Along TIticaca the old border post seemed rather gloomy with abandoned buildings where vendors once ran up and down but now a newer road was built further inland.

I had only 4 days before my flight to Canada, i had signed up for another season of treeplanting in the big canadian forests and to make some $ for the journey south and beyond.

I too had my mug shot taken and posted on the wall. Apparently not many gringos make it over this way so the friendly border guards have made a map with everyone.

Bolivia, first impression? Well… they really like soccer!

I kind of knew that I wont get that chance often so I set up camp up on a hill with a great big view and most importantly: no rain!!! (i’ve had a rather wet 6 months in peru)

The Dead Dog highway. Well at first I didnt understand why these dogs were just waiting by the road but every once in a while a piece of bread of garbage would fly out of a car or a minibus and they would go for it. These dog watchmen sit around all day watching all the cars go by and turn their heads with each passing car in hopes of food. Its a rough life out here but hey, they have found a way to make a living.

I continue inland for a hundred mile day or so down this bolivian super highway

luckily the last 40k were on a dirt road with ample views of the tall giants from across the altiplano

and although it was very populated, sneaking off to a hill with a view was very easy.

it didnt seem that many people drive, roads were full of minibuses and trucks

and the sidewalks full of dogs

road quality was hit and miss and i was glad to have big wheels and lighter load

people were always friendly, these two showed me their vintage raleigh bikes

a little kid was pushing this giant tricycle and his brother cutting more grass for the cows

others had the latest and best in sun/rain wear fashion

and as much as I wanted to take the Kind of the Road… that title was already taken

I rolled slowly up toward the edge of the altiplano in hopes of big sunsets and bigger sunrises

behind, the falling sun reflecting off millions of metal roofs

and ahead the valley of La Paz

I set up my tent one last time for the next little while

and rolled down a 1300m+ descend with great big ice cream castles in the air

although the Maguras have never given me trouble, i enjoyed ocassional breaks to let them cool down. it was a steep, curvy downhill

and yeah just like that. hop on a plane for 9 hours and you are drinking tim hortons coffee, saying thank you and waiting at red light crosswalks just like the other canadians, even if you can barely resist the urge to walk across….