Zona Sur

Dave had suggested a few hotels in Zona Sur, a nice residential area that Dave lives in south of the La Paz city center. From the internet we (as Evie weighed in as well since she has the best track record in picking hotels from the internet) picked Hotel Calacoto, a mid range, small hotel in this neighborhood. It was a good choice (although its internet and wireless connections were worthless). Here are some pictures for those curious about these things. Unusual for hotels, especially in Latin America, this hotel had some lawn in the front and in the back some more lawn with playground equipment for kids and outdoor receptions.

A little atrium inside on the second floor just outside my room

Dave lived with some other interns in an embassy apartment in a complex named Toscana, a very big step up from standard missionary housing he knew in Peru. For those who are curious as to how big a step up, here are some pictures of the apartment and the surrounding neighborhood.

Actually, the Marines (who provide security for the embassy and who Dave often hung out with) have a really, really nice house a few blocks away (sorry, but no pictures). For reasons Dave can explain, this isn’t a great an assignment for a Marine and according to Dave the really over the top living accommodations for the Marines are justified.

This is the church in Zona Sur. You may not be able to read the sign, but who else in La Paz would put up the two basketball hoops in what otherwise appears to be a parking lot. The church is located on busy road, one block down from Burger King and across the street from Pollo Copacabana (a local KFC type fast food franchise). Is there a message in that?