After I left Casa De Bruce I decided to take a bit of a break from Cusco and travel around Bolivia with a few friends. Our first stop was La Paz (capital of bolivia). Spent about a week there, was plenty to do. Walking aroung the witches market, the black market, stopping for coffee in cute little cafes! If you ever get the chance, I'd definately reccomend a visit.
Something that a few of you may find odd, we spent the best part of three days trying to get into the prision. Before I continue I must explain a few things about this prision, its totally unique. About 80% of the inmates are there for drug related offences and quite a lot are foreign. Whole families live there with their husbands, including children who leave every day to attend school. Believe me, I saw little children riding and playing aroung on scooters inside the prison - a strange experience. All inmates have to pay for everything, cells and food etc. So they have to work and earn a living from within the prison! Unfortunately this means some survive by producing coke. We basically bullshitted our way in using a thesis as a cover up and, after three days of talking, we managed to get interviews with two imates. An unreal experience, talking with a guys from Spain and South Africa. But we brought them some food and they were pleased to talk to us - the Bolivian system is fucked up but I'm glad we were able to experience it.
On a better note, we saw MANU CHAO live in La Paz! God night out guys, shame you missed it Adriana (too much whisky?!) haha!
Then onto Uyuni and a three day tour in the desert which was cool. Driving in the middle of no where in a 4x4 that keeps breaking down - but we made it back in one piece. Next stop was Potosi and the mines which are still being worked. Even had the chance to blow up dynamite - only in Bolivia! Before making my way back to Cusco, what a jouney! In a 48hour period I was on a bus for 34 - stupid road block outside La Paz! Also not fun when your ill and you leave your cash card in the machine! But I made it back to Cusco and spent a week on the sofa recovering!
take a look at the pics xXx
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