up again, to Potosi

I´m liking Bolivia more each day.

We ascended again, to the world highest city no less- Potosi. (At 4,070m) The drive took 5 hours along a gravel road with more beautiful views. Despite being a main road, we passed all of three tiny communities along the way. the sheer isolation, and unproductivity of the high lands takes some getting used to.

Potosi itself is beautiful. Its had a mad history;for 300 years it was the world richest silver mine and the architecture here reflects that past glory. The silver is all but gone now, and other minerals are being mined instead. the selling price of these minerals is at an all time high, so again the town is flush with cash.

Tomorow I will be going into the mines. These trips carry a serious ammount of danger, cos these mines are far from modern. Most miners are dead within 15 years from getting dust and shit in their lungs. Cave-ins are far from uncommon... I was fully aware of all this, but was somewhat shocked that i had to sign a waiver!!! In Bolivia???? What the..?!

I will post tomorrow about the experience. In particular I am looking foward to buying some dynamite at the markets and making a bang....