To be succinct..........I love Bolivia. I love the food, the markets, the people, the smells, the architechture, the topography, the sounds......................................I could go on forever.
Santa Cruz: The disparity between the wealthy and the poor in Santa Cruz was striking. The city has been quickly growing thanks in part to a lot of illegal drug money and because of it's proximity Brazil. The city highly influenced by the west, complete with a Subway and some posh cafes serving all sorts of fancy coffees for Starbuck prices. Then there are the local markets, they look like something of a giant flea markets with the best food stalls on the top floor. It was a city where you could purchase anything from Beneton shirts in a Beneton store to handmade goods from the street vendors.
We spent two days in Santa Cruz, wandering the streets, ate at the local market, and got excellent travel recommendations. One afternoon while eating at one of the food stalls we sat next to this couple who was right out of a national geographic magazine, it was outstanding. After two very full days of Santa Cruz we left for Samaipata.
Samaipata: We arrived at the location to take a collective taxi to Samaipata, only to have to wait almost 2 hours because the lady running the company decided to give this large group of Brazilian's the only two cabs available. This irritated this Chilean guy waiting with us so much that he asked us if we would negotiate with a private cab (he asked in Spanish mind you and I was able not only to understand but help him negotiate!). What should have been a 2.5 hour drive took about 3.5 hours. Apparently Sunday is like most places in the world, complete with Sunday drivers and people shopping, only the shops are along the only road into Samaipata thus leaving little room for the cars. The drive was beautiful, the topography changing drastically from the flat and dusty roads of Santa Cruz, to the hill and open spaces of the eastern lowlands
We checked into our hostal (a very cool and funky place with a great host who helped us settle our plans). We got a bite to eat at another awesome market and went to El Fuerte. Our taxi driver to El Fuerte was great, he drove like a race car driver, and had personally moved the steering wheel from the right side of the car to the left!! El Fuerte is an ancient site that was used by Incan and pre-Incan people. It was incredible to walk on paths used so long ago and to see the remnants of buildings. The next day we set out on an all day hike with a local to see Condors. The guide only spoke spanish, so I played translator all day for Mondo. It was pretty awesome because I actually understood most of what Tibu said and I was able to chat with him about his family and the area. He knw a tremendous amount about the flora, explaining in detail the many medicinal properties of many of the plants. The sceenery was breath taking, the rolling hills seemed to stretch on forever, the bright green hillsides illuminated under a beautiful blue sky. We got to see two or three condors and that we pretty special too. On the way down, we stopped at a local farm, and got to take photos of a newly born goat, it was really cute. And again the people from the farm were out of a national geographic magazine. Then we drove to a waterfall, did a bit more hiking and finally returned to the hostal hungry and happy!
A small note about Bolivian cows. Never in my life have I seen cows like these cows! They are constantly on the move, climbing tremendously steep terrain that would kill a weak and feeble American cows!!!
This morning we got an early cab back to Santa Cruz (another race car driver), ate lunch, and read in the park. I got approched by one of the local police because I had my feet on the bench. Apparently, it is ok to spit on the ground, sleep sitting up and drop trash on the ground but it is not ok to place one's foot on the bench in Bolivia, who knew. We then got a taxi to the airport and caught a flight to Sucre.
Sucre: We have only been here a few hours so I guess I will write about that in my next entry!
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3 comments:
Well, you have done it again. I read and re-read this entry and I thought, gee, I would love to go there!! The way you described Santa Cruz was incredible!!!! Sounds to me like you and Mondo are traveling and eating your way through South America. What exactly does one eat in Santa Cruz? I would love to have a description of all the things that you are eating. Dad and I are doing well and talk about you and Mondo all the time. Telling people what a wonderful time you are having. Yesterday I met a lady who lived most of her life in Bolivia. She only wanted me to explain WHY you were just traveling(?). Anyway, can't wait for your next installment. We send the both of you all our LOVE always.
Love your updates. Nellee continues to do great! Can't wait to see pics!!!
P.S. LOVE my new job/school!
love d+c
Hello,
I am glad you visited the uyuni salt flats part of potosi. That's for sure another small planet.
I am currently assembling a group of like minded travelers to go to that exciting part of the world.
Presently living in the metro dc area in the US. I would love to continue contacting you.....if that's Ok.
Cheers!!
Jay C.
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