Buenos Suerte en Bolivia!

...That was the last thing I was told before coming to Bolivia. Besides having a mini panic attack on the way to the airport, I really didn´t have any problems reaching La Paz. None of my bags to lost, I didn´t miss a plane, and a ride was waiting for me when I got out of customs. I was really surprised considering that most of the time I am the one that has the problems when arriving anywhere. I guess all my worrying somehow paid off.
It was a bit of an adjustment walking around the streets of La Paz at 12,000ft. I think in the back of my mind I was wondering how hiking at 16,000ft was going to go. Then next thing I know my time in La Paz was up and I was giving my backpack to a man named Oscar so I could go to El Camino de Choro. One necessary stop we made on the way to the trail was to get coca, I don´t think I would have survived without it! Up at altitude it was the only way to get where I needed to go without losing my mind.
That trip was my first experience really backpacking for multiple days with two separate destinations. It tested my limits and made me really aware of where I stand in a group mentality. All I can say is that my group is awesome so far. Everyone is super passionate and has so much to contribute to conversations. Over the course of the three days on the trail I was blown away as to how the vegetation went from dry and desolate to a rich jungle type feel. There was a lot of plant life that I had never seen before. It would be cool to study indigenous plants while I am here and the medicinal uses of those plants. The people of the trail were really friendly, both hikers and those who lived on the property we trekked through. At one point we were stopped by an Aymara woman and practically forced us to drink a beer. We couldn´t say no. Each of the nights spent on the trail were accompanied by magical stars and views of the Milky Way. I couldn´t believe it when we finally made it to Chairo. We were hurting but piled into a van and closed our eyes as we swerved across pot hole filled streets all the way to Coroico while the sun was setting. I would have liked to see the drive in, but it seemed less scary this way. It was as though the trail was a right of passage for me, a key to getting into the town. It has also turned out to be a good conversation starter! Now we are currently staying at the beautiful Hotel Esmeralda where we will remain until the end of the trip. I can´t wait to experience all Bolivia has to offer:the food, people, places, dancing, and other traditions waiting to be explored!
Hopefully I won´t go too crazy and will return to the states in one piece! Wish us all luck in recovering and experiencing the magic of Pachamama.

besos y abrazos