Dad and I have now been in La Paz for over a month and are still continuing to find new and exciting things to do each day. We normally go our separate ways after breakfast in the morning (hence why I only have pictures of my activies, Dad still struggles with the concept of bringing his camera everywhere and constantly snapping shots...haven't I taught him anything?) Anyway, we both continue to find a variety of things to do each day. Dad is currently helping our friend, Joel, build a new dinghy (you just can't take the handyman out of 'em) and also continues to work on little odds and ends on the boat. He's found various different restaurants and claims to have eaten a burrito the size of a dinner plate...he doesn't have pictures (what else is new), so I don't know if I actually believe him.
Each day I walk into the city (it's about a 45 minute walk) where I read while drinking tea and listening to Christmas music. It's weird hearing Dean Martin sing "Baby, It's Cold Outside" when it's 80 degrees and I'm in a sundress. I do love the warm climate, but I'm looking forward to going home where these lyrics make a little more sense. It just doesn't feel like Christmas without the Oregon rain. During one of my walks to town, I found this "Volkswagen Bug" (the two seater version, haha)
 |
| As if the Volkswagen Bug isn't small enough as it is... |
 |
| Me next to the infamous "Mushroom Rock" |
I've made some new friends now that we've been down here for a while and with them I explore La Paz (they live here, so it's great to see the city through the eyes of locals) and work on my Spanish. Two weeks ago, Angel (one of my new friends) took me to Balandra Beach. This is a popular place for cruisers (there is an anchorage right in front) and locals. Here we took tons of pictures of the vibrant blue water, found whole sea shells (something I've never experienced back home), and walked barefoot through the sand. It was a great day and the weather was beautiful (but wait, isn't everyday beautiful down here?!)
 |
| Balandra Beach Anchorage |
 |
| Me in the Sea of Cortez at Balandra Beach |
Along with the variety of Christmas Festivities that are happening down here, there have also been a couple of parades. Although I'm not sure of the reasoning or significance of a lot of them, the pictures are still great anyway. Just add it to the list of things that I've been enjoying as a "local tourist."
 |
| A group of women prepare to join the parade |
 |
| All ages enjoyed the parade festivities |
I have also manged to participate in another day of baking. Vivien and I decided that before I left we needed to bake Christmas cookies. With our oatmeal, raisins, almonds, and cinnamon we made decadent desserts that we handed out as early Christmas gifts. I also used my artistic abilities and decorated plates for the delicious gifts. It was another great day full of laughter, art, Christmas music, and cookies.
 |
| One of my Christmas plate drawings |
 |
| Christmas Cookies! |
 |
| Another Kelly original (Christmas in La Paz...Snowman and cacti) |
