Before entering the mine it is recommended that you buy some token supplies for the miners such as coca leaves for chewing, 96% alcohol and maybe some dynamite sticks. The dusty and uncomfortable conditions have not changed for a very long time.
Potosi is the highest city in the world at 4090m, which means cold nights even in summer. I returned to Sucre by local bus.
An interesting wetland region that straddles Bolivia and western Brazil. In some countries the road may be blocked by cattle, sheep and goats but here your safari vehicle may be temporarily delayed by baby alligators. Try horseback riding instead.
In films so many people have been eaten by voracious piranha that I thought I would get my revenge by going fishing and eating one for lunch myself – a great way to spend a couple of hours and you only have to wait a few seconds before there is activity on the line.
Time to relax – there´s no hammock in your office?
I began my visit to Rio de Janeiro with a local football game between Botafogo and Internacional. The result 1-1, but I was more entertained by the crowd than the game.
(this internet cafe bans youtube so I`ll try and upload the video later which gives a better idea of the animated and noisy atmosphere)
UPDATE: Maracana Football Crowd Atmosphere
Another image of Brazil is the Favela. When a man carrying a pistol in his hand strides past, the guide quickly advises ¨No Photos!¨
Favela Views
The north-eastern coast of Brazil is so long the thought of a 24 hour bus ride seemed painful so I jumped along with a shiny low-cost airline, although foreigners can`t buy the cheapest tickets from the website directly.
Continuing up the coast…
The historical centre of Salvador
The new skyline of Recife from the old town of Olinda
I continue to hop around the globe, from Quebec to Ottawa and from Whistler to Seattle. Even the locals complain about the long customs and immigration delays when crossing the USA-Canada border. An authentic experience is one of the primary aims of travel so having a Starbucks in Seattle can be regarded as legitimate activity. As I write from Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, I am aware that I have less than two-and-a-half months before I return to the real world. Tonight I´m going to watch a game of football at the Maracana stadium.
With all the cheap European airlines such as Easyjet and Ryanair, it is easy to explore the rich cultures of Europe. Here’s the picture postcard village of Srebrelje in Slovenia, with mountains, lakes, a few miles of coastline, Venice and Austria within reach. I haven’t found time to visit Barcelona and Berlin – they’re still on my to-do list.
I am impressed with NYC: Times Square, Brooklyn Bridge, Coney Island in summer, Central Park and the people. Most tourists passing through just see Manhattan and I’m not sure what it’s like to actually live there.
