Bolivia
Bolivia is a country of almost everything. It’s the hemisphere’s highest, most isolated, and most rugged nation. It’s one of the earth’s coldest, warmest, windiest and steamiest places. It’s almost one of the driest, saltiest and swampiest natural landscapes in the world, didn’t I say it has almost everything. The one thing this beautiful country is missing is the beach. Bolivia is South America’s most indigenous country: over 60% of the population claim indigenous heritage. As you head north from Cordoba you can see the appearance of the people and surroundings dramatically change.
You don't need to move...
You don’t need to go to the store the store will come to you. On the bus ride north from Salta to Bolivia at every stop we made little older ladies and men would hurry and jump on our bus selling food; hot empanadas, sandwiches, jello in cup, fruit in a cup, cookies, and candies. They would make their rounds up and down the aisle and then jump off just as we were leaving. It was quite convenient for us bus travelers and a great way for them to make some money. We enjoyed 6 empanadas for 6 pesos, 1.50 USD. The great thing about heading to Bolivia is the prices of everything are much cheaper.
The Border ....
No buses can enter Bolivia from Argentina due to boarder regulations so we had the privilege of walking across the bridge from one country to the other. Once we got across the boarder we did the usual thing of going through immigrations. In immigrations all HELL broke lose. We handed then our passports to get our stamps and as soon as they saw that there were from the United States and roar of laughter broke out and people started taking pictures of us (well mainly Mike, we think it's his beard Bolivians don't really grow hair so his beard is a huge attraction). I felt humiliated, like I was at a circus and I was the one on display. I am not usually an angry person but I got extremely pissed.
They then proceeded to tell us that because we are Americans we needed to pay $135 USD to enter their country. Because of the earlier laughter we felt like we were about to get scammed by the Bolivian boarder control. Everywhere we have read it says not to pay anything when crossing boarders and hide your money because they will do “random” searches through your stuff and if they find money they will say it’s “fake” and confiscate it. So far what we have heard from other travelers and books is that Bolivia can be very sketchy so you need to be on the lookout.
They then proceeded to tell us that because we are Americans we needed to pay $135 USD to enter their country. Because of the earlier laughter we felt like we were about to get scammed by the Bolivian boarder control. Everywhere we have read it says not to pay anything when crossing boarders and hide your money because they will do “random” searches through your stuff and if they find money they will say it’s “fake” and confiscate it. So far what we have heard from other travelers and books is that Bolivia can be very sketchy so you need to be on the lookout.
After about 20 minutes trying to figure out why we were the only ones who had to pay the fee we picked up our bags and left. We walked into Bolivia got on a bus and headed to Tupiza.
We figured that:
1. We were pissed from hordes of laughter and pictures
2. We were the only ones who had to pay
3. If there really is a fee then we can pay it when we exit Bolivia
We figured that:
1. We were pissed from hordes of laughter and pictures
2. We were the only ones who had to pay
3. If there really is a fee then we can pay it when we exit Bolivia
As of this moment we are officially illegal immigrants in Bolivia.....
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