La Paz - true or false? — Someday Sherpa

Thanks to one of our best city tour guides, who navigated us around Bolivia's capital La Paz, we'd like to throw some crazy information at you, our readers. Have a look through and see where you think the blurred line of fact vs. fiction lies.

Blessing new buildings:

Before commencing major building projects in La Paz, Witch Doctors are engaged to perform a ceremony ensuring the build is a success. The ritual involves burying a human alive on the site before building commences. Often, the homeless or alcoholics are preyed upon and fall victim to the witch doctors.
These witch doctors achieve their respected status when struck by lightning.

Love potions:

It is possible to acquire over the counter potions call 'Follow me Follow me' to help ladies snag the gent of their dreams, and '5 times in a night' which needs no explanation.

Bowler hats:

Quintessential to Bolivia but what's right and wrong with the history?

Originally designed for men by the British but despite Bolivians short stature their heads didn't play ball - whoopsie! So they sold them to women saying it was the latest Western fashion.
A standard Bolivian income might be third world but these Italian designed hats still cost US$1000

They are worn as follows:

On top = married
On the side = divorced, widowed or single
Tilted backwards = it's complicated

Desirable women:
All men want the pick of the bunch but how do Bolivian girls attract a suitor (without a potions mentioned above)?

Big strong calves showing strength and endurance
Wide hips to display baby-popping-out ability
Able to carry heavy loads, plus a baby and toddler up a steep hill all day long

Baby on back (check), todler (check), heavy load (check). A highly desirable woman.

Striking:
Do we have a challenger to the French...?

La Paz was ground to a halt for almost a week with passionate strikes and protests when news spread that The Simpsons was going to be taken off the air. Strikes were successful and The Simpsons now airs three times a day.
Producers of the show were so moved that they dedicated an entire episode to this event.

Just one of many strikes we experienced #hikethehighway

Presidents:

Bolivia holds a Guinness record for most presidents in shortest time
Certain reigns have been as short as a single day
The presidential palace is also known as 'Burnt Palace' due to number of arson attacks. Something Bolivians are very proud of

The president said...:
Evo Morales is a native Bolivian whose English is non-existent despite insisting party members all speak English, and his Spanish isn't much better.

Chicken makes you gay and Coca Cola makes you bald
When he heard what the population of Bolivia was he decided it had too few people. His logic was to blame this on condoms so, he banned them
In addition to banning condoms he offered a bonus for all girls giving birth before 18 and fines if you were childless after your 18th year 😬

Prison:
La Paz lays claim to what is most likely the world's most famous prison, thanks in part to the book Marching Powder.

Owners of restaurants inside the prison can charge Coca Cola for advertising their brand inside
Between 5-15 police guard the prison, all stationed outside. Inmates control everything inside including property prices and access to jacuzzis.
The best cocaine in Bolivia, and therefore it's argued the world, comes from labs inside the prison walls.
Families live with convicted criminals inside the walls but can leave to go to work or school

Shoe shiners:

They all wear balaclavas because it's the most undesirable job in the country

Zebras:

Humans dresses in full costumes help control traffic and improve recycling knowledge
You can be a zebra for a day where the main task is to give out free hugs

So let me guess, you're confused and concerned reading the above "facts". Well it might come as some surprise to hear they're all 100% true. That's right it's tradition (although still illegal) to bury people alive, and yes the bigger the calves the more desirable a lady is.

Bolivia you're one of a kind ☝🏾

The gondolas offer the best views over the city

If you find yourself in La Paz, here are our tips

DO

Cycle the infamous Death Road
Wander around the city cemetery
Explore the San Francisco church or just sit outside it and watch the world go by
Check out the galleries, museums and pretty Calle Jaen Street
Wander around the creepy but fascinating Witches Market
Riding the gondolas - red and blue lines in the late afternoon sun for epic views over the city
Get an insiders guide to the city with the Red Cap walking tours
Bag a seat at the Cholita wrestling
Jump into the Amazon (see our Amazon jungle post)
Take a day trip to Tiwanaku ruins (or on route to Copacabana)

EAT & DRINK

La Cueva for tasty Mexican
Mozzarella Pizza for hearty pizza
Another Mexican hot spot is Kalakitas - yum!
The Writers Coffee for spot on espresso in a gorgeous book shop
Cafe del Mundo boasting the most fresh and satisfying menu with top tastes from all over the world
The English Pub if you need some football and an english breakfast tea (or pub grub)

SLEEP