Brick Canyon: Up the Walls of La Paz
“Hey guys, I found the perfect location for our new development! Now, stay with me here. See this 3000 foot deep canyon on the map? We’re going to build our city right up those walls. It will be perfect! Oh! I forgot to mention that the bottom of the canyon is still 10,500 feet above sea level, with thin air, a harsh subpolar tundra climate and no real summer. It’s going to be wonderful! …Wait, where’s everyone going? Come back!”
At least, that’s how I like to imagine the first planning meeting going. 🙂
Peering down into this 3000 foot deep gash in the Earth from the rim of the canyon, Nuestra Señora de La Paz, Bolivia is truly a sight unlike any other I’ve come across. 30+ story skyscrapers disappear into the canyon floor, while the homogenous color of red brick envelops the steep walls from floor to rim, seemingly clinging tight to any available surface.
In this relatively inhospitable environment, huge numbers of Bolivians have chosen to build a life, build their own homes, and build a city, which I really grew to admire over my time here.
(Kodak Portra 160)
