A JOURNEY IN BOLIVIA 1988

EXIT

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SORTIE

Tuesday, August 23rd

At seven o'clock we were awakened by a guide who could show us one of the mines of the "Cerro Rico", the silver mountain of Potosi. We agreed to be at the Plaza at half past eight, from where the excursion would depart. As a group of five we would be taken to the mountain by van. Then we had to walk for an hour and then went into the mine.

It was very cold, so we gave up on the intended hot outdoor shower. During breakfast we saw that our hotel must once have been very charming, but as so often it had seen better days.

At half past eight we were at the Plaza, where we looked for the sun, because in the shade it was hard to bear the cold. Suzuki was chattering miserably. The guide had meanwhile gathered his group of five people, but that turned out to be fifteen. Because the bus had not yet arrived, he first told something about some old buildings on the Plaza. Then the bus arrived, the city bus that was already full, but fifteen gringos could still enter. The bus was made for Bolivians, who are usually no more than 1.60 m in length. So we took turns bumping our heads against the roof of the bus and that raised the good mood for many.

We arrived at the miners' departure point. Here coca leaves were sold in fairly large plastic bags and sticks of dynamite in all shapes and sizes were also offered.

Another bus was supposed to pick us up here, but it never came. We had to continue on foot. After a fifteen minute walk, a bus from the fifties arrived. We were brought to a mine entrance, we were given a helmet and a carbide lamp. Kik and I had a quick look at the mine. The corridor was often no higher than 1.50 m, so that we would have to walk crouching almost all the time - two hours. We gave up quite quickly. We went back without saying goodbye to our friend Suzuki.

Very soon we were picked up by a city bus and in a convenient way came back to the center of Potosi.

Now we still had the opportunity to view the Casa de la moneda. Well, let that be closed from eleven to two. At two o'clock we hoped to be back on the bus to Sucre.

At the bus terminal we enjoyed an almuerzo of four (!) courses, which cost no less than Bs 4. The bus was no more than an hour late. We noticed that soon after the terminal, passengers boarded without tickets. They paid the driver and stayed in the aisle. Perhaps they provided a small extra income for the driver.

The journey went well. We again expressed our admiration for the driving skills of

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