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A 18-day adventure by The Roaming Realtor Read more
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  • TravelerEscape from Michigan Winter
    Day 1

    Before I leave

    February 8, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ -9 °C

    Hello,

    I leave tomorrow on my newest adventure. I will be traveling for a wonderful 19 days in Bolivia, Chile and Argentina. Welcome back to all of my past readers and a new welcome to the new friends I have met in the last year.
    To catch everyone up the past year and a half have been amazing. When I left you I was just returning from 2.5 months in Asia, Australia, New Zealand and Central America. I was still a bit lost in life and unsure of what would be next. On my trip I was pretty sure I was going to come home, pack up my house, sell everything I own and move back to Asia. It turns out I now just sell other peoples home.
    When I got home I spent 4 months as a consultant performing sales training's for Freight Brokers at a few companies in OH. It was a great opportunity but I must say Ohio topography reminds me of Cambodia. Or maybe Cambodia reminded me of OH due to the fact I had been to OH many years before Cambodia.
    After my last trip I was increasingly having back problems. It turns out carrying a 45 pound back pack on my back and a day pack on my front that weighed similar did some damage. I ended up with a herniated disc with surgery exactly a year ago today. Thank goodness for an amazing surgeon and even better chiropractor I am back to normal.
    As I was healing I decided what was next in my life. I was able to take classes online to become a licensed Real Estate Agent. I started with the brokerage in March with more training and started selling at the end of April. I had a great first year meeting so many incredible people. From clients to brokers, agents trainers and new mentors. Thank you I am so grateful for everyone who has helped me.
    Now that you are all caught up I am excited to share my newest adventure with you. After a brutal MI winter I am excited to escape the snow. The weather will range anywhere from 45 to 90 degrees in Buenos Aires Argentina. Below is a link to my tour. Check it out to see the amazing things I will be seeing.
    https://www.gadventures.com/trips/la-paz-to-bue…
    Here are the answers to afew of the questions I normally get before trips:
    How do I choose my next trip?
    Many trips come from my sister Amy. She finds pictures of cool places online and shares them with me. For this one she shared a picture of the Salt Flats in Bolivia. Google it and you will see why it spoke to me. After finding a main stop I search for a tour and build it from there.
    Isn't traveling alone scary?
    When I first started traveling alone it was a little scary but now I really love it. My first trip by myself was when I was 22, it is hard to believe that was 16 almost 17 years ago. In traveling alone I try to do it very smartly. I book tours because it is the safest, easiest and friendliest way to travel. The joy of the tour is they take care of all the details. They book hotels/hostels, trains, planes and automobiles, and give suggestions of fun things to do in an area. I also have the opportunity to travel with and meet amazing people with a similar world view as me. Last Christmas I received Christmas messages from multiple countries and 4 continents. I love having amazing friends from all over that I have met through my trips.
    How do I pack for many climates?
    This one has taken practice over many trips. I use to be the girl whose suitcase was always at that top 50 pounds allowed by airlines. I am proud to say my suit case for this trip is under 30 lbs. It is a mix of packing the right clothes that can be used multiple ways, buying lightweight clothes, and doing laundry along the way.
    How many languages do I speak and do I speak the languages of the places I go?
    I took French in high school, but that is over 20 years ago, so the only language I speak is English. I tried to learn Spanish before this trip, but didn't end up committing to it. It was more fun to practice my Ukulele, another new hobby I picked up in the last year. In not speaking the languages of where I go, non verbal communication becomes very important. Smiles and respect go along way in asking for directions, asking for help or in negotiating. I use this as a part of my introduction as a Realtor to new clients. I think the many travel experiences I have had make me a better sales person and better able to communicate with my clients.
    Why do I travel outside of the States when there is so much to see here?
    First I totally agree with this statement. In all my travels I still marvel at how beautiful our county is and how much there is to see. As a kid my parents also saw this and took us all over the place. We drove an RV to Yellowstone, cruise to Alaska and road trips out east. I have been to 45 states. In addition traveling alone it is cheaper and easier to travel to other countries. In Asia I can live on less than $35 per day where as in the US that would not even cover gas for a day. In addition this world is so big and there is so much to see. I have many people ask what is on my list to travel to next. My answer is EVERYWHERE!

    Thank you for taking the time to read this and thank you for the amazing feedback from my last trip. So many people told me they felt like they were traveling with me. It is my pleasure and I look forward to taking you along again my my newest adventure. Next stop Bolivia.

    -- Jodi    Read more

  • TravelerEscape from Michigan Winter
    Day 2

    Before I leave

    February 9, 2018 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ -4 °C

    Hello,

    I leave tomorrow on my newest adventure.  I will be traveling for a wonderful 19 days in Bolivia, Chile and Argentina.  Welcome back to all of my past readers and a new welcome to the new friends I have met in the last year.

    To catch everyone up the past year and a half have been amazing.  When I left you I was just returning from 2.5 months in Asia, Australia, New Zealand and Central America.  I was still a bit lost in life and unsure of what would be next.  On my trip I was pretty sure I was going to come home, pack up my house, sell everything I own and move back to Asia.  It turns out I now just sell other peoples home.

