All posts tagged: Sucre

Here’s Why Bolivia’s Capital Isn’t What You Think (PHOTOS)

Who knew Bolivia’s capital isn’t La Paz? Thanks Trivial Pursuit for planting that seed of misinformation during my teens. La Paz is the administrative – or – de facto capital, while the political capital is Sucre. So now that we’ve got that straight, it’s time to acquaint yourself with this gorgeous colonial city. Sucre isn’t exactly on the beaten track, so I had very few notions of what it would be like. Actually, I had never even heard of Sucre before planting two feet on Bolivian soil. Located in a country that isn’t hailed as a touristic destination, and buried in the heart of South America, I figured it’d be another dusty Bolivian city. Boy was I wrong. Just because my corner of the Western world hadn’t been to Sucre, didn’t mean the rest of Europe was so ignorant. In fact, Sucre was founded by the Spanish in 1538. What were the Spanish doing there? In short, relentlessly mining silver from nearby Potosí, which is counted among the world’s highest elevation cities. Sitting at 4,090 metres (13,420 ft), life at this altitude …

Sucre’s Drop-Dead Gorgeous Cemetery, Bolivia (PHOTOS)

With a full day of free time in Sucre, we first wandered into the main square, had a fresh fruit smoothie at the market and then, at the recommendation of our guide, made our way to Cementerio General.  Climbing the gentle uphill incline from the city centre was a strain given the altitude and midday sun. We arrived at the entrance, passing flower stands vending colourful bouquets waiting to be laid as tribute to the dead. Standing between two white columns – above which read Hodie Mihi Cras Tibi (Today Me, Tomorrow You) – we debated whether we were meant to pay an admission fee. (Not the case.) I didn’t know what to expect inside, but I immediately appreciated the shade and serenity afforded by the high walls of Cementerio General; true respite from the hubbub of the city. Strolling amid manicured walkways, past grand family-occupied crypts and niche-filled columbarium walls, my mind was flooded with questions to which I had no answers; answers I’d have to look up later. Without context my observations were superficial at best.  Mostly I was surprised to find such an elaborate cemetery …