Potosi, Potosi Dept, Bolivia
Monday, August 20, 2012
After getting a good nights sleep and recovering from La Paz we decided to do a tour of the underground silver mine in Potosi. The most successful silver mine in the world but also one of the most old school. With techniques dating back to the 1700's, the safety practices weren't exactly up to scratch but that's part of the charm of the place. Not only do they work in appalling conditions but they also have their own underground god which they give cocoa leaves, cigarettes and alcohol to. We worked our way through the cramped tunnels and thick air to the work front to meet some of the miners. We spent around 1.5hrs in the mine before resurfacing into brilliant sunlight. Not the most exciting or enjoyable experience of our holiday but it certainly was an eye opener to the conditions that people still work in to make the amazing silver jewellery we as a society take for granted. After sucking in the mining air we took the chance to nap in the afternoon which turned into an all day slumber and blogging.
"The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco" - Mark Twain
Lukey B
A Baker Abroad
Comments
That's why I don't wear silver. Its all about social responsibility for me. FACT