Abraham, Sarah, John, Tim McFarren and Michael

Bolivia - Trip 2000

As I arrived at the airport and made my way to the ticket counter I understood how a pack mule must feel. I was carrying not only my personal luggage, but also 6 chlorinator boxes, an auto level, tripod and measuring stick. My feelings of being strapped worsened when the ticket agent informed me of American Airline’s "box embargo"? Apparently in an attempt to discourage extra baggage to various South American destinations, nothing packed in a cardboard box is permitted as checked baggage. I figured I’d work things out in Miami and told them to load it anyway. En route to Miami I was required to make the usual stop in Atlanta. I think if someone went to Hell, they’d need to go through Atlanta to get there! As expected – DELAYS!!! I arrived in Miami with less than an hour before departure time to La Paz. Sarah (my co-North Carolina traveler) met me in baggage claim – the pack mule was now a team. We hurriedly made it to the American Airline’s ticket counter only to be re-informed of the dreaded "box embargo". Anxious and frustrating minutes of bargaining was futile. The choice was either to leave the items or un-box everything and put things in the oversized travel bag (courtesy of American Airlines, for a small fee of course). We chose the latter, and I’m happy to say that the chlorinators made it to La Paz without a scratch. Upon arriving in La Paz, the cool, crisp, thin air was noticeably different from the hot, humid, sticky air of Miami. Abraham (WFP in-country staff) met us at the airport, accompanied by Tim McFarland (Peace Corp. – recipient of the auto level, tripod and measuring stick). We enjoyed the ride and nighttime view of La Paz as we made our way down from "El Alto" into the city below.

Government building in downtown La Paz

Our stay in La Paz was quite nice. Our hotel accommodations were very comfortable   and in retrospect it was our only stay that didn’t have the "Bolivian electrocution shower chambers". Those who have proceeded me know what I’m speaking about. Adjustment to the altitude was easier than expected, although Advil and matte de coca were also quite helpful. La Paz is a very busy, very crowded city – but contained many of the comforts of home (i.e. Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, etc.). In fact I was able to send e-mail back home at a local Internet café’ (there’s no escaping the Internet these days).

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