Finale
The next day we spent getting ready for our departure and we were treated to a huge barbecue by the CECASEM people, who turned up in full force, all the way from La Paz, a bus journey of four hours each way. One of the hotel courtyards bustled with activity as vast quantities of food were prepared for a gathering of thirty plus people. Patricia, the CECASEM chief, told us how happy they were that they had been able to collaborate with us in the lighting installation, and they looked forward to further opportunities. It was an occasion when language was a very slight barrier: everybody was filled with goodwill, as well as good food, and we sang, talked and danced until it was time for the CECASEM people to catch their bus back to La Paz, and for us to complete our packing.
Patricia and Faith in discussion
The next day we took our tourist bus on to La Paz leaving the lighting systems in the hands of the villagers, but knowing that Louis would visit the villages and ensure that everything was working.
The first view of La Paz is amazing: there can be no other city like it in the world occupying such a distinct basin. Our driver stopped on the road side and allowed us to take a look at it and take our photographs.
La Paz has many markets and a number of interesting sites which we variously visited in small groups as the will took us. Souvenir shopping took place in earnest as people checked their lists and figured out how many items they simply had to get!
One more morning in La Paz and then we headed for the airport and our long trip home.