might explain the death grip on Baker...).

Then we got to La Paz. Wow, this city has been the sleeper hit of the trip! For all of you who follow the adorably awesome "Ginny's Globe," you already got some highlights. We stayed at a rustic little eco-camping lodge outside of the city. This was the view from camp:

Ridiculous, right? (Oh, and see that little peak to the left? More on that soon.) On our first day we toured La Paz, including the Valley of the Moon, which was so other-worldly and beautiful.

Then we rode around on Mi Teleférico, the longest aerial cable car system in the world. I don't love to sit still, but man, it was fun cruising over La Paz! And the kids loved it. For the remainder of our stay in La Paz, our taxi drivers were treated to screams of "CABLE CAR!!!" whenever one came into view. But even the taxi drivers are so chill that they didn't mind.

Okay, now for my favorite part. So, that peak I pointed out earlier is called la Muela del Diablo. The Devil's Molar. I mean, how could you not climb that?? The kids were not as stoked, but they went along anyway. I kept it cool, but I was just screaming inside with happiness every step of the way.

We ate peanut butter sandwiches between the third and fourth spire with the wind whipping around us, and it was a really awesome moment.

(Hey DMM, Baker's PB&J pose totally reminds me of you!) The rest of our stay in La Paz was just lovely. We went out to dinner, visited the Witch's Market, and Ryan took the big kids out on ATVs. Today, we bid farewell, flew to Santa Cruz, then to Sucre. We have rented a cute apartment in the center of Sucre, where we will live for 12 days. It felt so good to just walk to the grocery store and to start a list of all the things I'll take the kids to see this week while Ryan is working. I am really excited to explore this white-walled city!

It's hard to believe we already are on Day 50! We miss you all. And to our Seattle family and friends, HAPPY SEAFAIR!!

All my love,

Madeline