South America Bound
As this was our third expedition with Choice Humanitarian, I think in the backs of our minds, we thought we were pretty prepared. The prep work of immunizations was a piece of cake (for most of us), we had our trusty supply list we’d been adding to over the last couple years, and we were traveling with our ‘Stephash’ friends. Not only were the Ashton’s with us again (they came to CHOICE: Nepal with us), but they invited their friends . . . see, humanitarian work is contagious!!
However, no matter how prepared you think you are, every expedition is different, with its own set of rewards . . . and challenges. Travel was a big challenge this time around, as South America is not an easy place to reach from London! We had about a 10 hour flight to Miami, with a couple hours’ layover there, before boarding a 7 hour flight to La Paz. Most of us slept the entire flight to La Paz; we were so exhausted, waking up just before landing.
La Paz is the highest capital city in the world and we felt it as soon as we landed. We honestly could not feel the descent of the plane. The captain asked the flight attendants to prepare the plane for landing. Then a short time later, he asked everyone to prepare for landing and we were touching the runway. As we waited to disembark from the plane, we had conversations with others around us about the altitude, many of whom had traveled to La Paz before. One family’s children had turned green at the plane’s door and threw up from altitude sickness; one flight attendant told us how she normally feels really shaky for a little while after landing in La Paz. We were nervous . . . but thankful we had listened to advice and started our altitude sickness medicine (diamox) while we were in Miami. When we finally did disembark, we were fine as long as we took it slow, but could definitely feel it was a little harder to breath.
Arrived Safely
We had chosen to arrive 2 days before our expedition would start so we could get acclimated to the altitude (the remaining Choice expedition group from the US arrived a day later). One of the expedition leaders, Chris, met us at the airport and helped us get settled as we waited for the in-country team, Willy & Maxima.
Trevon’s Fort
Instead of going directly to the village where we’d be working, we would spend two days in Copacabana, a town on Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake. Copacabana is known for its religious festivals and we would be there just in time for Easter weekend. Of course, it was another 4 hour bus ride . . . or should have been.
Litte Jack, Big Bus??
Because of the heavy holiday traffic, our bus driver decided to take an off-road route, which proved to be helpful, until he tried to cross a stream bed and got stuck . . .
Muscle Power??
. . . really stuck! Thankfully, we were able to flag down a passing tractor who came back to help us when he had completed his errand. We were also grateful to the nearby farmer who loaned us a rope with which we could connect the bus to the tractor.
Prepared to be Towed
At this point, we had a few kids not feeling well, whether that was from altitude sickness or a LONG day of travel, we’re not sure. Maybe the remaining 3 hours on the bus would have been okay, but there was a point when everyone had to be ferried across the lake . . . separate from your vehicles.
People Ferry Port
At the Helm
Under the Weather
By the time we reached Copacabana, we were more than ready to call it a day.
Copacabana, Bolivia
During our stay in Copacabana, we stayed in a cute hotel (Hotel La Cupula) that was made up of eclectic bungalows set on a hillside.
Our Eclectic Bungalows
Our family stayed in one bungalow for the first night, which was cute with just enough room for all of us . . .
Outside Bungalow
Inside Bungalow
. . . and an amazing view of the lakeside beach, filled with holiday revelers.
The View
The second night, our hosts moved us to an even bigger bungalow, which had more than enough room (and an extra bathroom) for the 5 of us.
Lake View out Window
Living Quarters
With one complete full day in Copacabana, we filled it with exploring. Many of us started the day with a hike up the hill behind the hotel. We initially thought it was a look-out, but it was a much bigger deal than that. This hill, called Cerro Calvario (Calvary Hill), is almost a pilgrimage for prayer and penance.
Bolivian Woman on Hike
In all honesty, it was not an easy hike and maybe symbolic of paying penance. We struggled the whole way up the hill! The air there is so thin, it was hard to take in a full lungful of air. We took many breaks out of necessity.
Part-way to the Top
We Made It!
The climb up is lined with small monuments, where Bolivians would stop, say a prayer, and then throw a small stone onto the cross’s platform. Then they would hike to the next monument and repeat the same ritual. The monuments and those at the top represent the 14 Stations of the Cross for Catholicism. Because it was Easter weekend, this was a popular place!
Cerro Calvario
Of course, many non-Catholic tourists climb this hill just for the view. It was a beautiful view of Lake Titicaca!
View from the Top
The rest of the afternoon was spent exploring the town of Copacabana, which at the center is the Basilica of Our Lady.
Top of the Basilica
Basilica Gate
Just outside the Basilica is the market. We shopped a bit while we walked around . . .
Market Stalls Outside Basilica
Selling Chicha Morada
Working the Stalls
Patience
Handicrafts for Sale
Homegrown Sale
Biggest Popcorn Ever!
‘Stephashini’ Kids in Market
. . . but really, it was more fun to people watch.
We especially liked seeing the many families that came to the market together, showing the changes in culture as time goes on.
Four Generations of Bolivians
Bromance Bros
As we waited to meet up with the rest of our Choice group for the opening dinner, we were exhausted and felt we had seen quite a bit of Copacabana. We hoped our activities of the day had helped us cure our jet lag and acclimate to the altitude, which had been our main goals.
Teens Chillaxing at Basilica
Only time would tell as we ventured out to the expedition the following morning.
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