March 13- Exploring La Paz

Today we did a more thorough tour of La Paz, partly by van and partly by Teleferico (the gondola system).  We learned that the Teleferico was built under Evo Morales, who apparently did many good things for Bolivia before the power went to his head.  It was built in 5 years and covers 30 miles.  The cars have solar panels to help power it.  Some of the work at great heights was done using drones.

The Central Plaza was the scene of many riots, revolutions and a few hangings over the years.

We learned more about the history of Bolivia; over the years they lost 53% of their land mass to neighboring countries, sometimes from war and later by agreed cessions (to avoid more wars).  

The old government building- still bearing bullet holes from the Revolution. 

The national flag of Bolivia, flanked by a multi-colored one symbolizing the variety of cultures and a blue flag symbolizing the sea.

At the changing of the guard at the palace (the ceremony occurs only once a month so we missed it), the cry is, “Bolivia- hacia el mar!” (Bolivia- to the sea!)- a memory of when Bolivia had its own seaport, which was lost in the Pacific War.  There’s still a Seacoast Museum- closed during our visit, unfortunately.

Street containing multiple museums- all closed, of course!

Plaque in front of the Maritime Museum.

Among the many items sold by vendors- fresh fruits and vegetables and every imaginable kind of candy and soft drink, I noticed American-branded cigarettes.  I asked Williams how much they cost- about $1.25 per pack.  Surprisingly, few people smoke- “It just isn’t part of our culture”.

Vendor, seen from window of our van. Mostly women, they arrive very early in the morning to receive food from truckers who bring it in; they then re-sell in smaller quantities.

We visited two more streets with specialized markets.  One area, the Witches' Market, included shops selling herbs, potions and items used for indigenous worship.

Offerings with pictures symbolizing what you hoped the gods would bring; money, travel, etc.  A few days later as we were trying to find a way home I joked darkly that I was going to go back and buy one with an airplane on it. 

Remedies for what ails you (or to make you stronger).  Sangre de Toro (Bull's blood) will apparently give you an Arnold Schwarzenegger physique.

We also visited a street full of shops selling costumes, mostly for Mardi Gras.

Close-up of the embroidery.

And of course you need matching footwear.

Elvis must be around here somewhere.  Our guide said that elaborate costumes such as this ran around $800.