6 days in and
already our arrival at El Alto airport, La
Paz, Bolivia feels like a distant dream. My first
week in Bolivia, as a volunteer
on the International Citizen Service scheme, has been a whirlwind of colour,
dizziness and friendly welcomes.
We entered the sprawling metropolis of La Paz via a steep, bumpy road which winds its way down nearly 1000 metres from the airport (4061m above sea level) to the city. A vast mountain panorama opens up before you as you descend from the Altiplano, with jagged rock formations and ridges looming in on all sides. The towering triple-peaked mountain, Illimani dominates the horizon with its snow covered faces creating an incredible first impression!
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| Views over of La Paz with snow-capped Illimani in the distance |
It is the vibrant colours of La Paz which continue to amaze me; from the
brightly painted buildings, to the sprawling fruit and veg markets, and the
traditional outfits worn by the Cholitas (Bolivian women).
Living at over 3000m altitude gave me a pretty dizzy head which stayed with me for the first few days. I have quickly learnt that having a constant supply of water available, as well as regular cups of the traditional coca tea, are essential for coping with the altitude!
It has been amazing to receive such friendly welcomes from the International Service team in Bolivia, my project and host family coordinators, UpClose Bolivia, as well as local people in the community. I am living in the beautiful setting of La Valle de La Luna (The valley of the moon) with 4 other International Service volunteers (Katie, Doug, Danielle and Ryan), located a 30 min taxi ride from the centre of La Paz, surrounded by mountain peaks, ridges and towering rock pillars. Really excited at the prospect of living in the Green House for the next 3 months, exploring our surroundings and starting our projects!
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| The Green House, La Valle de la Luna |
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| View from our balcony of La Valle de la Luna |
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