Kristin, Alyssa, and I made a last-minute decision to take advantage of our long weekend and travel to La Paz and to escape the 100 degree heat wave that was settling in over Santa Cruz. Jessalyn and I went to La Paz while she was here, but because of the delay in her trip, we were unable to do the full trip that we had originally planned. This time we were going to make it to Copacabana to see Lake Titicaca!
We flew into La Paz and were able to stay the night with some friends of another teacher. The next morning we took a tour bus out to Copacabana. It was about a 3.5 hour trip. About halfway there, we had to exit the tour bus so it could be ferried across Lake Titicaca. There is no bridge or quick route, so the buses are taken on flat barges, while people take ferry boats. We met out boat on the opposite coast and then continued our journey.
When we arrived in Copacabana, we met up with our tour guide who was going to take us to the Isla del Sol (Sun Island). Before departing, we had a really nice lunch, featuring trucha (pink trout) from Lake Titicaca. It was amazing! Afterwards, we took a boat out to the Isla del Sol. The water of Lake Titicaca was the bluest and clearest lake water I have ever seen! The snow-capped mountains made the view even more amazing!
At the Isla del Sol, we quickly realized that everything was built up into the hills, which meant we had a big hike to our hostel for the night. Because of the altitude difference, we had to take several breaks, but those breaks allowed us to take in the breathtaking views and appreciate the Bolivian beauty!
Our hostel was set apart from all of the other buildings, which made it quiet and picturesque. It faced the lake and had the perfect view for the morning sunrise! The weather was much cooler than what we had left behind in Santa Cruz. The 70 degree difference made for a super chilly night of sleeping! On the Isla del Sol, we hiked up to a lookout where we were able to see Peru on one side and Bolivia on the other. We even got to see some llamas!
We flew into La Paz and were able to stay the night with some friends of another teacher. The next morning we took a tour bus out to Copacabana. It was about a 3.5 hour trip. About halfway there, we had to exit the tour bus so it could be ferried across Lake Titicaca. There is no bridge or quick route, so the buses are taken on flat barges, while people take ferry boats. We met out boat on the opposite coast and then continued our journey.
When we arrived in Copacabana, we met up with our tour guide who was going to take us to the Isla del Sol (Sun Island). Before departing, we had a really nice lunch, featuring trucha (pink trout) from Lake Titicaca. It was amazing! Afterwards, we took a boat out to the Isla del Sol. The water of Lake Titicaca was the bluest and clearest lake water I have ever seen! The snow-capped mountains made the view even more amazing!
At the Isla del Sol, we quickly realized that everything was built up into the hills, which meant we had a big hike to our hostel for the night. Because of the altitude difference, we had to take several breaks, but those breaks allowed us to take in the breathtaking views and appreciate the Bolivian beauty!
Our hostel was set apart from all of the other buildings, which made it quiet and picturesque. It faced the lake and had the perfect view for the morning sunrise! The weather was much cooler than what we had left behind in Santa Cruz. The 70 degree difference made for a super chilly night of sleeping! On the Isla del Sol, we hiked up to a lookout where we were able to see Peru on one side and Bolivia on the other. We even got to see some llamas!
While we were in Copacabana, we witnessed people buying flowers to decorate their cars. These cars were then lined up outside of the Catholic church to be blessed with holy water and alcohol by the priests. The significance of this is that this car would signify the first of many cars to come in the future. People could also purchase fake money, figurines, and tiny houses with the hopes that in buying these items that their families would be blessed with them in this upcoming year. If you want a new car, you buy a model car. If you want a new house, you buy a tiny model house. If you want a boyfriend, you buy a rooster. The people were going crazy making sure they bought their items in time to have them blessed by the Catholic priests.
We couldn't have asked for a better time together exploring more of Bolivia. The trip made me realize how thankful I am for my relationship with God and that the only thing that He requires of us is to believe in Him. We don't have to purchase items to be blessed by priests with holy water and alcohol. We don't have to walk up a tall mountain stopping every little bit to pray for forgiveness. We don't have to purchase relics to burn during rituals. I simply have to trust and believe in Jesus Christ, and because I believe, I have hope and reassurance that God is going to provide all that I need. God has made it so simple to follow him, for which I am extremely thankful!