One Way United

So after our Uyuni tour we got on a bus to go to Potosi. This lead to a very long, bumpy, and crowded bus ride that ended up getting in at around 4:30 in the morning. We were delayed for some time as at one point a piece of luggage (they store everything on the roof) fell off and had to be retrieved. After a nap in a hostel we booked a tour to see the world famous silver mines. This proved to be very intense as we had to dress up in full miner gear, hard hats and all, and plunge deep into the depths of the mountain.

I must say I’m glad this isn’t my line of work. We trudged through the dark and muddy tunnels, with me reminded at every turn of the dark labyrinth of dungeons I’ve seen in just about every epic movie, book, and video game I’ve ever experienced. We climbed up and down four stories of rickety wooden ladders, not daring to look up for fear of soot and grime falling in our eyes. We snaked through narrow passages meeting the occasional miner who we gave gifts of soda and cocoa leaves to which is very popular here. By the way, you can buy a stick of real dynamite from the miner’s store for about 10 Bolivianos. That’s about $1.25. Scary.

We shoveled rock feeling the workout after only a couple seconds while the professionals can fill up whole trucks in about fifteen minutes. We heard dynamite go off, shaking the whole mountain with it’s thunderous vibration. Then we sat down at the miner’s shrine, a goat creature that looks a lot like Satan, and listened to our tour guide tell us about his country’s history. It was very fascinating to hear how miners usually work for 20 years or so and then quit for health reasons. And even though it’s illegal for anyone under 18 to work in the mines it’s not uncommon for younger men to do so. We actually met one worker who was only 16! Still the men are very proud of their work and their country, even though they’ve had many years of turmoil.

After the tour we had a big (and very cheap) dinner and then hopped in a cab to go to Sucre. Somehow you can take a cab for two hours between the towns for only $4 dollars a person. Much better than a crowded freezing bus, although the driver did have some interesting tastes in music. We actually spent about half an hour listening to some techno mix that was nothing but a clucking chicken.

So now we’re in Sucre, which appears to be a very nice relaxing town. Not sure how long we’ll be here but we figure it would be nice to relax for a few days. Be sure to check out our new Bolivia picture folder! The internet’s rather slow but we have gotten a few pictures up. Love to all.

Share on Facebook