Oct 10-24, 2016: Bolivia

Oct. 12, 2016.  Hostal Arco Iris, Copacabana, Bolivia.

• Got going at 7, bought two sandwiches, and hiked for several hours, first past the town beach with its resident pigs, then to the Piedra Sagrada, supposedly used as an execution block for bad people, then, to the Chincana Ruins with its maze-like stone walls known as El Laberinto, and on down the trail following the island's central ridge to Yuimani, four hours early for the boat's departure back to Copacabana at 4.  Easy, relaxed walking along a well-made stone path, with the usual platformed hills, and the lake visible on both sides.  The sun was out the whole day, and fluffy clouds were on the horizon.  Lovely walk.

• Spent most of the time on the boat figuring out my remaining time in S. America: right now I am leaning towards Bolivia for another week or two; then northern Chile for a week; then Santiago, to book my flight to Rapa Nui (to be visited just before I fly back to the SFO); then heading south, first in Chile, then crossing over to Argentina, and continuing south to Patagonia; and finally flying back from Patagonia to Santiagio to catch the Rapa Nui flight.

• Checked back into Hostal Arco Iris, went out and got my haircut ($3), then a meal in a very local restaurant of fried "ipsi", tiny crunchy lake fish each about an inch long.  Delicious.

• Bought a bus ticket for La Paz ($4, 4 hours), which leaves tomorrow morning at 9 - the big city awaits!