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Bolivia
Having left Uyuni in search of normality ? It?s a very strange place ? we found ourselves on a bus full of locals, chickens and all, heading for Potosi, the highest city in the world - There?s another trivia fact for you. When I say 'we' I mean the Dutch couple, Kim and Marc, one of the two Boston boys, Steve and the German, Carolin.
Potosi is a fantastic place, built at the base of a silver mine it used to be the richest city in Bolivia. The city is full of narrow winding streets, classical architecture, beautiful churches and roof-top terraces. We all discovered how cheap Bolivia is here, a full 3 course meal for 50p ? no joke! Following Potosi ?we? headed for Sucre, the capital of Bolivia. Due to the ongoing bus strike - Bolivia is a very democratic country ? we caught taxis there for the bargain price of 60p each for the 3 hour journey. Marc, Kim and I had to share our taxi with a snoring, drunken Bolivian woman complete with bowler hat and long plaits.
Sucre is much like Potosi although slightly more Colonial. Both cities are built in the crater of huge volcanoes. The 2nd night in Sucre was quite eventful ? I blame Steve ? We went for a meal at a Mexican restaurant where Steve and I proceeded to drink a few too many Bolivia Mojito?s ? Singarni (The bolivian spirit), Coco leaves and ice. Following the meal we all went along to the local Karaoke Discoth?e, where we salsa danced the night away then preformed a rather awful rendition of ?Hotel California?, and for all of those who have had the pleasure of hearing me sing, I was not blessed with a good voice! I finally staggered home after sunrise then woke up with just 10 minutes to shower, pack and check-out!
Carolin and I were due to get the overnight bus to Le Paz that evening, so spent the day relaxing in the Caf?irador ? A caf?ith the most amazing view of the city. However once arriving at the bus station we discovered the bus had been cancelled due to the said bus strike ? very annoying! The bus eventually left the following evening, I know I always say this but it 'was' the bus journey from hell. A huge bolivian woman sat next to me and kept elbowing me throughout the night.
Once arriving in Le Paz, Carolin and I caught a cab to her Aunts house, where we were greated by her spanish maid. Neither of us knew what to expect, but it was the most beautiful house ever. We both enjoyed the comforts of home for the 2 days we were there, spending our days shopping for souvenirs at San Francisco Plaza ? the best market in the world ? and the evenings playing with Andrea?s one year old daughter Laura.
From Le Paz we headed to the shores of Lake Titicana ? the highest lake in the world. We stayed in the small Gringo town of Copacabana, from which we visited 'The Isle de Sol' ? the birth place of the sun, according to Inca Mythology. Copacabana is 4000 meters above sea level so I suffered with the altitude, getting out of breath from just walking up the stairs.
Ok, so there you have it, a quick rundown on my time in Bolivia ? A truly fantastic country!
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