I got a Bolivian visa!

If I’ve talked to you over the past few months, I’ve likely mentioned the ridiculous Bolivian visa requirements(bank statement that demonstrates proof of financial liquidity, full itinerary, invitation letter, and most notably $160 in crisp, US currency). Well, despite talking about this incessantly over the past couple of months, I waited until the last day possible, on Easter Sunday, the day before my trip, to get my cash. And the ATM spit out a variety of worn bills, which in turn required me to do some cash trades with family and friends and another trip to the ATM. Turns out, Bolivian visa dude was disappointed that I wasn’t going to use a credit card. He carefully examined each of my bills, less for crispness and more for integrity of the edges. He rejected three of my twenties, but thankfully I had stocked up on dollars in Cusco and was able to provide some suitable alternatives. He did not seem amused when Igleefully said, “yeah!” After each bill passed and got moved to the acceptance pile. But my visa is in hand,and I’m now enjoying La Paz!