Oh my lord, what a treat I was in for; a three day adventure across the desert in a 4×4. I did not have any preconceptions about Bolivia, although Stewart said I’d love it here; how right could a chap be?
I began my trip at 8.30am, not the advertised 7am start which I was expecting – transport times in south America dictate their own rules! Set off on a mini bus to the border, as sometimes is the case I was the only gringo on the bus. Luckily, some folks from Uruguay took pity on me and translated! Border control was relatively quick, just an hour and before I knew it we turned off the main road and headed into the desert. We arrived at Bolivian border control and were divided into 5 groups for our 4×4 adventure. The two couples from uruguay who had kindly helped me en route, asked if I wanted to join them, so I had my crew all set and was ready for what was to become the highlight of my trip to date.
Aside from the salt flats, I had little knowledge of what the trip entailed… But here’s some of the wonderful treats I experienced on day one; I had to keep pinching myself to ensure I wasn’t dreaming.
It was so surreal, at one point you’d have your hats and gloves on, half an hour later you’d be sitting in a thermal pool in your bikini – all the seasons in one day. Whoosh! What a first day. Due to the weather looking decidedly dodgey we headed to base camp for the evening.
The hostel, in the middle of desert was very basic; no showers or heating. Regardless, we all layered up, got fed (albeit in our hats and gloves, oh i forgot to note that it was snowing at this point!) and met the rest of the group which included a 4×4 crew of english speaking folks who introduced me to the card game ‘shit head’, more later.
Day two, up and out for 8am and what a way to start the day.
Evening stop, a hostel with hot water! What’s more, steph and I scored by getting a double room with an en suite – result! The hostel was proper old school…
Pre dinner, I was somewhat delighted when Julian pulled out his trick for the evening, a coffee grinder an cafeteria; first proper coffee since leaving the uk. Well done that man!
We had steak and chips for dinner and even a couple of glasses of vino. The evening continued with a couple of hours of ‘shit head’, here’s the rules…
Day three, a visit to the train cemetery, a craft market (whereby I have begun the hippy demise by buying a sling bag!) and if course the salt flats. Enjoy xxx
Love the photos! Hours of fun to be had xx
Indeed! Unfortunately did not have much time to play ;-( hope ya good Missus x
flags no ENGLISH FLAG hoy …..get it sorted !!. lovin the train grave yard wendy .
I know Dean, there was a blummim’ welsh one though!
Wowsers – pics are amazing, such surreal landscapes. I’m more jealous than ever! Xx
Hey linds, yeh, out of this world and I’m not even at Machu pichu yet! Hows tricks with you? DM me? Just arrived at la Paz and have booked a private room in boutique hotel; I think this afternoon I’m not moving from my bed x