An impromptu vacation in Bolivia

 It all started from a midnight call from a friend of mine at the university. "Hey, come with me to Bolivia this summer!" "What is Bolivia?" Nevertheless, 4 weeks later I was sitting next to the man on a plane to Cochabamba, the city of mountains. It was the best spontaneous trip I have ever met. Bolivia's probably the only real city, Cochabamba a very distinct American feel. Although it sits in an uncomfortable, if not nauseating 8,000 meters above sea level, the sheer mountains on all sides as a protection, as they are majestic. The Andean valley ensures that Cochabamba enjoys great weather all year round with average temperatures vary between 15 and 20 degrees between winter and summer. Outside of Bolivia, Cochabamba biggest attraction is the Cristo de la Concordia. Standing at a stunning 107 meters high, the mammoth steel and cement miracle is the world's largest sculpture of Jesus Christ. A testament to the Cochabambinos "strong Catholic faith, he is stretched out his arms in a loving embrace, still watches over the city. Almost as exciting as the statue itself is the view from the top of the mountain, a short, dizzying cable car ride from Cochabamba. Within Bolivia, (and for those who are inclined not very religious) Cochabamba is world famous for its cuisine. The locals are notorious for us westerners turning things would not dream of eating, in a delicious cooking masterpieces. Things like squid, octopus, cow hearts, bull testicles - are they all standard fare for ordinary Bolivians. The real coup de grace by Bolivian Fast Food, however, the Trancapechos. Basically, they are really big Falafels filled with beef, eggs, chili, and lots of salad. Really taste it like the sky in your mouth. Once I ate 6 of them famous, which I do not able to leave the toilet for the next 2 days. Even then it's worth it totally. Trust me. One thing that might surprise you about South America is generally the pervasive drinking culture. This was something I discovered the hard way, I one night in a car with my college friend drove. We were dodging in and out of traffic after a little of many thousands of Cochabamba streets. My friend is a 20 year practitioner of martial arts, and usually a great driver. On this night but he had consumed obscene amounts of alcohol before behind the wheel of a 2000-pound car. When I asked him, he told me. "Here in Bolivia, we have a saying. If you do not drink do not have to go. "I was speechless. Then again, there are not many things that are normally about Cochabamba at all. Securely embedded in the Andes, it gives the impression, suspended mid-air - as if life on a cloud. The city is immediately likable, with its cozy charm, friendly people, and incredible cuisine. The breathtaking views of the valley of Cochabamba is always a plus. Are you saying that once you visit the city, you will never go back. How right they are ...

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