The flight from Haiti was interesting since the President was on the plane. The president of Haiti that is…and my seatmate who was a missionary in the nation wrote a not for him. His head of security came back and shook our hands and chatted for a while after passing the note on. So, a cool flight!
We had a layover in Miami so we ate at a seafood place in Miami beach before heading to Bolivia. On the flight here I enjoyed watching episodes of “Boy Meets World” with a friend up until the Andes came into view. Then we just couldn´t stop looking. Snow-capped peaks stood high above a sea of clouds and my breath was taken away. It put me in a good mood which carried me through a very unstressful customs/immigration time. Then as we stepped out of the airport I fell in love.
Usually when I set foot in a new country, I am uneasy especially at night, and it takes me a couple days to like it. But as soon as the cool night air hit my face, it felt like Christmas!!! We are at 12,000 ft so it is tiring to walk stairs or cross streets without losing your breath…but just the amazing city of La Paz took my breath away. The streets remind me of Korea, the people are a mix between traditional fabrics and modern art, and the smell is of cooking street food. Immediately, for the first time in my life, I loved a place at first site.
We taxied to the Hostel where we will have debrief time over the next 5 days here in La Paz. And once checked in, I grabbed my friend Allison for some quaility street food time. Walking the streets was so natural. The people didn´t stair and frown like the Haitians, and no one approached you to ask for anything. It was just a good safe city to walk in.
Once we got ourselves some street food which was simular to hamburgers and hotdogs with fries, peppers, and oinions right on the sandwich (plus hot sauce and white sauce) we walked a little to explore. Upon returning to the Hostel we went up to the roof to sit and watch the city lights. This is a big city and I hope to get to enjoy more of it while we are here. After we leave debrief, we won´t be in a city anymore. We will be camping in the country side…but until then, I will enjoy this blessing of a refreshed heart through this city.
