CARNIVAL in La Paz

Finally a good nights rest. I had a big breakfast and met up with Bel, Carla, Rai and Mi. WE split into two groups as the some needed to do some shopping and Bel took me to the museums. Unfortunately for me, Carnival is a national Holiday and almost everything was closed. I did my best to protect Bel from all the water balloons but a few made it thru and by the time we made it to the main square we were both soaked and foamy head to toe. So much fun. Everyone dressed in costumes and singing and dancing. I had to say goodbye to Bel as she had an appointment in the early afternoon with a Brasilian diplomat. Bel, Pedro, Carla and Mi were all able to stay in the Brasilian Embassy as guests of the Amabssador!! Bel's grandfather was a diplomat and her family is tight with the current ambassador in La Paz so they were all HOOKED UP and got to end their trip sleeping and eating in a Palace!!

I was able to check out the Coca museum which documented the history of coca use, production, illegality and just about everything to do with coca and cocaine. It was very well researched and informative. I was surprised to learn that there are currently over 30 countries that can legally produce cocaine - with the US being the first on the list, of course!

I met up with Carla and Mi for a short time for some last minute shopping and had a very hard time saying goodbye to them. I will miss you all very much and hope to see you again very soon - big hugs and kisses!!!! I headed back to Loki admist the Carnival and got completely soaked again by a huge group of kids. Boy, Camille sure would love this!!!!!

Pedro showed up to Loki around 10 with plans to stay up all night as he needed to be at the airport around 5am. We gathered up a couple of British friends I made at Loki and headed out to a few clubs for one last night of merryment. Traffic and Mongos were both fun clubs and we met some great locals including a kid that has dual citizenship in the US and Bolivia. He spends most of his time in La Paz and some in NYC.

We were all spent around 3am and it was time to say farewell to Pedro. I'll miss you Bro!!! Cant wait to see you again soon. Holy crap!! I have to be up in just 4 hours to go mountain bike the Death Road - the most deadly road in all the world, suposedly. . . . . .