Sunday 14 July 2002
After a day in La Paz we realized that we had to change hotel. The bed was so bad that I insisted to tug the mattress on the floor at 1am. The springs had defiantly worked than now.
We didn't have a travel book that covered La Paz, so we walked the streets and visited a few hotels checking prices versus quality. We ended up at a three-star hotel with an incredible view over the city and the mountains. The recommended price was $45 a night for a double room with private bath, heating and cable-TV. We got it for $30 without the cable and breakfast. Not a big loss.
Our breakfast this morning was served at a very local restaurant all furnished with cheap plastic chairs and not cozies at all. The food was good. The old owner wasn't busy and took his time. We had our first "caf con leche" in nearly two weeks and it tasted well. We also got a large glass of fresh pressed orange juice and a very solid sandwich stuffed with tomatoes and 3-4 boiled eggs. This was heavy and very satisfying. We paid some 25 Bolivianos, which was approx. EUR 2.50!
After moving our luggage to the new hotel we took a walk around in the city without plan. We reached the San Francisco square and shortly after the witch market.
What a funny market. Besides different amulets against the evil spirits, we saw dried llama fetuses, which were good to pour into the foundations of a new house to bring gook luck.
We also spotted a stuffed cat for sale! Most of the stalls were quite ordinary with souvenirs, spices, amulets etc.
We were very purposeful. I forgot my new alpaca wool scarf in the bus which I wanted to replace, and we also had to find an alpaca plaid as a gift to our friends nearly approaching wedding.
It all succeeded. We were happy about buying our own plain in Cuzco, because we didn't see that many here, actually only two different styles. The price was higher as well, as the plaids probably were imported from Peru. We felt happy about the fact, that we already had bought most of our woolen presents in Peru.
The remaining day we spend on the main street Avenue del Prado. We used the time to look a people and buildings, taking pictures, eating a bit and drinking coffee.
This was the most beautiful day with perfect weather. Later that evening we rested on the new lovely hotel before going out again to eat. The day before we luckily found a very delicious restaurant called El Caliente. They served very good grilled meat and we considered going there again tonight.