Unfortunately everyone had got early buses and there were about 500 people trying to cross. Mainly Argentine students. Amazingly good natured group but we spent 4 hours queuing in red hot sun at 4000m. I walked off several times while Youngmi kept our place and came back once with goats cheese empanadas, a bit too exotic for that hot day.
Finally we were in Bolivia and a different world. Lots of ladies in bowler hats carrying huge amonuts of stuff in coloured shawls. Found a chicken and rice diner with Bastian a dutch guy we had shared the queue with. Got loads of money from an ATM then bus to Tupiza. Just $2 for a 2 hour ride through amazing mountains. Chatted to Alan an argentine student who again told us all the students are trying to get to Macchu Pichu
Tupiza looked nice amongst more red cliffs.
Found a nice hostel near bus station for once. Dinner in town of steak rice chips and salad for $1.50 this is the perfect place for Dave.
Henry arrives at our hostel next day with no money as he was told there were no ATMs at border. The ones in Tupiza not working so more and more people have no money.
We are told there is a fiesta in the evening and go to look for it without success. Walk for so long we are starving so we, Henry and Johnannes a german guy who regretted coming with us to find the fiesta buy burgers in the street. Complete with everything including chips and salad they seemed a bargain at 30 cents each. Me and Henry go to a circus while Youngmi makes a good decision and goes home.
The circus was a modest affair. The seating was planks of wood tied to a frame and at the start time there were about 20 of us waiting excitedly. Another 45 mins was spent getting more customers until we were surrounded on our planks and I was very worried they would collapse. The rest of the seating was still empty. Mainly a clown show with spanish banter while they hit each other. Very popular with the locals but terrible for us. The only bright spot was spiderman spinning a big white frame around.
Next day people still trying to get money without success. We and Henry go horse riding in the afternoon. Wonderful scenary but even Youngmi is complaining that her horse won't trot. By the time we get back I need to trot.
The burger has worked its magic and as soon as we get back to the hostel it is into the toilet where I spend most of the night. Convinced I was going to die from Bolivian belly I was grateful that Youngmi nursed me through the night.
Tried to get a bus to Uyuni next day but the 10.30 departure time on the office window was wrong. We bought a ticket for 10am the next day thinking it was for 10.30 that day so no bus appearred. Gave up. Moved into the best hotel with a pool good room and good internet. Took more washing to be done, mainly from the previous night, got money as the ATM had come alive and continued the recovery from the burger attack. It was cheap.
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