Another stop on the bumpy road to Uyuni
Trip Start
Oct 29, 2009
1
3
27
Trip End
Jan 26, 2010
Potosi, Bolivia
Monday, November 2, 2009
By now we are getting into the swing of things on the truck and the friendly Aussies taught Sam a card game called Euchre, they donīt know what they are letting themselves in for having ĻI know it allĻ Sam in the game (his words not mine).
For me this was the worst day of driving, maybe because the altitude was starting to take effect or maybe because of the bumpy roads of Bolivia roads seemed to last forever. Luke our driver kept reminding us that all the pain was because the Uyuni Salt Flats are spectacular and worth every minute of the discomfort - lets hope we all agree with him when we get there!
We arrived in Potosi late afternoon, by now altitude was starting to effect quite a few people. Potosi is at about 12,500 feet and it really takes your breath away, even the simplest activity, like unpacking has you out of breath. This is a short stop but we had enough time for quick walk around the town. It was a national holiday and so everything was closed but we did manage to find some water at the bottom of the town and then poor Sam had to exhaust himself carrying the load up the hill, not recommended on your first day at altitude. The effect is so noticeable its hard to imagine how we will be able to hike the inca trail in a week or so time, i guess it gets better, at least i hope it does.
Potosi was once the richest city in the world and this is reflected some of the buildings and churches which are stunning - its wealth came from mining but i will tell you more about that when we get back to Potosi as again this is an overnight stop as we set off for Uyuni early tomorrow and guess what the road is supposed to get worse (bliss).......
Comments
Glad to hear you're enjoying the roads and that the altitude isn't a big problem. We're with Helen at the moment who is showing us how to use the site as we oldies couldn't fathom how to work the site. Glad Sam hasn't had a recurrence of his illness. We'll be thinking of you trekking up Machu Picchu (we've just had an argument about how to spell Machu Picu/Pichu/Picchu).
Love Mum and Dad
No pain no gain! Sounds like your going through it a bit. I remember altitude problems going quite quickly - took me a while though to realise why I was so out of breath climbing the stairs in Darjeeling. Enjoy Machu Picho.
Love Mary
Sounds like you're having a wonderful time. Just hang on to everything that wobbles when you have bumpy bus rides and you'll be fine! Enjoying following you. Have a great time.
Louise & menagerie
It all sounds marvellously adventurous. Bon voyage!