You know you're not far from home when the southern cross is within reach.
How did we get on a local bus when we thought we were on the tourist bus to Oruro? We just looked at one another and thought well it must be meant to be. 3 hours later arrived in a town called Oruro. We hopped off thinking we were at the bus terminal but no, we were way out in the sticks. Guess our Spanish wasn't working too well. A taxi later we were in the town, at least we thought we were but again we were at the real bus terminal. So another taxi ride brought us to the heart of Oruro. So what to say about this place - well the Hari Krishna breakfast was the best. (You see both of us by now, every morning study our adaptation to the local food - it doesn't seem to be happening.) A train ride on the Bolivian Express brought us to the next destination (on the way Paul was certain he saw the ghost of Butch Cassidy - I think it was a momentary bout of altitude sickness - he's also changing his name to the Pink Flamingo!).
Uyuni - this is where we started a 4 day sojourn into the wilderness. Never have we been so mesmerized, captured and tantalized by contrasts in landscapes, political views and fascinating travelling companions.
The great salt lake Salar de Uyuni - the worlds largest salt lake captured us within minutes of leaving Uyuni. For two days we spent on or overlooking this great white sea dotted by black islands which have gigantic cacti that grow 1metre every hundred years.
So what do two Aussies, two Germans, two Israelis and an ultra left wing American talk about when they're sharing one room and a four wheel drive for 4 days. After adjusting to the fact that we were the grandparents of the group - being enlightened by this fact of the very young Israelis that we could be their grandparents, the Germans their parents age and them in their early 20s. The group openly, positively and unifyingly acknowledged one anothers diversified opinions and ideologies on religion, politics, economies, war and peace plus many other topics.
The vastness beyond the salt lake distorted space between mountain and desert. The vanishing point was only the blue sky. We drove/walked to heights of 4600 mtrs, saw snow capped mountains, active volcano and numerous extinct ones. The desert changed from boulder like structures (surreal Salvador Daliesque) to smaller rocks and sand. Rain never falls in some parts of this barren landscape. Scattered along the way were lakes edged by pink flamingos, pink and green algae that changed the colour of the lakes, geysers, hot natural springs, llamas, an Andean Fox and 4 flat tyres, freezing temperatures, sunburnt lips, dry mouth, disgusting banos and cold showers. This was an adventure that will remain in our souls forever.
Today, we're waiting until 8 pm to catch the Express Tourist Bus back to La Paz - a 12 hour trip in airplane-like seats. We opt for luxury when we can. You´re all having a holiday for Anzac Day.
So friends from North Avoca, practice saying Oruro and Uyuni after a night at the Bowlo!!!!
Adios Robby and Pink Flamingo
How did we get on a local bus when we thought we were on the tourist bus to Oruro? We just looked at one another and thought well it must be meant to be. 3 hours later arrived in a town called Oruro. We hopped off thinking we were at the bus terminal but no, we were way out in the sticks. Guess our Spanish wasn't working too well. A taxi later we were in the town, at least we thought we were but again we were at the real bus terminal. So another taxi ride brought us to the heart of Oruro. So what to say about this place - well the Hari Krishna breakfast was the best. (You see both of us by now, every morning study our adaptation to the local food - it doesn't seem to be happening.) A train ride on the Bolivian Express brought us to the next destination (on the way Paul was certain he saw the ghost of Butch Cassidy - I think it was a momentary bout of altitude sickness - he's also changing his name to the Pink Flamingo!).
Uyuni - this is where we started a 4 day sojourn into the wilderness. Never have we been so mesmerized, captured and tantalized by contrasts in landscapes, political views and fascinating travelling companions.
The great salt lake Salar de Uyuni - the worlds largest salt lake captured us within minutes of leaving Uyuni. For two days we spent on or overlooking this great white sea dotted by black islands which have gigantic cacti that grow 1metre every hundred years.
So what do two Aussies, two Germans, two Israelis and an ultra left wing American talk about when they're sharing one room and a four wheel drive for 4 days. After adjusting to the fact that we were the grandparents of the group - being enlightened by this fact of the very young Israelis that we could be their grandparents, the Germans their parents age and them in their early 20s. The group openly, positively and unifyingly acknowledged one anothers diversified opinions and ideologies on religion, politics, economies, war and peace plus many other topics.
The vastness beyond the salt lake distorted space between mountain and desert. The vanishing point was only the blue sky. We drove/walked to heights of 4600 mtrs, saw snow capped mountains, active volcano and numerous extinct ones. The desert changed from boulder like structures (surreal Salvador Daliesque) to smaller rocks and sand. Rain never falls in some parts of this barren landscape. Scattered along the way were lakes edged by pink flamingos, pink and green algae that changed the colour of the lakes, geysers, hot natural springs, llamas, an Andean Fox and 4 flat tyres, freezing temperatures, sunburnt lips, dry mouth, disgusting banos and cold showers. This was an adventure that will remain in our souls forever.
Today, we're waiting until 8 pm to catch the Express Tourist Bus back to La Paz - a 12 hour trip in airplane-like seats. We opt for luxury when we can. You´re all having a holiday for Anzac Day.
So friends from North Avoca, practice saying Oruro and Uyuni after a night at the Bowlo!!!!
Adios Robby and Pink Flamingo
3 comments:
Dear Robby and Pancho, Buenos Dios
Yesterday was a rainy overcast and gloomy Anzac Day, so one more time I celebrated it at home leaving my 2 medals cloistered in their box. If I don't attend a dawn service soon, it will be too late! But braver souls were out at Terrigal and many venues. Your ramblings (and the reporting) have been so colourful, my planned little jaunt to Cape Town dims in comparison, we leave Sunday Q willing and return a week later. After that I may be able to fascinate you with traveller's tales. Meanwile hasta la vista, buenos dios 'n like that.
Love from DOM.
Bonjour Robby & Pink Flamingo
Great reading despite your apparent aged status. Have Zoomed in on you and Salar de Uyuni on Google Earth. What a treat reading your adventures and following it by close satellite assistance. As DOM said, Anzac day and 2 days prior nothing but rain. Did little to allay Murr's fears of land subsidence at his latest site. Great afternoon spent at John and Mausies, flipping the pennies and partaking of the usual splendid fare of the pot and well quaffed reds. Bon voyage, au revoir, Felliexxx
Hey DOM, look forward to your reporting of Cape Town. Sure there are many more chances to adourn your medals in the years ahead.
Fellie and Murr, did you find the Uyuni Salt Lake on Google Earth. Should be there - it´s huge.
Words from the Pink Flamingo. It´s the vastness that holds the vessel aloft!
Say hi to John and Maureen.
New blog in next day or two. We are resting in Cusco before our intrepid climb (via train) to Machu Pucchi.
Love R&Pxx
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