We hit La Paz on opening day of the Alacitas. It is a festival of miniatures. Blocks and blocks of the city are covered with vendors selling articles in miniature. Anything one might imagine can be found at the Alacitas. We found tiny tools, hammers, axes, saws, wrenches and screwdrivers, replicas of the real thing made of metal, beautifully painted all about an inch long. There was a sewing machine about the size of roll of film, intricately detailed, with a tiny wheel that turned. We found exquisite examples of fruit and vegetables as well as perfect representations of any cut of meat. Baskets, bicycles, bread and buttons, all mini articles that look amazingly like the real thing. We never figured out what the Bolivians do with these small items but the streets were jammed with lookers and buyers. We oohd and aahd over tea sets and tables painted to look like real china. The market is held yearly and the inhabitants of La Paz look forward to its coming. The Alacitas travel to the other departments in the country, but La Paz is considered the place to go for the best miniatures.
Quick Tips:
Serruche cocoa teaBest Way To Get Around:
La Paz lends itself to walking because there is so much to see at every corner. However, those not accustomed to the altitude (only our friend from Denver seemed to manage) should take taxis which are very cheap and plentiful. Trufis- taxis with predetermined routes are available as well. The drivers charge per person so they try to fill up every available space. We had the occasion to ride in a Honda Accord with six other adults! Seat belts are practically nonexistent.
by kerij on February 11, 2001