We got up and left the hotel at 5am. It was freezing at the geezers and so after some quick photos and couple of rapid exchanges we were back in the 4x4s heading for the hot spa. We were the foirst to arrive and the sun was only just coming up. It was just over -1 but the hot spa was 27 to 22, and so Paul, Julius, Siemen and I were the first to jump in, followed by Andrea. It was fantastic and I didnt want to get out.
There was a bit of an exchnage over breakfast. JJ said that he didnt sleep because we were all snoring. I politely informed him that I wanted to book in next to Le Paz airport tonight for a better night sleep and that left the table sniggering and JJ rather red faced. LOL. The Norwegians then confirmed that we didnt have issue with each other but JJ was the snoring culprit. He really isnt impressing as a guide at the mo.
We headed back to Uyuni after breakfast and some of went to watch a local football match. The local side were giving the opposition a good hiding. The crowd were really quiet - mind they were probably all depressed iving in Uyuni where the highlight is the train graveyard just outside the town. OK I negleted to mention that before and there was a lot of fun photos taken there, but not too sure if I would want it on my doorstep.
Off on the local bus to Le Paz tonight. It was a coach and we manged to get the driver to drift the coach sideways a couple of times. I closed my eyes, kissed my ass goodbye and started praying after peering out at the road in front as the driver on sand decided to overtake a HGV that looked unstable.
Sunday, 19 September 2010
11th September - The Red Desert
Didnt sleep well last night as JJ was snoring. Sounded like a Jumbo Jet coming into land every couple of miuntes interspaced with an attempt to strangle himself. Think JJ might want to do something about it if he meets someone.
We saw someone amazing sites today. Lakes with Pink flamingos in them. A red desert full or iron, and a red lagoon. The lagoon had algae on the top but due to the low temperature and wind it makes it turn red. The weather at the moment is cold and when we set off this morning it was -5. Climbed up some rock formations for some good photos with Irena, Paul, and Andrea.
We stayed in another sparse hotel. The electricity went off at 10.30.
Irena was a hero as she tried to convince JJ not to room with us, but to no avail. He snored again straight through. Despite me kicking his bed, Julius hitting him with a pillow, and generally us shouting lots he slept through. As a tour guide not too sure about JJ - not just with the snoring. He bangs on about everything that is crap in his life, and you have to really push him to tell you about the locations. Hoping he is not the benchmark. He also said he had had a complaint against him when we first set out. Hhhhmmm.
On the positives the group are getting on well and we are having lots of fun when JJ is not about.
We saw someone amazing sites today. Lakes with Pink flamingos in them. A red desert full or iron, and a red lagoon. The lagoon had algae on the top but due to the low temperature and wind it makes it turn red. The weather at the moment is cold and when we set off this morning it was -5. Climbed up some rock formations for some good photos with Irena, Paul, and Andrea.
We stayed in another sparse hotel. The electricity went off at 10.30.
Irena was a hero as she tried to convince JJ not to room with us, but to no avail. He snored again straight through. Despite me kicking his bed, Julius hitting him with a pillow, and generally us shouting lots he slept through. As a tour guide not too sure about JJ - not just with the snoring. He bangs on about everything that is crap in his life, and you have to really push him to tell you about the locations. Hoping he is not the benchmark. He also said he had had a complaint against him when we first set out. Hhhhmmm.
On the positives the group are getting on well and we are having lots of fun when JJ is not about.
10th September Uyuni to Salt flats
We left Uynui and set off for the salt flats. It was interesting as we are in 4x4s now and thought it will become obvious soon as to why. We headed for the locoal vilage to get some cheap goods, such as gloves etc. Really glad I have a shamagh as it is warm when needed, cool when the weather is hot, stops sunburn, and most importantly I look like a terrorist!!
We headed to the salt flats where we found out that the supply of salt was massive - dur! That there was a massive supply of lithium under the flats and that a lot of countries are pushing for the natural resources. The guide reckons there might be a war over the resouurces in the future! Perhaps I shouldnt wear the shemagh so much around here.
