Bolivia

Bolivia! Bolivia! Bolivia! An incredible, vast, huge and diverse landscape. It reminds me a bit of Alaska with the enormity of the land and just the amount of open space in between the towns and cities. The roads are also very similar - always under construction and consisting of gravel, bumpy rides. Here are some photos from my bus ride from the border town of Villazon to Tupiza.




































































I am now worlds away from Argentina and am psyched for the cultural experience. Their is a large indigenous population - over 60% of the pop. Bolivia has 36 indigenous groups with nearly 30% of the people speaking Quechua. The women wear their hair in 2 braids with beads at the end of each braid, a short, full skirt just above their knees, stockings, a large brim hat, a shawl, an apron and quite often a tapestry tied around their neck which carries children and/or goods. Unfortunately 64% of the population is also below the poverty level. Most of the houses are without heat and are built with natural materials. I am amazed at the houses with gravel and dirt as their rooftops. Very simple and basic. Some towns are just now getting electricity and the internet has been extremely slow. I hope to be able to continue blogging. If not, I will be journaling and then add to my blog when I can. Pictures will definately be an art of patience to include. Welcome to Bolivia!