In 2018, during my trip in South America, I visited one of La Paz’s bustling food markets. I was told that I should try Pan America’s pizza when I reach Copacabana.
This tip came from fellow travelers I connected with in La Paz, a city nestled at staggering altitudes between 10,650 and 13,250 feet (3,250 and 4,100 meters) above sea level, making it the world’s highest national capital. I was on my way to Copacabana, my final stop in Bolivia. From Copacabana I was planning to take a bus to Cusco (Peru)– a 12-hours journey.
Arriving at Copacabana I was captivated by the tranquility of this lakeside haven on Lake Titicaca, the largest high-altitude lake in the world. I had forgotten about the pizzeria suggestion, but suddenly, I was standing outside Pan America. This is how I crossed paths with the owners, Debbie and Jeff.
Intrigued by their narrative, I proposed featuring their story on my vlog, resulting in one of my first video interviews. In the video, they passionately discuss their community initiatives in Bolivia, shedding light on the complexities of development aid. They talk of the start of Pan America and draw comparisons between life in a Western country and the unique challenges and joys found in Bolivia. Their journey serves as a beacon of inspiration if one is willing to embrace the uncertainties of the unknown.
While Bolivia’s natural beauty and my journey through its landscapes could fill numerous blog posts, I’ll save those tales for another time. For now, enjoy this captivating talk with the remarkable couple—a cornerstone in my early blog content. Despite the video filming and sound quality, the profound essence of our conversation and the wisdom emanating from this inspiring couple shines through. I hope you find this gem from June 2018 enriching. This interview is somehow marking a significant chapter in my blogging journey.
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I loved the interview and it was a lesson learned for me as well. However, I am too spoiled and I could never live without running water (non potable wouldn’t be a problem, in the Mediterranean islands water is very seldom potable) and with electricity blackouts from time to time. I recognize myself when they say it would be a catastrophe-like-time in the US, but also here in Belgium when it happens, I feel very much stressed out. And I couldn’t never bear also the fact of being somehow in God’s hands. So, as they would say in French, chapeau! And congratulations to you as well for the interview, I don’t think the quality is bad.
Thank you, Cristiana for taking the time to watch the interview and for your comment.
Bolivia is one of those countries with a magical nature, but they live in a completely different age.
Being there was like a time travel and when I travel to such countries, I am reminded to appreciate everything we take for granted in everyday life at home.
The thing with God was about letting go of the control that we have so much in us on so many levels.
Love the serendipity of you ending up outside Pan America. Your interest in others and their stories is wonderful, Parisa!
Thank you, Wynne. It is true, that I find very much joy in other people’s stories & history. Thank you for taking the time to watch it.
What a fascinating interview! I was amazed that people would wait six months to name their baby due to the high infant mortality rate. 🤯 But I love how happy they seem with their lifestyle, and they are not dependent on many of the things we take for granted here in the US.
Yes, it is a totally different society and I notice every time I travel to such places life and experience of life are so different from the life in West and more relaxed in so many ways. If one does not measure everything economically. And the infant death rate there is heavy stuff. Thank you for taking the time to Watch it.
My pleasure!