The accomadation was a hotel made from salt - yes salt. The floor, walls, tables, everything was salt. We had a clear night outside so some of us went out and watched the stars. I saw a shooting star which was the first one I have ever seen. Andrea was miffed as she was the only one who hadnt.
JJ the guide was snoring so loud that we could hear him down the corridor before I got to the room. I dont think earplugs will be enough to counter this noise.
We headed to the salt flats where we found out that the supply of salt was massive - dur! That there was a massive supply of lithium under the flats and that a lot of countries are pushing for the natural resources. The guide reckons there might be a war over the resouurces in the future! Perhaps I shouldnt wear the shemagh so much around here.
The accomadation was a hotel made from salt - yes salt. The floor, walls, tables, everything was salt. We had a clear night outside so some of us went out and watched the stars. I saw a shooting star which was the first one I have ever seen. Andrea was miffed as she was the only one who hadnt.
JJ the guide was snoring so loud that we could hear him down the corridor before I got to the room. I dont think earplugs will be enough to counter this noise.
9th September Potosi to Uyuni
Got up early and went to the mint museum with Paul. They had an impressive art gallery in the museum, and it was interesting to realise that there was more than just coin making. They had a lot of impressionist art and also a document declaring the city a world heritage site. The actual mint museum threw up some interesting facts such as Potosi at one point made the majority of coins in the world, ironicaly Bolivia does not make any of its own coins anymore!!
The journey to Uyuni was on a public bus. The window next to Paul would not close until Irena gave it a good smash. It was then shut solid. The road soon materialised into a track and at one point became more like Formby sand dunes. Some parts were a bit hairy but not quite the death road - which I hope to do so later. When we arrived in Uyuni it was like arriving to another world rather similar to Mos Eisley Spaceport in Star Wars.
Paul, Julius, Sieman and I went for a wonder around the local market, where we managed to do a bit of bartering.
Pizza for tea where an American has a resteraunt. I am really struggling with what the thought process was. I think I will set up a Pizza resteraunt in the middle of nowhere where they dont eat Pizza. It was busy and cracking pizza so dont think I will go into that industry given my intial thoughts.
The journey to Uyuni was on a public bus. The window next to Paul would not close until Irena gave it a good smash. It was then shut solid. The road soon materialised into a track and at one point became more like Formby sand dunes. Some parts were a bit hairy but not quite the death road - which I hope to do so later. When we arrived in Uyuni it was like arriving to another world rather similar to Mos Eisley Spaceport in Star Wars.
Paul, Julius, Sieman and I went for a wonder around the local market, where we managed to do a bit of bartering.
Pizza for tea where an American has a resteraunt. I am really struggling with what the thought process was. I think I will set up a Pizza resteraunt in the middle of nowhere where they dont eat Pizza. It was busy and cracking pizza so dont think I will go into that industry given my intial thoughts.
Friday, 17 September 2010
8th September Potosi
Arrived in the mining town of Potosi. Used to be the richest city in South America. Bit run down now. It also used to mint most of the worlds coins.
Went to the silver mine. It was amazing but rather sad at the same time as the kids are born into poverty and will just go straight into mining when old enough. The life expectancy for the miners is about 40 ish.
I bought some dynamite as a gift for one of the miners who showed us round. He even used it whilst we were there!!! Scary.
Went out for a wonder in the evening and have been told to look out for for the false police who take your passport!!!!
Went to the silver mine. It was amazing but rather sad at the same time as the kids are born into poverty and will just go straight into mining when old enough. The life expectancy for the miners is about 40 ish.
I bought some dynamite as a gift for one of the miners who showed us round. He even used it whilst we were there!!! Scary.
Went out for a wonder in the evening and have been told to look out for for the false police who take your passport!!!!
Monday 7th Sept in Sucre
Took a hike in a very large crater today. Was very impressive although not convinced it was done by a comet. But who am I to say as not a geologist!! The new guys are really nice and the hike was with them as the Norwegians, Paul, and Lucy stayed in Sucre.
