The hotel was little more than a doss house. People coming back drunk all hours of the night. The bed was more U shape than flat. I found myself adding photos to previous blogs at 1.30am, when wifi was absent. It’s amazing how fast it is when everyone else is asleep.
Today our destination is Sucre. Sucre seems too share Capital status with La Paz. It is the older capital and is the constitutional capital. Is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Established 1535 by the Spanish conquistadore’s as La Plata. Renamed Sucre after Bolivia gaining independence from Spain, in 1825. It was built for Spanish nobility, transferring to South America.
Tomorrow we will investigate the city. Known as the White City, though that was far from obvious on our entry.
The drive from Llallgua.
It would be a geologists dream, to see the rock strata, mineral hue’s and structure. It’s no wonder Darwin considered all he had learned about creation, was turned on it’s head. From the stark black of coal to pinks, reds, greens, lilacs, blacks, golds, whites, indicating different minerals and compounds. It would be wonderful to be able to read the story.
Mining is present, but other than the town we have just left, it’s on a minor scale.
So, many of the photos will try and show the complexity of the country we are driving through. I’m astounded by the remnants of earlier habitation. The terracing that continues through the most inaccessible countryside. The ingenuity and labour.
The country
Some very poigniant moments along the way. Small concrete shrines erected at the roadside to commemorate those lost in accidents. One with a young man with his arm draped over the monument, head bowed in deep contemplation. A brother, sister, father? In another instance perhaps a whole family simply sitting beside the shrine.
Dogs, There are dogs just sitting by the roadside, seemingly waiting in anticipation for someone to throw them a bone or tasty morsel. Dogs in the middle of nowhere. The temptation to pick one up and bring them with us to feed and love it.
At one point the skies become threatening. Huge black cumulus clouds tinged with white. Rain was imminent and when it came, it came with significantly sized hail stones. Big enough for us to think the windscreen may shatter. It didn’t last long though.
Around a corner, a truck full of new tyres and some other freight, lying on it’s side. I’m pleased we were not coming in the opposite direction, or anyone else was either, or they would have been totaled. This sized truck seem to think they can fly. Following them too, most have no idea how to take corners. The indication of how fast he must have been going, is that the bend was at the top of a rise. The roads are excellent and must have been built at incredible cost.
Entering Sucre
Rounding a corner, there it is, laid out in front of us. The city of Sucre.
It is significantly lower than the mountains we have just crossed. 2950m and already indications of more oxygen. Lucy, our inflatable lantern sagging again and less exhaustion from doing anything, even tying shoe laces!
En route
During the drive, Jen has been in communication with Sophia and Damian, the German couple we met a few days ago, regarding somewhere to stay while in Sucre. Jen was having difficulty finding a suitable campsite on iOverlander. Sophie gave us the co-ordinates of a campsite, which we found with ease. The slightly sloping front lawn of a residence in the suburbs, not too far from the historic centre.
There are two other overlanders here too. One, a French couple in a campervan with their two very young children, and a young German couple in a Toyota Land Cruiser camper. We will introduce ourselves in the morning. It’s a tightish fit, with our Caranex but we manage it. We are both exhausted from the challenging drive. The fuel tank in Poki is nearly empty. We still have 80+ Litres in jerry cans, but will it be enough for what we have planned?
Sport.
Cricket in India.
Our Indians are nearly as good as their Indians. The third test could go either way.
Rugby.
Tomorrow the All Blacks play England. I can’t wait…:) Update. 24 -22 to the AB’s. Great game, by all accounts. Well done England
Netball.
The NZ Silver Ferns beat Australia in two of three tests, to win the Constellation Cup. Well done girls.
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