Daily Life in La Paz

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The best place to get a feel for daily life in La Paz is to walk her chaotic, often serpentine streets and see it all for yourself. As the sun rises, the streets are relatively quiet save for the growing hum of the cars, vans and buses that transport people around. By nine o’clock, the streets begin to come alive as the street vendors open up the doors of their little green stalls, bringing a burst of riotous color to the scene. Children in uniforms walk to school while men and women move swiftly to get to work. Others pass their time lounging on the stoops of a building or on a bench in the park.

I found the best way to get a taste of daily life in La Paz was to capture as many different aspects of it as possible on film. I have already posted my street photography photos on street art, women, markets and vendors. Now it is time to take a look at how people express themselves in their daily lives.

Singing on the streets to earn a dime.

Eating breakfast outdoors before opening her stall for the day.

Relaxing in front of God’s house.

Begging for money outside a church.

Selling cold juice drinks along the street.

Taking a break from work to get a shoe shine.

Gossipping with friends on a park bench.

Walking the colorful streets of La Paz

Catching the bus in the crazy traffic of central La Paz.

Waiting in the queue to catch a ride in a mini bus.

Trying to cross the narrow streets without getting run over by a bus.

Admiring one of La Paz’ colorful, over-crowded buses.

Just wishing my car had an emblem like that!

Passing time chatting with friends.

Simply taking a break.

Having lunch at one of the many small cafes.

Enjoying the burst of unexpected color at any moment.

 

As you can see, there are so many ways to express yourself in life. Through music, art, friendship, love, work, color and passion. For me, I express myself through my photography and writing. I share what I see through my third eye. What do you enjoy expressing about yourself?

This post was inspired by the Weekly Photo Challenge: Express Yourself. To view more entries click here.

66 thoughts on “Daily Life in La Paz”

  1. KleesButterfly – Germany – I love traveling. I love photography. I've combined both on my blog KleesButterfly. Take a look, I'm looking forward to meeting you...
    KleesButterfly on said:

    Beautiful pics, so colorful!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks so much!

      Reply ↓

  3. As people express themselves through music, art, friendship, love, work, color and passion, we can understand their culture a little better. Beautiful post, Nicole. Thank you for touring us there.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Amy!!!! I am glad you enjoyed!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Janet! I hope people aren’t tiring of my La Paz shots yet. Still a few more to go! 🙂

      Reply ↓
  5. rodi (Rob and Diane) – Walnut Creek, CA USA – I was recently downsized from my financial services position which didn't really bother me since both my wife and I hate our jobs even though they are secure (hers anyway) and pay relatively well. We've been planning on retiring early for some time now, mostly through diligent saving and taking annual vacations to possible retirement destinations. Rather than attempt another job search we decided to sell the house and stuff and give early retirement a go at ages 50/43. Since we're self directed investors and I'm from the industry, we think we'll be fine as long as we begin in a country with a lower cost of living. We've chosen Penang, Malaysia although we've not yet been there, making this an experimental leap of faith. I must be age 50 and show current income in order to qualify for the residency visa of choice therefore one of us (not me) must keep working until April, 2015. I decided to start the blog ahead of the move since I figured we'd be overwhelmed and I'm a total newbie to blogging. So please excuse the long transitional category which is all I can post since we're not actually expats yet. Well, technically my wife is since she's a Canadian citizen living in the USA, although she was naturalized in 2014. Cheers !!
    rodi (Rob and Diane) on said:

    simply spectacular pictures that tell their own story !!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Rob and Diane! Glad you enjoyed the photos!

      Reply ↓

  6. Pingback: Weekly Photo Challenge: Express Yourself | Natsukashi Kansai

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    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks so much! Hope you are doing well! Love your gravater!

      Reply ↓
  10. M E Cheshier – Montana – With over 40 years’ experience in living green from recycling to sustainable education. We are proud to offer current the best “green” tips & products around to secure the environment and live green. Plus current health briefs & recipes. Dedicated to providing quality information on solutions to the earth’s dilemma for sustainable living, our company is in hopes of making a difference in the world.
    M E Cheshier on said:

    Nice!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks!

