"Despite the 1,000' drop into the centre La Paz is still the highest capital at 11,000'. The Spaniards chose this odd place in 1548 to avoid the cold wind on the plateau. I found the city a strange mixture of old and not very nice new. I stayed at a small hotel whose claim to fame was a hot shower. When I came to use it I found to my horror it consisted of a bare electric element which water just poured through. When turned on the water splattered and just made a lot of steam, I decided to make do with a cold wash. While in La Paz I called at the British Embassy to pick up some mail; it was good to catch up with some news from home. 
 
Back on the altiplano I crossed to Guaqui on Lake Titicaca, with a stop to visit the remains of Tiahuanacu, the ancient capital of the area. There was not much to see, I think I found the magnificent old Spanish church nearby more interesting, and spent most of the afternoon painting a picture of that, see above." - MH