Crossing the Border

We set off at 7am this morning to catch a bus across the the border to Bolivia.

The recommended bus company in the Lonely Planet had stopped doing this journey so we had to risk another random company. The bus was not quite as well kept as the previous buses we have travelled on but it was comfortable. The main annoyances were the loud, strange music played by the drivers for the whole journey and the toilet became out of order as soon as we entered Bolivia!

On the way we passed through several small towns with cattle markets and enjoyed the view of the lake from the top deck of the bus -  our seats were right at the front so we had a great view.

After a couple of random rest stops we arrived at the border. At first it was a little confusing. The driver shouted something about money exchange in Spanish. Most people got off the bus but we, along with a few others decided to wait and see what happened next.

Unfortunately this was the wrong choice and we got shooed off the bus late and "stamp" shouted at us.

On our second attempt we found the right building and got a stamp in our passports. Then we had to go next door and get another stamp (we tried the other way round which for some reason was clearly wrong).

Next we walked across the border slightly confused. We tried following others but they soon all dropped behind us so we marched on. Fortunately we led everyone to the right place and got a few more stamps before returning to the bus.

Around 30 mins later we got off the bus in Copacabana. The main delay was the odd manoeuvres the bus did. First driving up the wrong side of the street (he did this at the border crossing too!), then went down a side street. Reversed back up, with difficulty because it was up hill. Attempted a 3 point turn at a junction blocking all the roads. It was at this point a local decided to help out and guide the bus.

We went forward, this time the right way down the street then suddenly stopped and reversed the wrong way down the street. Eventually we parked outside the bus company's office and were able to get off.

Thinking we had had more than enough excitement for one day we went to get some cash. The queue slowly got smaller and smaller until we were at the front. Everyone infront had come out with slightly perplexed faces and no money. Unfortunately we hit the same problem - transaction refused and this was the only cash machine in Copacabana!

After a little investigation we found out that the cash machine only gives out money to people who speak Spanish. If you choose to do the transaction using English instructions it refused to work! With this information in hand we finally got some money and made our way to our lodge.

On arrival it seemed there was some confusion about our booking. We are staying over night then going to Isla del Sol for two nights before returning. Anyway, this seemed quite a complex arrangement and we somehow got upgraded to an apartment complete with two bedrooms, each ensuite, a kitchen/dining area and our own patio. Not bad for £32 per night!

Before dinner we went for a wander around Copacabana. Our lodge is 2km around the lake from the town centre. Since we have acclimated to the altitude (3800m) it was a lovely walk.

When we got close to Copacabana there was very much a party atmosphere. People were camping on the beach, letting off fire crackers off, having barbecues,  games machines, pedalos and trampolines. Cars and lorries were all decorated with little hats, fresh flowers and confetti. We think it's the remains of the celebration of Bolivian Independence Day from last week.

Further on in the town there were row upon row of hat shops selling quite stylish hats. If you like hats you could buy a year's supply at just £5 each!

When we had finished dinner people were still out and we were advised to take a taxi back instead of walking as the people would have been drinking and the road was unlit (we had come prepared with a torch!).

However getting a taxi wasn't easy. Most of the taxis were driverless. When one arrived we requested to be taken to our lodge but he refused and walked off (there was also a party going on in the main square which he seemed far more interested in). Finally another taxi arrived and we got back to our lodge safe and sound.