Day 2 in La Paz

Hello, my names Alastair and I’m a sixth year volunteer from Glasgow. I’ve been given the honour of being the second contribution to the wonderful APEX7 blog. It’s only been two day really but here is the gist from my point of view:

The early rise on the second day allowed for the tremendous discovery that La Paz is in fact quite cold at times and the hostel appears to have no hot water. A crisp shower-defibrillation kick started the day and we head downstairs for the brief. Going downstairs - fine, going upstairs - borderline respiratory arrest.

My oxygen saturation clocked in at a 83% and my body was clearly working overtime to maintain any charisma I had left. A few volunteers required a bit of bed rest for some mild altitude adjustment but on the whole (touch wood) I was feeling pretty grand. A part from the complete inability to generate thoughts.

The doctors have advised the guzzling of water like there is no tomorrow and to take it easy for a few days.

I am really getting into the swing of learning Spanish. My favourite phrase so far being ‘Lo siento, no hablo español.’ I don’t think I’ll quite be fluent by the end of the trip but I’m working on it.

We took to the cable cars after baseline testing and explored the beauty of the city from above. I was baffled by the size of the place, with houses stretching as far as you can possibly see.

In the evening the highlight was supporting the local football team, ‘The Strongest’, which sport a kit similar to that of hull city. The football quality was also similar to that of hull city. A thrilling game which included 4 total (combined) shots on target and two own goals has left me bleeding black and gold. Viva El Strongest!

Overall, everyone seemed to be adjusting well after the second day, and I’m looking forward to the pounding headache I am promised tomorrow morning - It’s safe to say La Paz truly takes your breath away.