Though far in time, there’s no better time to recall a grand celebration during the summer time. The fesitivies associated with Carnaval usually remind people of the colorful parades in Brazil. Scandalous outfits, huge crowds and uproar of madness throughout the city. Little do most people know that the 2nd biggest Carnaval celebration resides in Oruro, Bolivia. It is also part of Mankind’s Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by the UNESCO foundation. I was lucky enough to participate during my South American summer in Winter during one fabulous weekend in February.
Bolivia
After nearly a month traveling around Bolivia, I cannot tell you how relieved I was to be in La Paz with more options of food than the usual chicken and rice that seemed so prevalent throughout Bolivia. The Star of India restaurant was recommended by a few hostel mates, listed in Lonely Planet, and popular for the worlds most dangerous Vindaloo.
Well, I tried to be creative. Besides the few things they missed to tell us about the Salar de Uyuni tour, it was definitely one of the most fascinating places I have ever been to. I wish I was more prepared for what I was about to see. A search on Flickr shows that some people were a bit too prepared but were very creative.
One of my favorite guilty pleasures besides traveling is a travel reality show called “The Amazing Race.” If you haven’t heard of it, its a somewhat glamorized version of reality backpacking. Adventure seekers travel around the globe in a race to win a million dollars. Most of our journeys end in life goals being accomplished; which is just as rewarding as a million bucks.
When you’re backpacking, it’s obvious that you make sacrifices to accustomed lifestyle choices and personal luxuries. You need to stay on budget and stay away from Starbucks and your regular morning coffee. But, wait. There is no Starbucks. Nor is there Best Buy, Borders, nor Dasani Water. What is this place?
Less then one hour drive from La Paz, Bolivia is Death Road (El Camino del Muerte) which is claimed to be the worlds most dangerous road. Estimates show there has been over three hundred deaths since the road has opened. Along the road there are several religious Christian crosses saying ‘In Memory Of’. It starts at 4,700 meters high dropping to about 2,000 meters stretching about 70km in length with a 3300m decent in altitude. What exactly makes this road so dangerous though?
Teresa and I have recently went on a three day tour starting in Uyuni, Bolivia and passing through the many attractions in the surrounding area including Salar de Uyuni, Laguna Verde, hot springs, and lots of the beautiful nature Bolivia has to offer in the south. After going to about 6 different agencies,we had found that nearly all gave around the same price and could only bargain a small amount if possible. Most tours pass by the same exact places as well. After three days, we found all agencies failed to mentioned a few things.
