Sucre is a big administrative city within Bolivia and in some respects considers itelf the true capital of the country. There is certainly a more cosmopolitan feel about the area, though without the hassle and chaos that thrives in La Paz. Considered by most Bolivians to be the countrys most beautiful City, it is often referred to as the "Athens of America" and is certainly the most cultured city we have been in whilst in Bolivia. The architecture in the city is very (Spanish) colonial and in the main very well preserved. All the buildings are painted white around the main Plaza and in the glorious spring sunshine this makes for a feel good environment. However, there seem to be more churches and convents/monasteries here than any other place we have yet visited (probably all added together) - so much so that a few of the nuns seem to have overflowed into our hotel! The fact that this is a wealthier town, though, does not belie the fact that there is also a great deal of poverty in the surrounding areas. You can see the difference in people just by looking at them - those that work in the town or for the goverment noticeably wear western style clothes, whilst those in traditional dress are from the poorer surrounding areas and look like they haven't seen a bath or shower for the last month. The prime reason for the latter to come into town seems to be the local begging industry - see a gringo and put your hand out. It is certainly much more prevalent here than any other place we have been in so far. Apart from the churches and monasteries, one of the other local attractions are the dinosaur tracks that were discovered in a nearby quarry a few years ago. Embedded some 65million years ago, they have been captured due to the type of soil found here. It's almost as though they have been set in drying concrete - a dinosaur version of Mann's Chinese theatre in Los Angeles. The strange thing about them is that they appear to be walking vertically up the side of the cliff face cut into the rock - this was due to the shifting in the tectonic plates that forced the rock skyward. It is possible to see some of the footprints very clearly, including those of the Brontasauraus and the Tyrannasauraus Rex. However, many of the footprints were damaged by the heavy machinary of the quarry and now the natural erosion of the softer rock means that many more are disappearing. Sucre was believed to be 'Dino Central' 65 million years ago as it was a major watering hole where many species of dinosaur congregated to drink. Carol has taken over the mantel now as evidenced by the large jugs of beer consumed in our favourite watering hole in Sucre. In fact we have used our time in Sucre in kick back and get a little rest. All this travelling around certainly takes it out of you and a few days of rest, enjoying the higher quality of food and good selection of bars was certainly called for. We were also witness to the biggest event in Bolivia in the last few years - a state visit from the Argentinian President. Our hotel was right on the Plaza and the goings-on were in the state building next door to us. Whilst all the roads were closed off, we had a birds eye view of the event. In a way it was a bit comicial as the security was so lax. We were the only people on the roof of our hotel and with a potato gun (let alone a sniper rifle) we could have taken out both Presidents and been away out of the back of the hotel quicker than you could say 'Grassy Knowl' or 'Lee Harvey Oswald'. Had it been a state visit in London, there would have been police snipers on every roof and we wouldn't have been allowed on the roof of our hotel. Still this is only Bolivia! From here we head off further south to the silver mines of Potosi.