DAY 63 - 65: 16th September - 17th September: Potosi

Potosí is a city and the capital of the department of Potosi in Bolivia. It is one of the highest cities in the world by elevation at a nominal 4,090 meters and it was the location of the Spanish colonial mint, now the National mint of bolivia. Potosí lies beneath the Cerro de Potosí—sometimes referred to as the Cerro Rico ("rich mountain")—a mountain popularly conceived of as being "made of" silver ore, which has always dominated the city. The Cerro Rico is the reason for Potosí's historical importance, since it was the major supply of silver for Spain. Cerro de Potosí's peak is 4,824 meters above sea level.

On our first morning, we were very happy to have an amazing breakfast with eggs, bread, jam and hot chocolate (yes the little things are great when you are travelling). We decided to head into the town to check things out. We ended up at the Santa Teresa Convent, after we paid for our ticket we got told the tour in English wasn't till 2:30pm and we would have to return. So we continued to walk around town and got some lunch then headed back to the convent, Dave decided to stay back at the hostel, so Linda and I left him there saying we will see him in half hour and we went to the tour. We arrived at the convent, it was really interesting to realize how different life was for women back in time - BUT the tour last two and half hours!!!! I thought I was going to die. That evening we booked a tour of the mines in Potosi, although everyone in the hostel said it was an experience and we should do it, I was worried because people have died and got trapped - there defiantly not the safest of mines.

That morning we got picked up by the guide and was taken to get changed into our miners outfits - check out the photos they were really attractive (NOT!). We headed to the miners market where we had to buy dynamite, coca leaves, drinks and fags for the miners. It was an amazing experience although it very hard to climb at the high altitude you just get so out of breathe all the time. But I am glad I did it, I will try to upload a video at some point but the internet in Bolivia is not very good.

That evening I managed to get a group of 18 of us out for dinner and drinks from the hostel it was really nice end to my time in Potosi as the next day I was heading to Sucre with Linda and Dave.