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Driving through Sucre it was clear that this town was much better off. More trees, the buildings were finished off and much nicer cars. After arriving at our Hotel it was clear accomodations were much nicer for the price too however we unfortunately learnt that this hotel was not the place to be on Friday and Saturday nights when the nightclub music as damn loud until 1am and 3:30am respectively!!
After seeking out a travel agent for flights to Santa Cruz we went on a waiting list (we were surprised to find for the first time here there were no seats) and hoped for seats as the bus ride is 15 hours, not so bad as it is overnight but apparetly the road is horrific and even the tour companies fly their travelers!
A relaxing day followed with a wander through the plaza followed by a chocolate expresso at Chocolates Parati, a chocolate specialist. It was a bit much. It tasted like drinking straight chcolate sauce but the cake was really nice.
Back to our hotel for a couple of beers. We spent the rest of the afternoon just relaxing. Feeling like we are constantly moving we decided an afternoon off was on the cards and there isn't that much we really wanted to see in Sucre. The beers in Bolivia are much better although many are still Pilsner much to Phil´s chagrin.
Tip for restaurant:
Tentaciones
Is a pasta place where they make their own pasta an each meal is made from scratch uon ordering. Very yummy and the wine recommended by the owner was devine. Yep another Tarija wine, this time a La Conception, Syrah Vino DeAlfura 2009.
Phil´s comment was full bodied, smooth with a hint of vanilla. Quite the wine buff he is becoming!
An early night was in order. . .we thought. . . Turns out there is a new nightclub nearby and well it was to say loud. I think they finished up around 1am. Put a real dampener on this hotel. Our room itself is actually really nice. The next morning we were woken by a phone call from our travel agent and confirmation of plane tickets - yay- and it was off to explore.
A visit to the Museo de Ethnografica - free but yet again no photographs allowed- was interesting and displayed the masks used by the local tribes of Bolivia. Some were surprisingly intricate and very well made. Unfortunately being a weekend the other 2 museums we wanted to visit were shut so we wandered around the markets, mainly food but was interesting beore heading for tea and a beer at a local pub, Florins.
Here Phil has finally found a good beer. The Ámbar´ beer. Is locally made and not a Pilsner! I had another copa (glass) of the local red, Tarija yet again, and still impressed. Wish our house wines were this good.
The Copa America cup (South American soccer cup) is currently playing and we sat down to watch the semi final between Argentina and Uruguay.
Tip:
The colours don't always depict the right team!!
Thought I was going for Argentina and in the end found out I was actually barracking for Uruguay. Must have had an idea they would win! Went to penalty kicks and Arentina lost 5-4. Quite funny how no one is out on the street and all the staff are trying to serve and watch at the same time!
After another late night (think the nightclub finished a bit after 2am) and breakfast (very disappointing - cold eggs and the bread ran out and wasnt replaced, we were surprised considering the hotel) it was off to the airport and into we think organised chaos! No lines and everyone pushes to get to the front. Excess baggage cost 16 boliviano for 4kg about $2! Can´t imagine what that would cost in Australia.
TAM airlines is the military airline in Bolivia which now has a civilian side. Interesting is about the only way I can describe the flight. No safety briefing, people caan have their seats back on lift off and aalthough seats are allocated the staf will just put you wherever it suits.
The flight itself was good and we were soon in Santa Cruz.
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