Trevor and I went to Oruro to get money from an ATM and decided to spend the day exploring. Trevor is holding in his hands a bananaish-looking fruit that inside contains fuzzy sweet stuff and large, flat, black seeds. We didn't buy more...
Bolivia has great mineral wealth, and mining is one of their chief activities. Here, we're in a museum/mine posing with the uncle of the mine who gives the desired minerals and protects the miners. In exchange, the miners give him coca leaves, alcohol, and cigarettes.
Oruro is also home to an internationally renowned festival involving amazing costumes. Normally photography is not allowed in this museum/room, and trying the costumes on is strictly prohibited.
When Trevor and I finally hit the road again, it was with plenty of money and information about the location of a few hot-springs. Unfortunately this one was more of a tepid-bath, but we appreciated the opportunity to wash.
The desert climate at over 13,000ft was harsh, and this river valley was incredibly lush by comparison. It was also full of llamas.
From this vantage point at 14,800ft above sea-level we'd be looking down on Mt. Rainier.
When we did finally encounter some really hot springs, Trevor burned himself ever so slightly and had to make a hasty retreat.
Soon, however, we did work our way into the delightfully warm water and enjoyed the cooler but still hot river running out of the main pool. I think this was the first time my hands had been thoroughly warm in several days.
The Salar de Surire in northern Chile is much smaller than the Salar de Uyuni, but it had its charm, including many flamingos.
The high plains are beautiful and deserted, save for a few vicuña who's fir, when made into fabric, can go for $3,000/yard.
We got to ride by a couple of smoking volcanoes, though we didn't attempt to climb any this time.
When we returned to sea-level, Trevor celebrated by killing a seal.
It was wonderful to be in thick, warm, and moist air.
When we went up to Bolivia we saw a parade of school children through the street. They had amazing costumes and fun dances.
On our return to San Francisco we enjoyed a fun day around the city with Megan and Gunnar.
