L O O K I N G T O G E T L O S T: Notes from Copacabana, Bolivia

February 8, 2011 - Copacabana, Bolivia

"There are certain moments or places in your travels where everything seems to be, well... perfect. You find that little slice of life you wish you could hold on to forever, and live over and over again.

Today I found that. It hit me while lying in the hammock, in my wildly unique hostel in the hills of Copacabana.

Maybe it was the breathtaking views from the huge windows.

Maybe it was the perfect cloud formations over Lake Titicaca.

Maybe it was the pleasure I had knowing I was so far from anything and everything I knew. Maybe it was the excitement of being in a completely foreign country with more than enough funds to stay for months(Bolivia is super cheap). Or maybe it was the pure state of relaxation and contentment I felt lying there with Camila. Either way, it was life at it's best.

This is what traveling is all about. Stumbling upon those towns or cities with great vibes that simply leave you stunned.

Copacabana is a simple town on the edge of Lake Titicaca, 15 minutes from the Peruvian/Bolivian border. It is most well known as the jump-off point for Isla del Sol (Island of the Sun), which the Incas believed to be the birthplace of mankind. The town consists of old, colorful buildings and largely sparse streets, save the main strip leading to the water and Mercado. The main strip is littered with restaurants, cafes, shops and friendly hippies selling handmade crafts for next to nothing. The town is almost entirely void of cars or anything that reminds you it is the year 2011. Items were surprisingly cheap, with a handmade bracelet costing me five Bolivianos, or about $.75. Life here is simple, slow paced and seemingly lost in time.

Our days are spent relaxing, enjoying the views, the clouds and our incomparable hostel and property. Wandering the town today we met a painter we later found out was named Samuel Smith. It wasn't until halfway through our conversation that a little English slipped out and we discovered he was from Minnesota. He had been in Bolivia for a long while, painting and living off the grid. I purchased one of his rolled canvas paintings for 120 Bolivianos, or about $17. It was a steal considering it was a well done piece of artwork on a 42x36 inch canvas. He was selling his paintings for very cheap in order to quickly raise funds to get to Cusco, Peru and I was happy to contribute."

Anybody traveling to Bolivia needs to consider a trip to Copacabana, especially before or after a trip to La Paz, which is by far the craziest city I've ever been to. It is a great chance to relax, unwind and forget about the world. I also highly recommend the Hostal Las Olas which is one of the most relaxing and unique places I've ever stayed. Situated in the hills are 6 private buildings/huts/domes/cabins built amongst beautiful gardens and winding paths. Whatever they technically are and whatever you want to call them doesn't matter because either way they are very, very cool. We had the pleasure of staying in two different rooms over the 3 days. Each room is very different and has features such as: in-room gardens, hammocks, wood-burning stoves, working kitchens and massive showers, all built with locally sourced natural materials.