La Paz at 18.95°C: Where the Air Tastes Like Adventure (and Maybe a Little Bitter)

i just checked and it's...18.95°C right now, with that crisp bite that makes you feel alive. like the air's got that fresh apple crunch, but maybe a little bitter if you're not careful. perfect weather for wandering, honestly. if you need a change of scenery, nearby towns are just a hop away. someone told me that the local market's got the best empanadas, but the line's always out the door. i heard that too, and let me tell you, waiting in that line feels like a workout. but worth it, apparently.

*the view from mirador de san miguel is something else. you can see the whole city sprawl out like a patchwork quilt, and the mountains just...looming. it's breathtaking, but also a little intimidating. like the city's watching you.

gear list for surviving the altitude:
- comfy shoes (trust me)
- layers (it gets chilly at night)
- a good hat (sun's fierce)
- cash (many places don't take cards)

pro-tip: if you're feeling adventurous, try the street food. but maybe not the really adventurous stuff on your first day. someone told me that the chicharron can be...intense.

overheard gossip: the new hostel on calle 16 is supposed to be amazing, but the owner's rumored to be a bit...eccentric. like, keeps a llama in the courtyard eccentric.

reviews: yelp says the cafe at the top of the hill is overrated, but i heard a local whisper that the hidden spot down by the river is where it's at. you'll find it if you look hard enough.

tags*: travel, la paz, altitude, empanadas, altitude sickness