Site Development in Sajama

This past weekend I went to Sajama to meet with the local tourism organization and get to know the attractions of the Parque Nacional Sajama. It is the highest peak in Bolivia (6, 542 meters). This inactive volcano has snow year-round and is known as a destination for mountain climbers around the world for its relatively moderate climbing difficulty. It is located right on the border of Chile in the Department of Oruro. Along with 3 other Peace Corps volunteers we explored the hot springs, natural geysers, and various species of llama, alpaca, and vicuña. Below are a couple pictures...Enjoy!

View from the road approaching Sajama

A very wooly llama!

An alpaca pelt being dried in the sun

Soaking in the hot springs

The twin Payachata mountains, view from Sajama village

The llamas and alpacas watching us leave Sajama

Carnaval en Oruro 2008

Arriving from Cochabamba to Carnaval in Oruro was like inhaling a rush of music, bold colors, and adrenaline in one breath. Women selling pastries, plastic adornments, water balloons, spray foam, fried chicken, cold cerveza, water guns, ponchos, and hotdogs with french fries lined each street corner, hoping tourists and residents alike would stop to indulge. After a while you feel yourself blending in as just another pair of eyes spectating the dances. You see the expressions on people's faces, their thoughts as they spray foam in your hair, peg you with water balloons filled with paint, and as the television crews catch you on candid camera.
The color and intensity of this festival is like no other in Bolivia, and I was thrilled to have been a part of it. Below are just a few highlights of the festivities... que disfruten!

Little girls dancing the Pujllay (hoping onlookers will give a coin or two)

Vendors outside our hostel selling adornments, hats, and water guns

One of the several big bands parading in the Plaza

Orureñas dancing

The Tobas dancing with parihuana or ostrich feathers

Cholitas de La Paz passing through the Plaza at night