Death Road Adventures

Before I start this blog I'd like to apologize to each and every one of you (Todd) for the lack of blogging in the last few days. Internet in Bolivia has proven difficult. 

Now let me tell you about Sunday, for it was quite a day. 

Sunday morning we spontaneously awoke at 6 and decided it was about time to mountain bike down the Death Road. And so we set off for breakfast before loading up into a bus full of adventure seekers from around the world and two awesome guides. 

A little over an hour later, when the guide called my name first to get my gear and bike, I realized what I'd signed up for. As I test rode my bike around the parking area and remembered that I hadn't ridden a bike on anything but flat desert road in over two years, and mentally smacked myself. 

Once we were all set up with equipment, we set off in a single file line down a slightly wet road nearly entirely covered in fog and true to form Jeannie seemed cool while I reevaluated my life choices and tried not to scream. 

The first 22 km were paved and without many obstacles. We took several breaks to check in and rest and after about an hour, I was beginning to feel like perhaps I wouldn't hit my front breaks, flip over my bike and break my jaw on six places. I was nearly certain it would only be four places. 

Of course this was when we made it to the actual Death Road, entirely gravel and not entirely friendly looking. As the guide asked if we were ready to get going, Jeannie mounted her bike and declared she was. The guide then looked at me and I made a series of noises and mumbled to myself while getting on my bike. He looked worried for a moment but Jeannie explained,

"She's fine, just dramatic,"

We took the road in sections, stopping every twenty minutes to regroup. We encountered waterfalls and the constant reminder of a very steep edge that would likely bring...well, death...if we got too close. 

When we finally made it to the end, beer was waiting for us. We all enjoyed and shared our experiences and thoughts before being ferried to an animal reserve where we had lunch (not the animals) and hot showers before getting back on the bus and riding the three hours back to La Paz, tired but happy. 

Jenn has thoughts about having feelings

First I think our story requires a little background. This blog is starting to feel like when you strike up a conversation with someone at a bar, have a few laughs and a good conversation and then realize an hour in that you don't know their name. 

Or whatever social people do. 

So since September 2012, Jeannie and I have worked as health volunteers in Peru for the US Peace Corps. She served a small town in the mountains while I worked in a larger community in the northern desert. It was super rewarding blah blah blah. 

Now we've decided we're over it and recently closed our service and started our glorious South American adventures. 

Now onto Jenn's thoughts about having feelings:

I wish I had feelings about the end of this magical era in my life but I feel absolutely nothing. I think it's probably because none of it seems real at this point. It feels like a vacation. 

But I'm not going back to my site or my host family or my students. And yet no matter how many times I tell myself that I don't believe it. I guess the feelings will come later, I'll keep you posted. 

Until then we're chillin in a fancy ass hotel with a view. 

Jenn Has Thoughts about Jeannie's Emotions

I would just like to note that I have done a lot in the planning of this trip, it's obviously just much more behind-the-scenes. For example, this morning Jeannie asked me if she should book us a room in Buenos Aires and I said yes.

Collaboration.

I refuse to be characterized as the lazy one when I am obviously the cool, classy, sexy one. Duh.

Secondly, Adam was trying to get into Bolivia and he followed up the story of his visa misadventures by telling us of his severe brain injury. Reliable source? I don't know.

Back when we were happy together

Jeannie Has Emotions

As we sit here, on the verge of COS, I find myself with a lot of emotions.  Let me tell you about them.

1) Frustrated that Jenn has done NOTHING to plan this trip.

I'm going to be honest, that's really the only emotion I have right now.  I'll tell you some more in the coming days.

At this point, we've (I'VE) planned everything for our upcoming adventure.  Except the minor detail of a visa to get into Argentina.  Oops.  About a month ago, we ran into this random guy in Lima (let's call him Adam) who told us a horror story about not having a visa and getting thrown in Argentinean prison.  Adam was also not... shall we say... completely "with it".  But we've taken Adam's advice to heart and gotten all our ducks in a row (you know, mostly).

Quote of the hour: "You literally do everything for me.  I'm like a hospice patient." --Jenn Hanson