Wednesday 31 December 2008

Isla del Sol - Copacabana, Bolivia




Off to the islands in the middle of Lake Titicaca. A 2 hour boat ride out, followed by a steep climb to the hostels and the summit of the mountain. All too much for me - a broken sick man by this point - I had to get a donkey to carry my rucksack! Unfortunately, through my sickness, we didn't get to see much of the island at all. My New Years Eve curse strikes once again!

Tuesday 30 December 2008

Death road - La Paz, Bolivia



Cycling down the world's statistically most dangerous road... apparently 15 people die every year. And you can see why! One lane of traffic with lorries coming in the opposite direction round blind corners. Terrifying, exhilarating, and amazing all in one breath.

Sunday 28 December 2008

Sunny sucre.


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Where all the rich and famous used to live when the mines were still active and producing riches. A beautiful city (The capital of Bolivia - more in name than anything else) with a colourful history. A very fruity market too which pleased Edel a LOT!

Saturday 27 December 2008

Tour of the mines in Potosi




A rather daunting tour of the old (and still working) Silver mines in Potosi. Once one of Bolivia's wealthiest cities. Tradition dictates buying presents for the miners still working down there on a diet of almost purely coke and coco leaves. Presents include dynamite and ammonium nitrate! (Happy Christmas!)

Friday 26 December 2008

The train graveyard on the edge of the saltflats






Last stop of the tour followed by a fond farewell to our guide Fermin.

More pics from the salt flats.





Including pics from the highest game of football I've ever played! (4200m asl).

The salt flats at dawn.






The earliest Boxing day start ever to watch the sun rise over the salt flats. Simply stunning, and inspiring some very odd pictures!

Salt building blocks... you gotta lick it!




Salt flat profiles, cactus wood doors and flags





Salt flat pics.





Thursday 25 December 2008

Santas little helpers...

The cactus photoshoot






On the edge of the salt planes, a cactus field proved the perfect setting for a Christmas day photoshoot!

The salt hotel on Christmas Day





A hotel made entirely of salt! So bizarrely festive, and guaranteeing us a white christmas after all. Even snow angels were possible!