Sunday August 4, 2019
UES New York, NY
Hot!
The second day in Bolivia was basically driving to get to Salar De Uyuni, the largest salt flat in the world and at 12000 ft. It was a pretty smooth but long drive. On the way we stopped at another gorgeous lake at about 3000meters. Amazing how many lakes there are at the Bolivian Andes.
We stopped at a little town to have lunch but the altitude started getting to me that I could barely eat. So started popping aspirin and drinking copious amounts of coca tea.
And alas, we enter the salt flats – Salarying de Uyuni. Since we were there in winter, did not get to see much water on the salt flat. But massive!
First stop was a cactus island in the middle of the salt flat. Sandra walked to the top, I did not as it was steep and still was feeling off due to the altitude
Amazes me how our driver knows which way to go as there are no roads/signs on the salt flats
Finally, we arrived at our hotel and as it was lower than 4000 meters, I started feeling better. We also had a chance to see the full moon from our hotel!
And our neighbors the llamas, including a baby one with the mother
Before heading back out to the salt flats. we visited the local church which was nice.
Sandra with our driver and guide
Miles and miles of salt
Although we could not see the infamous reflection because we were there at dry season, we were able to take the infamous photos "perspective" photos!
Then we further went down in altitude to the town of Uyuni where we shopped for some beautiful knitwear and woolen gifts and also visited the train cemetery. Trains were used during the peak of the mining era. Sadly, mining declined due to the supply of minerals disappearing due to over mining, thus the trains were left at Uyuni and became a "graveyard"
On our way to our next hotel, we stopped at a small town and happened upon a parade and celebration. Not sure what is was for but it was colorful and the town was all out dancing.
We made it in time for dinner at our hotel embedded in a rock. By now, I'm feeling much better so was able to eat. Local kids entertained us and Sandra and I were able to try a bottle of Bolivian wine. We agreed we weren't going to bring one home. LoL! I finally had a good nights sleep ready for our last day in Bolivia