On our way back from Lake Titicaca and Uyuni we stayed
in Hotel Rosario La Paz – literally an
oasis in the middle a chaotic city. La Paz the capital of Bolivia is situated
at an altitude of 12,500 ft. The city is very densely populated with hundreds
of houses occupying the sloping surface of the valley. Roads are narrow and winding,
full of cars and people.
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| Maze of Lights |
The city has developed around a number of hills which
surround the valley. The houses are
located on the top of the hill, on its slope and the valley below. To ease the
vehicular traffic on the narrow roads which connect various parts of the city,
in 2014 the government introduced an extremely imaginative and bold alternative
transportation system to carry people up and down - Mi Teleférico (My Cable Car). La Paz is now officially home to
both the longest and highest urban cable car network in the world with more
than six miles of lines, 11 stations and 74 towers in total. There are
three teleférico lines – each named after a colour of the national flag: red,
yellow and green – that carry commuters above the traffic in a jiffy.
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| Unique way of transportation |
Apart from the
long drive from airport to the hotel in the centre of the valley, we did not
venture out much, except for shopping walks in and around the hotel. For some
reason the valley reminded me very much of Shillong.
Time and space did not permit to tee off from the
second highest Golf course in the world “Golf Club La Paz” at 11,000 ft.
Lima
We visited Lima on three occasions once on our way to
the Iquitos and again on the way back. We spent another day on 14 May on our
return journey.
Lima is truly a fascinating city. Not many people can
recall Lima with ease, at least for us Indians. We are more familiar with
cities in America, Europe, Far East etc. Somehow Lima does not strike a chord.
Lima the capital of Peru is a bristling metropolis located on the lap of
Pacific Ocean. The city is ancient and dates back to 1535. The city is
extremely beautiful, clean and the roads are state of the art. Driving around
in the city and listening to their FM station ‘Peru Magica’ gave us an
opportunity to enjoy everything Lima had to offer. The up market area of
Miraflores is located overlooking the ocean. The broad roads run parallel to
the beach and the view it offers is simply breathtaking. The entire route is
marked with parks, seaside restaurants and shopping arcades. It has all the
best Lima has to offer. We
took a bus tour “Lima By Night” which finally ends up in the world famous “
Magic Water Circuit”. The place is home to the most extraordinary show of 13
fountains with lights and laser. We were
enthralled watching the light and fountain show with mesmerizing Peruvian
music. The atmosphere is elevating; it brings out the child in you to join the
band wagon in getting wet under the fountains and loosing oneself in gay
abandon.It was certainly one of our tour highlights.
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| Fascinating experience |
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| Simply nreathtaking |
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| Felt like watching for ever |
We spent the evening in an exclusive restaurant by the
sea in Miraflores "La Rosa Nautica".
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| A very pretty restaurant |
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| All Nautica |
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| By the peer |
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| Bonding |
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| Jai steering the ship |
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| Photo op for Rita |
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| A group op |
I had the enviable opportunity of wishing three lovely ladies and travel companions a very happy ‘Mothers day’. It was an extraordinary night by the sea, the waves softly lapping the shore endlessly, pleasant breeze, delectable wine and food.
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