The Elements. Bolivia

Water and fire, cold and heat, nature and the concrete architecture of larger cities. Bolivia is made of elements, and the greatest of these elements are the people! Humble and hardworking, yet colourful and open. It is thanks to them that the expedition to the Amazon, La Paz, Sucre, and Del Sol remains unique in my memory. And this is for several reasons. Firstly, thanks to a wonderful guide – a woman full of passion, life, and energy. Rosa Maria Ruiz introduced us to the Tsimane tribe inhabiting the village of Sam Luis Chicco. She told us about the local fauna and flora. She shared her experience as the founder of the incredible Madidi Park reserve!

The trip to Bolivia included not only the Amazon but also visits to larger cities and tourist centres, which had not previously excited me. This time, however, it was slightly different. I took great pleasure in tracking dinosaur footprints, observing local craftsmanship, and discovering elements of Inca culture. The time spent in Bolivia was also full of surprises. All of them incredibly positive! Examples include participating in the largest annual feast in honour of the Virgin Mary, La fiesta de la Virgen del Rosario, meeting local weavers, and observing the ceremony of planting fava beans and potatoes. My stay in Bolivia was my last travel and photography trip before the lockdown. Since then, I had to postpone my plans, which allowed me to appreciate the time spent in South America even more, along with the possibility of free travel and the freedom that, in this context, gained an even deeper meaning.