Bolivia 1st Day

At the border

Crossing the border from Lauca park was not a problem (on the motorbike). After passing the huuge lineup of trucks, and some running around at the border control confused as to how and in what order to pick up and fill out papers, I was able to continue toward the Bolivian side of the border, through the no-man´s-land. 

At this point the rain had caught up with me, and did not only wet bags and myself, but caused a short blackout at two offices that I had to visit, thus leaving my bike and my bags out in the rain for longer. At the end though, I past the border and left the rain behind (even if I saw it following me in the side mirror for the next 200 km. 

Rain rain rain!!

Happy camper!

But, these 200 km exhibited some of the most stunning landscapes I have seen! I was amazed by the variety and sharply distinct landscapes that I enjoyed along the road. Unfortunately most of it did not make for good photos, so I can only highly recommend entering / exiting Bolivia along the Bolivian 4-route, through Lauca Park in Chile. I definitely noticed the change of country, as I passed by small clay / brick huts along the main road, many of them with a broken roof. I had so many questions about Bolivia, and the different culture and life styles when I drove on toward La Paz.

Patacamaya

Patacamaya was the first "town" where I felt I had a decent chance to find accommodation, and I quickly checked in at a truck-hostal, for a mere $5 /night, a lot better than the $15 / night I paid in Chile! And at this point the rain had caught up.

Due to the rain and some thunder, the city had (as normal) temporary lost its electricity, which meant that I could not change money, nor put gas in the tank. After asking around, I found a store where the owner both changed money (at a higher rate) and sold me some litres of gas. More than what most people could bargain for. And with my accommodation paid for and gas in the tank, I set off for La Paz, knowing very little of what I was getting myself into...