El Barco (The Boat)

I just had a feeling there was going to be problems at the ferry. Pichilingue, the Northern Port of Departure from La Paz is 18 km away from El Centro. No problem, as I got there around 1 pm. I had read they suggest you get there at least 2 hours before the boat leaves, which was 3 pm, so I was doing ok. I would have been earlier, but I thought it a wise choice to buy a ticket in town, and as there was another office for the motorcycle importation, some much needed info as to it´s whereabouts. They wouldn´t sell me a ticket until I had the importation documents so this was a big waste of time. Both offices were out in Pichilingue, so off I went. One of my blue bags was falling off again, but I ignored it in the hopes of fixing it again on the boat, and not wasting any valuable time.

A man motions me towards the gate, and I ask him where to park for the importation documents. He directs his finger past the toll booth and gate, and I gladly thank him. I run over the office being aware of the time, and realize one of my necessary documents (temporary visa) was back at the bike, although I already had passport, drivers license and bike registration. So now I´m sweating in the 38 degree heat with a full suit of leather and a brisk run to the bike. My frustration is now building as a guy is now in the lineup with a large stack of papers, and the lady is talking on the phone for what seems an hour. Long story short, I end up yelling at the worker that I just want to get on the boat, and at 230 I finally do.