10/8/2013 Sth of Villa to just sth of Oruro, camping
D67, T8, Av16.39, Max38, Tot17528, 8360
Another day on the altiplano
We were thankful for the shelter around us. The guys came early and as usual I brewed up a coffee for our hosts. They gave us power from an extension cord which was great.
The resistencia, again saved the use of bencina.
Packing up, their wives came for a visit. Deirdre was chatting with one of them, I was still pottering in our little shelter.
The locals here burn the small shrubs for warmth in their home in the areas where they grow.
Once away we stopped at the small pueblito down the road.
The new road construction continued we really had our own 4 lane cycle track.
You Know, this entry, though highlights of the day were noted.
It is sometimes hard to write with passion and creativity so long after events.
Bolivia from now on will be like this I feel. So some entries may become a little bland.
Arriving in Oruro, one of the larger cities here, the outskirts greeted us with tiny brick homes either side of the ride in what appeared to be subdivisions, each lot bounded by waist high natural stone fences.
These homes were one room editions, shelter and easy to keep warm. Peoples need were catered for.
Once in the city we rested at the first roundabout.
The city is quite rich with modern sculpture, much of which is made with metal.
We were witness to a colourful parade celebrating a religious day.
Lunch was enjoyed at a very popular place off the street, it was a bit of a watering hole come restaurant.
Some guys wouldn’t let me sit down without me downing a quick beer.
We had Pique macho, a different version from La Paz but just as nice.
These towns we pass through are very dusty, dry and not as vibrant as those in Peru.
The Bolivianos are all friendly and helpful. I generally have no problems talking with people. My vocab is increasing, though grammatically, three tenses may find their way into one sentence along with a couple of attempts to correct myself.
People understand and often help.
You have days where recollection is brilliant and others where it just won’t flow.
However talking is way better than introversion. Due to often poor road signage here, the opportunity to practise the language presents itself frequently, moreso in cities and big towns.
Riding attire now includes longs, thick gloves and a beany all day. For me full leather runners are worn. Deirdre is still riding in hers sandals and socks, though his not cold.
I am pleased we are still riding together.
It is a great opportunity for both of us to share this part of South America.
I am probably a bit more of a free spirit than her, often showing disregard for the norm. Though always, in a calculated fashion. This keeps things round the next corner more than interesting for me.
Leaving town, it was after 1630, a decision was made to find a camp immediately outside city limits.
Soon a bricked walled couple of acre lot was spotted.
No fresh vehicle tracks led to it.
It was elevated, caught the sun and importantly part of it was not visible from the busy road.
We set up camp on a high spot.
The sun set with bright orange colours over the suburbs of Oruro.
A huge statue of Mary and a baby stood proud in the distance overlooking the earthen coloured hosing below.
We ate and started watching a movie, we were tired, the movie was second rate. We were soon asleep.
D67, T8, Av16.39, Max38, Tot17528, 8360
Another day on the altiplano
We were thankful for the shelter around us. The guys came early and as usual I brewed up a coffee for our hosts. They gave us power from an extension cord which was great.
The resistencia, again saved the use of bencina.
Packing up, their wives came for a visit. Deirdre was chatting with one of them, I was still pottering in our little shelter.
The locals here burn the small shrubs for warmth in their home in the areas where they grow.
Once away we stopped at the small pueblito down the road.
The new road construction continued we really had our own 4 lane cycle track.
You Know, this entry, though highlights of the day were noted.
It is sometimes hard to write with passion and creativity so long after events.
Bolivia from now on will be like this I feel. So some entries may become a little bland.
Arriving in Oruro, one of the larger cities here, the outskirts greeted us with tiny brick homes either side of the ride in what appeared to be subdivisions, each lot bounded by waist high natural stone fences.
These homes were one room editions, shelter and easy to keep warm. Peoples need were catered for.
Once in the city we rested at the first roundabout.
The city is quite rich with modern sculpture, much of which is made with metal.
We were witness to a colourful parade celebrating a religious day.
Lunch was enjoyed at a very popular place off the street, it was a bit of a watering hole come restaurant.
Some guys wouldn’t let me sit down without me downing a quick beer.
We had Pique macho, a different version from La Paz but just as nice.
These towns we pass through are very dusty, dry and not as vibrant as those in Peru.
The Bolivianos are all friendly and helpful. I generally have no problems talking with people. My vocab is increasing, though grammatically, three tenses may find their way into one sentence along with a couple of attempts to correct myself.
People understand and often help.
You have days where recollection is brilliant and others where it just won’t flow.
However talking is way better than introversion. Due to often poor road signage here, the opportunity to practise the language presents itself frequently, moreso in cities and big towns.
Riding attire now includes longs, thick gloves and a beany all day. For me full leather runners are worn. Deirdre is still riding in hers sandals and socks, though his not cold.
I am pleased we are still riding together.
It is a great opportunity for both of us to share this part of South America.
I am probably a bit more of a free spirit than her, often showing disregard for the norm. Though always, in a calculated fashion. This keeps things round the next corner more than interesting for me.
Leaving town, it was after 1630, a decision was made to find a camp immediately outside city limits.
Soon a bricked walled couple of acre lot was spotted.
No fresh vehicle tracks led to it.
It was elevated, caught the sun and importantly part of it was not visible from the busy road.
We set up camp on a high spot.
The sun set with bright orange colours over the suburbs of Oruro.
A huge statue of Mary and a baby stood proud in the distance overlooking the earthen coloured hosing below.
We ate and started watching a movie, we were tired, the movie was second rate. We were soon asleep.
The "World Game" so loved here on this continent.
Against the blue sky, an so original.
The view from camp looking NW
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Great art, on the way to the plaza.
These great pieces of art were a traffic hazard, at least for me.
looking for a site on the vacant lot.
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