Bolivia

Sneaking the bike out of Peru

Finally I did it. Can’t say it was easy, but I did it. And now I am safe, my bike too.
Here’s what happened in a nutshell.
After my crash in Peru, the border officers impounded my bike ignoring all my requests for an extension of the permission for the permanence of the bike in Peru. Yes, this country is very complicated. So, I decide to go back to Peru, steal my own bike and take it out of the Country.
I tried first to take the bike out through Chile but I came across some crocks who tried to steal my money and my bike, I left them in disappointment being much more smarter than them. Nice try guys, but I’m Italian and you are not..
I went then on the north, always careful not to get caught by the police, there was an arrest warrant on my bike, arrived to the border with Bolivia and after three days I found a good smuggler who took my bike on his small boat and cross the Titicaca lake till Bolivia then to La Paz on a truck.

Protests in Peru, 75 people died on various riots,

The bike is out of Peru, first goal achived.
New step was to have the exit stamp on my passport which was also a big challenge because the borders between Peru and Bolivia are closed due to the protests here in Peru. I was noticed by some locals that one small border will be open on Sunday and only for the truckers so I’ve been there the very first Sunday with my best disguise as a trucker (don’t laugh at me) and with the help of some dollars I was able to achieve the exit stamp from Peru then the entry stamp from Bolivia. Bingo!

Now, how to have the bike’s paper? I made some research then I discovered that between Bolivia and Brazil there is an easy border where you can easily cross and have the entry paper for the bike. So cool!
I literally flew there on the bike, always being over careful to the police on the road (in Bolivia my bike has no documents), Bolivian police is so corrupted, they’re really good at scamming bikers, they got the A+ squad on shaking down drivers for money but actually reducing real crime, not so much; I crossed to Brazil, parked safely my bike and walked back in Bolivia.. the immigration paperwork slipped easily then I crossed again to Brazil where I “gain” the paper for the bike! Brazilian are just the best, I love this country.

Guys, let me tell you that this adventure was one of the hardest I’ve had. I came across many challenges where many would throw the towel. Now I’m sipping margaritas in Morocco with my wife and the Peruvian police is still looking for me.. Priceless.

Dear Peru border officers, you will win the next time.
Ciao.

Bolivia in my heart

One of the places I carry in my heart is Bolivia. I can say that I am one of the few to have visited this magnificent land far and wide, in all its different facets. From the Andean mountains to salt lakes, from deserts to the Amazonian side.
Bolivia represents something absolutely unique for its diversity, cultures and extraordinary naturalistic beauty. I spent a few wonderful months in this magical land and I will always carry with me the memories of the beauty of its places.
Finally, a big hug and a warm greeting to my many Bolivian friends, unique and wonderful people.