      Reply ↓
      • M E Cheshier – Montana – With over 40 years’ experience in living green from recycling to sustainable education. We are proud to offer current the best “green” tips & products around to secure the environment and live green. Plus current health briefs & recipes. Dedicated to providing quality information on solutions to the earth’s dilemma for sustainable living, our company is in hopes of making a difference in the world.
        M E Cheshier on said:

        You are welcome!

  11. Ruth – Retired from Pittsburgh Public Schools Visual Art/photography teacher, photographer, knitter, reader, cook,baker, poet, filmmaker, Grandmother, traveler, Friend,
    Ruth on said:

    Thanks for sharing your vibrant and colorful photos, Nicole, full of life. A different life from mine so good to travel along with you as I probably won’t make it there in person.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      So glad you enjoyed Ruth! 🙂

      Reply ↓
  12. Leya – Sweden – Love my family, photography, art, literature, architecture, flowers, trees and dogs, but most of all Nature itself. I also keep on travelling...
    Leya on said:

    This collection is absolutely gorgeous – everyday life so well and joyfully portrayed

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much! I am really glad you enjoyed the photos!

      Reply ↓
  13. James Dee Clayton – The Wind – A writer, photographer, traveller, aesthete and nature boy. So inspired by this earth, and always looking to escape the realm of man, and move a little deeper into my soul. Always happy to connect. PLEASE contact me on diary.aesthete@yahoo.co.uk - emails to other email addresses often get lost. Sorry!
    jamesdeeclayton on said:

    Gosh, you are the coolest bloody mum in the world, surely??

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Ha Ha! Love it!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Sally!

      Reply ↓
  15. Sue Slaght – Calgary, Alberta Canada – www.traveltalesoflife.com Many years from now, when I am an old lady sitting in the nursing home, I hope to be the twinkly eyed resident still entertaining anyone who I can corner to listen, about all of the wild adventures attempted in a lifetime. Well into the second half of the game of life there is no time like the present to get out there, live big and laugh a lot. Living in Calgary, Alberta, married to my best friend Dave for over thirty years and Mom to adult children; my decades as a nurse have shown that in a moment life can change completely. Passionate about social justice, volunteerism and not letting the phrase “What would people think?” or my own fear get in the way of trying something new; the possibilities are endless. Enjoy the tales and I hope you will be inspired to try something you have been thinking about doing.
    Sue Slaght on said:

    Nicole your photos transport me right there with you. Love the colors and the inclusion of people in their daily lives.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      And you will get to enjoy the colors of South America again soon!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you!!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Yes indred true Debra. Life is hard work for
      most people in La Paz. Their government is pretty much a dictatorship and they are the poorest country in South America. It was interesting thiugh when I spoke about this with my Bolivian guide. He is about 52 and has worked hard abd is successful. He was very angry with my comment from the alonely Planet saying Bolivia is kne of the poorert countries in the western continent because although it may be true people like the farmers did have enough to eat. Bolivia was nothing like India and Africa in my eyes. I guess the message I hope to get across in my photos is the beauty of a place despite harships. One thing I have learned by traveling to poorer countries is how people can be at peace with so much less. It is such a huge lesson for us here in the US where so many people always want more. The latest TV or car yet they never are happy.

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you!

      Reply ↓
  19. anotherday2paradise – Durban South Africa and Florida USA – I enjoy writing about absolutely anything, and started blogging with WordPress in 2012. This was my 'Hammock Lady' blog, and I really enjoyed sharing my travels here: http://adinparadise.wordpress.com/ In November 2013, I decided it was time for a change of scenery, so I started my blog afresh, and here it is. I love to travel, and have been fortunate enough to do two round-the-world trips and visit more than forty countries so far. This year we visited our 7th continent, Antarctica. I enjoy photographing wildlife, especially in my backyard in Florida. I was born and brought up in England. My husband and I emigrated to South Africa in 1970. We now live in Florida, USA. I have a son and a daughter and five gorgeous grandchildren currently aged between 6 and 21 years. I'm so happy that you've taken the time to visit my blog, and would love for you to join me on my travels. Sylvia.
    anotherday2paradise on said:

    I love your colourful gallery of candid photos, Nicole. Your street photography is fabulous. (I may have said this before, but it bears repeating.) 🙂

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Oh thank you so much Sylvia! 🙂

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you LuAnn!

