I´m in!

So....I made it into Bolivia. But not without a headache. More to come on this...but just wanted to let everyone know I made it ok. I am heading off for a 3-day tour of the Salt Flats and will update when I get back!!

Ciao!

Bribery in Bolivia

So, while I was hiking up to "Dead Woman´s Pass" (5 hours straight up the side of a mountain, enough said) during my Inca Trail Trek to Maccu Pichu, a friend of mine gave me some very sad news. APPARENTLY, as of December 1 Bolivia is now requiring a Visa for US citizens.

BOO. BOO. BOOOOOOO on so many levels! First, I don´t have a visa. Second, I don´t have $100. Third, I don´t want to have to deal with getting either of these things!

I have heard a saying from a Mexican friend: "Con dinero, baila el perro." (With money, the dog dances). Bolivia is NOTORIOUS for being able to bribe your way through anything. And also, the other way around...getting bribed by authorities. "Oh you need to pay this entrance tax to get into Bolivia" Or "We need to search your belongings" And then conveniently finding "fake" money that they need to confiscate.

So, I´m going for it. I have a bus tomorrow moring to Copacabana, Bolivia. I don´t have a Visa. I´m bringing a lot of small bills and hiding the rest. Bolivian style. When in Rome....

Wish me luck!!!