Archive
Plans are afoot…
After some discussion Sibylle and I settled on traveling to Lake Titicaca from La Paz in the morning. Our choice of trips means unfortunately that Shane and Eiza won’t be able to join us, but we’ll see them again by Christmas Eve. I am excited about visiting Lake Titicaca as I remember seeing a documentary about the floating islands there years ago and thinking that I would love to go there one day but thought the chances were slim. Well here I go. In slightly more worrying news my netbook’s hard drive started making some very ominous noises today and failed to start up once. Running repairs no but not a good sign so early. Very glad I hve bee making daily backups!
New Bolivian mobile / cell number
I have gotten a SIM card for Viva, a Bolivian mobile network. I will be using this through New Year's Day at least, I suspect.
High and not very dry
I am finally home and dry-ish in the very welcoming and Christmas-y Irazoque household in La Paz, Bolivia, after yet another epic 18 hour travelling day stuck on the end of a mostly sleepless party the night before. The warmth of the reception here was extremely comforting after today's trials.
Getting better all the time
Though I am still in Santa Cruz airport, I am in better shape than before. To wit:
- I have an actual booked and confirmed place on a flight at 9:30PM, and have already checked in. Albeit, I have already seen Shane and Eiza and Sibylle as they pegged it through to catch the (2nd) flight I couldn't make it onto, and it will mean that when all is said and done I will have spent nearly 8 hours in this airport today. BUT I am getting a flight out tonight, avoiding the worst case scenario of having to overnight in Santa Cruz. So what if I get in 2.5hrs after the others. It doesn't mean much in the scheme of things.
- I found a cashpoint I hadn't tried yet and it gave me merciful Bolivianos. Thank Christ. I was down to 20 Bolivianos (less than $3) and didn't have enough cash to try to call my bank to ask what was going on (my mobile is still dead). It keeps me in beer and pizza and means that if I have to get a cab in La Paz then so be it.
- I passed the afternoon with a very helpful Bolivian lady named Mary Carmen and thus saved myself from getting too wound up about the situation.
- When all is said and done today was always going to be a travel day, with nothing particular accomplished. I have just reinforced that. And who can say what the WiFi / internet situation will be in La Paz? This may be my last chance for a while to go online. Silver linings and all that. Just wish my phone would start working.
Some photos from Buenos Aires
While I am stuck in Santa Cruz airport with no money, telephone or guaranteed escape plan, but still possessing all-important WiFi and a full-ish netbook battery, I thought I would point out a few of the photos I took in Buenos Aires over the last week.
Stuck (for now) in Santa Cruz, Bolivia
Under pressure
It's 6:45AM. I have just returned to my hotel room. In 45 minutes a car comes to take me to the airport. Is this enough time to shower, finish packing, and check out? It had better be. Bolivia here we come!
A simple plan
As I write this we are on our way from Pierce and Laura’s wedding in Quilmes to the reception at some unknown place 40km away. The reception starts at 10pm. My flight to Bolivia is exactly 12 hours later. I am sure there is a flaw with this plan, but I can’t put my finger on it.
Tropical thunderstorm hits Quilmes
Nothing like torrential rains and flash floods to ruin a spot of Christmas shopping.
Diet? What diet?
I am just sitting down to lunch at La Brigada, meant to be one of the top parillas (grills) and therefore best steaks in Buenos Aires. Salivating already!
Mortal Coil 