      Reply ↓
  21. Tina Schell – I am passionate about photography, love traveling and exploring new places and faces, and seeing the world from different perspectives. My lens is always on the lookout for something beautiful or interesting.
    Tina Schell on said:

    Colors are simply amazing in these Nicole – I’d say you have indeed done your job! You’ve brought La Paz to us in all of its glory!!

    Reply ↓
  22. Madhu – Madhu is an Interior designer turned travel blogger on a long sabbatical to explore the world. When not crafting stories on The Urge To Wander, she's probably Tweeting @theurgetowander or sharing special moments on instagram.com/theurgetowander
    Madhu on said:

    Love your wonderfully atmospheric photos Nicole. “Passing time chatting with friends” is my favourite 🙂

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Madhu! Glad you enjoyed! 🙂 I liked that photo too! 🙂 Lots of color!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      So glad Emily that you have enjoyed the pictures! I traveled so much in my 20s and 30s but didn’t have a digital camera then! I wish so bad I did and hope to someday go back and take all those photos I never got! Just think how many I’d have by now!!

      Reply ↓

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  25. Boots – Dallas, TX – I'm Boots, a former flight attendant, a wannabe fashionista mom, who lived in Manila, Los Angeles, New York, Tokyo and now currently living in the wonderful suburbs of Dallas! I have always wanted a lifestyle of constant traveling, eating well, and shopping but my "new reality" went from holding designer bags to grocery bags, from a sports car to a minivan, and from a jetsetter to a stay-at-home mom.
    Boots on said:

    Been following your blog and I really enjoy it. Thanks for all the beautiful photos. Have never been to South America but someday I will visit it.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks so much for the comment! I’m really glad you enjoy my blog and the posts. Where do you live? Yes, South America is quite lovely! A must see!

      Reply ↓
      • Boots – Dallas, TX – I'm Boots, a former flight attendant, a wannabe fashionista mom, who lived in Manila, Los Angeles, New York, Tokyo and now currently living in the wonderful suburbs of Dallas! I have always wanted a lifestyle of constant traveling, eating well, and shopping but my "new reality" went from holding designer bags to grocery bags, from a sports car to a minivan, and from a jetsetter to a stay-at-home mom.
        Boots on said:

        I live in Dallas, Texas but from the Philippines originally. I flew for Delta Airlines for a while and travelled quite a bit but I never did go to South America.

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        Wow, that must have been something flying for Delta!

      • Boots – Dallas, TX – I'm Boots, a former flight attendant, a wannabe fashionista mom, who lived in Manila, Los Angeles, New York, Tokyo and now currently living in the wonderful suburbs of Dallas! I have always wanted a lifestyle of constant traveling, eating well, and shopping but my "new reality" went from holding designer bags to grocery bags, from a sports car to a minivan, and from a jetsetter to a stay-at-home mom.
        Boots on said:

        Yes it was great! But I wish blogging was already popular back then. I often look back at all the experiences I’ve had and places I’ve seen and wish I could’ve blogged them. Oh well, I can always start fresh 😄

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      It was very high. You land at over 13,000 feet and I hiked up to 18,000 feet a few days later!

      Reply ↓
  27. thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
    thirdeyemom on said:

    Oh thanks so much Tina! Appreciate your kind words!

    Reply ↓
  28. thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
    thirdeyemom on said:

    Thanks so much Tina! I appreciate it!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks!

      Reply ↓
  30. Marilyn Albright – Home Based in Sterling, Alaska – Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula has been home for more than 40 years. My husband, David, and I live on 10 acres of forest near the town of Soldotna. We are more or less retired, meaning we are retired from gainful employment but not from life! Our son lives in Australia and our daughter in Colorado. Photography, fiber arts, reading, and hiking/walking are some of my interests, and David shares my love of gardening, camping, cooking, and traveling, plus he is our tech expert.
    Marilyn Albright on said:

    Excellent post. You could do one just on the variety of hats people are wearing! I love Isabel’s little store and the colorful buses! Those were common in Guatemala but I have never seen one in Mexico.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Yes indeed! 🙂 Thanks Marilyn for the great comment!

      Reply ↓

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