The highlight was the T rex footprint in the rock!!! There was also a diplodicus footprint.
The hike was hard work at altitude which is starting to tell. So there was a solution Cocoa leaves, Irena, Andrea and I all tried some with an EXTRA additive!!!
Went out till 1 am with Jose and some of his new group!!! It was a converted knocking shop!! Nice.
The highlight was the T rex footprint in the rock!!! There was also a diplodicus footprint.
The hike was hard work at altitude which is starting to tell. So there was a solution Cocoa leaves, Irena, Andrea and I all tried some with an EXTRA additive!!!
Went out till 1 am with Jose and some of his new group!!! It was a converted knocking shop!! Nice.
Monday, 6 September 2010
The end of the journey for some
Well after finishing off at Foz and Iguassu falls we headed to Bonito. Quite an amazing experience as I managed to snorkel down a crystal clear river where there were fish - they also have some anacondas aswell, but I was 5050 about wanting to meet one of those. It was an amazing experience getting up close with the fish and some were pretty big. In the evening I had my first taste of Pirahna soup, and Croc for my mine. I think I got a taste for it.
Pantanal was the next stop where we stayed on a ranch, went horse riding (yes I was very rusty and saddle sore at the end). The group share a dorm and slept in hammocks for two nights. I also went fishing and managed to catch 4 pirahnas - yes you have read that right the ones that eat flesh. I even mamaged to eat one of the caught Pirahnas which is an amazing experience.The second night we had the second of our fancy dress nights. The theme was aquatic/marine. I was dressed as Camp Pirate!!! The group had plenty to drink but were not as lubricated as last time. It was a fantastic night with me and Huw being the last stragglers around the camp fire.
Off to Bolivia and Santa Cruz the following. An overnight train took us on a rickety journey overland to Santa Cruz. The difference between Bolivia and Brazil is quite obvious and it seems a much poorer country. It is very interesting to also see the cultural differences. In Santa Cruz we had a big finale night as some of the group were leaving us. We went to a club and I managed to find my way on to the pole and showed everyone how it was done. LOL. The following day we made our tearful goodbyes and seperated. I am travlling on to Sucre with the crazy Norwegians Julieus, and Simen, my room mate Paul, and Lucy from Leeds. It was nice as Lucy and Paul are the first people I met in Rio. The flight into Sucre was a tight turn on to a mountain top so it was interesting, and unbelieably I was not too bad with it. A couple days in Sucre with some new friends, three Canadians, a German and a new tour guide, JJ. We are still bumping into our old tour guide Jose and Milton which is also nice as we are having some beers with them later.
Pantanal was the next stop where we stayed on a ranch, went horse riding (yes I was very rusty and saddle sore at the end). The group share a dorm and slept in hammocks for two nights. I also went fishing and managed to catch 4 pirahnas - yes you have read that right the ones that eat flesh. I even mamaged to eat one of the caught Pirahnas which is an amazing experience.The second night we had the second of our fancy dress nights. The theme was aquatic/marine. I was dressed as Camp Pirate!!! The group had plenty to drink but were not as lubricated as last time. It was a fantastic night with me and Huw being the last stragglers around the camp fire.
Off to Bolivia and Santa Cruz the following. An overnight train took us on a rickety journey overland to Santa Cruz. The difference between Bolivia and Brazil is quite obvious and it seems a much poorer country. It is very interesting to also see the cultural differences. In Santa Cruz we had a big finale night as some of the group were leaving us. We went to a club and I managed to find my way on to the pole and showed everyone how it was done. LOL. The following day we made our tearful goodbyes and seperated. I am travlling on to Sucre with the crazy Norwegians Julieus, and Simen, my room mate Paul, and Lucy from Leeds. It was nice as Lucy and Paul are the first people I met in Rio. The flight into Sucre was a tight turn on to a mountain top so it was interesting, and unbelieably I was not too bad with it. A couple days in Sucre with some new friends, three Canadians, a German and a new tour guide, JJ. We are still bumping into our old tour guide Jose and Milton which is also nice as we are having some beers with them later.
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