Lake Titicaca and Copacobana
		I am ready to be leaving La Paz. Our various ills have prevented us from tackling the Takesi Trail, a two-day trek across the Cordillera Real and down into the Yungas rain forest, and I feel that I have seen enough of the city. The bus journey to Copacabana is scenic but not stunning, although I am in a much better state to enjoy it than on the outward journey. We arrive in Copacabana just before noon and order breakfast at a lakeside caf�
		It is not difficult to arrange the boat-ride to the island. The young Bolivian at the helm seems to enjoy taking the boat within inches of some of the rocks that we passed on the way, nonchalantly steering by means of his foot pressed against the outboard motor while he leans backwards over the side of the boat to see the way ahead. The ride to the Isla del Sol is not as long as the two hours suggested in the book—more like one and a quarter hours. But the book is certainly right about the steep climb from the harbour to the hostels at the top of the hill					Copacobana, The whole rais�n d'�tre of Copacabana and the major breadwinner of the town is the church. In front of the large white courtyard, a Franciscan priest was blessing a minibus. It was decorated with red and yellow plastic flowers and ribbons, a bottle of champagne (yes!) was wasted showering its bonnet and front window, and a very happy driver and family posed with the priest for a commemorative photo. I told you driving in Bolivia was dangerous - and as you can see, they are themselves fully aware of that . The interior of the church is nothing special - bog-standard Latin American baroque - except for the statue of the Virgin of the Copacabana placed in the front right corner of the sanctuary. Replica of course, as the real statue with its supernatural powers is far too precious to be shown at large outside festive days. The Museum - for which as usual, you have to make up a group - was a revelation, however. I recommend it highly as it is much more interesting than its more famous relative in Sucre cathedral.
		The hill close to Copacobana where the population has put concrete crosses

Photos Tiwanaku 1
Tiahuanaco, Bolivia
Photos Tiwanaku 2
Photos Tiwanaku 3
Photos Tiwanaku 4
Photos Titicaca 1
Photos Titicaca 2
Photos Titicaca 3
Photos Titicaca 4