From Salta we left on yet another lonng truck drive. Crossing the border from Argentina to Bolivia we left a pretty rich country to one of poverty. You pretty much saw it straight away when i changed 1 Peso to 2 Bolivianos. There was also a lot of fuss at the border with running back and forth getting things signed, wasnt very efficient. i even had a medical examination - just my pressure checked but not for the last time.

I bought a hat and jumper and gloves which was really helpful because we hit a road block on our way to Potosi and ended up camping on the side of the road. Ive complained about truck stops and dodgy toilets and annoying dogs but this was far worse because we were in dessert (Bolivia is full of dusty bumpy roads - if you dont wear your seatbelt, you hit the roof). Also there was no bathroom, just nature.

Anyway because it was dessert it got pretty cold, though not as cold as we thought it would get. The road block opened up in time for us to head off to Potosi the next day. Bolivia is a country of altitude. Basically i had to squeeze the air out of all my toiletries so they wouldnt explode on me and make sure i kept hydrated because you get so dry. in the truck on the way to the hotel (yes theres hotels not hostels in Bolivia) I started feeling headachy and a bit nauseous. I wasnt sure if it was to do with altitude sickness (which can affect anyone) or the ridiculously bumpy ride but i took a panadol when i got off the truck and felt better.

Nat and I went out to find some food for lunch and after convincing her the dodgy fried chicken shops in a poor country werent a good idea we settled on a homey takeout/restaurant. However when we got inside we were pretty confused and ended up getting a set menu. It was 3 surprise courses, all home made and delicious but pretty funny as we had no idea what we were eating or how much it was or if we´d even ordered properly.

Turned out to be dirt cheap like everything else in bolivia - the pastries we bought after, the torch i bought for chistophe for his birthday and the pizza we had that night. I think that was pretty much it for Potosi which was a shame because the hotel was INCREDIBLE. Beds (not bunk beds) and a heater for our room as well as hot showers. Im looking forward to my bed at home!