Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Giddy Up in Tupiza!

From Uyuni we got on what´s left of Bolivia´s railway system for a train ride 5 hours south to Tupiza. Set at 2950 metres aboce sea level, Tupiza is surrounded by the rainbow-coloured rocks, hills, mountains, and canyons of the Cordillera de Chicas. It is also on the trail of Butch and Sundance, where the two are disputedly thought to have met there fate.

The first day we took it easy and checked out the clay courts at the local tennis club. We booked a time with one of the staff there and returned in the afternoon for some rallying and to have a match with our host. He ended up kicking Chris´ butt in the match, but Chris thinks the altitude has something to do with it! We had a great time and it was fun to chat with someone local and practice our spanish.

The next day we decided to explore the amazing surrounding landscapes on horseback with a local guide. We doned leather gaitors and straw hats and set out for a half-day exploring the countryside. Our guide took us on an amazing loop where we enjoyed the following:



After a tiring day with the horses we boarded an overnight bus to Sucre. But before we boarded the bus we waited in the cold at the station as it was an hour and a half late getting there. When it did arrive it was mostly full of a noisy, rambuctous, travelling Bolivian basketball team. And this was no ordinary bus; this bus was equipped to handle some off-roading. And off-roading we did...dirt road, potholes, dusty....ah, such is life traveling in Bolivia- an adventure!
Bolivia Fun Fact:
Honking is a way of life in Bolivia. There seem to be very few street lights. When approaching an intersection, drivers honk and hope that no one else is coming from any other direction!

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