Immediately upon arrival, I felt the change in altitude. La Paz airport is the highest in elevation of any airport in the world. While making my way through customs, I felt the elevation sickness getting stronger and myself getting weaker. I had a massive headache, felt sick to my stomach, and extremely sleepy. God bless a medic station in the airport ready to handle foreigners who get elevation sickness. They were out of altitude medicine, as it was the end of the month and rations were depleted, but they gave me oxygen. This sufficed, although I still had a headache and my breathing was comprimised.
Feeling stronger, I made my way to the city. The descent down the mountain was spectaclar! My only wish was for the taxi to slow down! Hotel Estrella, (star in Spanish), was perfect for me to stay. After I settled in, I was off to explore the streets. I was continuously made aware of the altitude. There were mountains surrounding me, and my heart raced walking up hills or steps. Little by little I adjusted, and was able to enjoy myself to the fullest.
Bolivia is gorgeous. The vibe in La Paz is overwhelming. Thoroughly entertained by the sights and the people, I could walk in circles in this city for days. Today I toured the San Francisco museum. The garden and the church inside were amazing. I was one of the only people touring it, which made for a surreal experience. The little girl following me allowed me access to the main altar and a crypt. She showed me stairs to climb to the roof of the church. When I got to the top, I was in awe!
A breathtaking (literally) view of the city, with the huge mountains in the background, surrounded me. The bell tower, the large cross, the corrugated roof, it all seemed so perfect. The weather was warm with a slight breeze. I sat up there a while, just taking it all in.
I wish I could project this courosel of pictures from my mind to yours! And the feeling! What a feeling...
A slight rain fell as I walked through the city this evening. The rain drops made a soothing noise on the vendor tents. It added to the sounds of the people and the night all around me. I walked to a park and watched the kids playing. A little girl smiling and laughing reminded me that although I am surrounded by a foreign language, laughing and happiness translates the same for us all. Everything is so different here, but this is the same everywhere. Thinking on this, I smiled too.