    When I got home I spent 4 months as a consultant performing sales training's for Freight Brokers at a few companies in OH.  It was a great opportunity but I must say Ohio topography reminds me of Cambodia.  Or maybe Cambodia reminded me of OH due to the fact I had been to OH many years before Cambodia.  

    After my last trip I was increasingly having back problems.  It turns out carrying a 45 pound back pack on my back and a day pack on my front that weighed similar did some damage.  I ended up with a herniated disc with surgery exactly a year ago today.  Thank goodness for an amazing surgeon and even better chiropractor I am back to normal.

    As I was healing I decided what was next in my life.  I was able to take classes online to become a licensed Real Estate Agent.  I started with the brokerage in March with more training and started selling at the end of April.  I had a great first year meeting so many incredible people.  From clients to brokers, agents trainers and new mentors.  Thank you I am so grateful for everyone who has helped me.

    Now that you are all caught up I am excited to share my newest adventure with you.  After a brutal MI winter I am excited to escape the snow.  The weather will range anywhere from 45 to 90 degrees in Buenos Aires Argentina. Below is a link to my tour.  Check it out to see the amazing things I will be seeing. 

    https://www.gadventures.com/trips/la-paz-to-bue…

    Here are the answers to afew of the questions I normally get before trips:

    How do I choose my next trip?

         Many trips come from my sister Amy.  She finds pictures of cool places online and shares them with me.  For this one she shared a picture of the Salt Flats in Bolivia.  Google it and you will see why it spoke to me. After finding a main stop I search for a tour and build it from there.

    Isn't traveling alone scary?

         When I first started traveling alone it was a little scary but now I really love it.  My first trip by myself was when I was 22, it is hard to believe that was 16 almost 17 years ago.  In traveling alone I try to do it very smartly.  I book tours because it is the safest, easiest and friendliest way to travel.  The joy of the tour is they take care of all the details.  They book hotels/hostels, trains, planes and automobiles, and give suggestions of fun things to do in an area.  I also have the opportunity to travel with and meet amazing people with a similar world view as me.  Last Christmas I received Christmas messages from multiple countries and 4 continents.   I love having amazing friends from all over that I have met through my trips.

    How do I pack for many climates?

         This one has taken practice over many trips.  I use to be the girl whose suitcase was always at that top 50 pounds allowed by airlines.  I am proud to say my suit case for this trip is under 30 lbs.  It is a mix of packing the right clothes that can be used multiple ways, buying lightweight clothes, and doing laundry along the way.  

    How many languages do I speak and do I speak the languages of the places I go?

         I took French in high school, but that is over 20 years ago, so the only language I speak is English.  I tried to learn Spanish before this trip, but didn't end up committing to it.  It was more fun to practice my Ukulele, another new hobby I picked up in the last year.  In not speaking the languages of where I go, non verbal communication becomes very important.  Smiles and respect go along way in asking for directions, asking for help or in negotiating.  I use this as a part of my introduction as a Realtor to new clients.  I think the many travel experiences I have had make me a better sales person and better able to communicate with my clients. 

    Why do I travel outside of the States when there is so much to see here?

          First I totally agree with this statement.  In all my travels I still marvel at how beautiful our county is and how much there is to see.  As a kid my parents also saw this and took us all over the place.  We drove an RV to Yellowstone, cruise to Alaska and road trips out east.  I have been to 45 states.  In addition traveling alone it is cheaper and easier to travel to other countries.  In Asia I can live on less than $35 per day where as in the US that would not even cover gas for a day.  In addition this world is so big and there is so much to see.  I have many people ask what is on my list to travel to next.  My answer is EVERYWHERE! 

    Thank you for taking the time to read this and thank you for the amazing feedback from my last trip.  So many people told me they felt like they were traveling with me.  It is my pleasure and I look forward to taking you along again my my newest adventure.  Next stop Bolivia.

    -- Jodi     Read more

  • TravelerEscape from Michigan Winter
    Day 5

    If you think the roads in MI are bad

    February 12, 2018 in Bolivia ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C

    Hello from Bolivia,

    Just getting down here has already been quite a trip. I was supposed to fly out Friday, about 3 hours before my flight I received a text from the airline letting me know my flight was canceled. They had no urgency on their part so the next flight they were able to book me on was for Sunday at 530pm. Knowing another snow storm was approaching I wondered if I would even get out that day. They let me switch myself to an earlier flight so instead of a quick 2 hour turn around in Miami I booked myself for 1044 am. After a few issues with the booking process and the Visa I was beginning to wonder if this trip was meant to not happen.
    On Sunday morning I woke up bright and early to drive over to Moms to drop off the little dude. He seemed pretty despondant on the drive so I took that as a sign I would get out. After arriving at the airport and checking in they didn't have my TSA precheck on my ticket. There was also question about the Visa and if I needed it ahead of tkme. The visa part was figured out and TSA precheck fixes. I quipped to the woman who checked me in that with all of my flight problems at least they had never lost my luggage. I felt as though I had just cursed myself and that may be the last time I see my bright blue suitcase with stickers from all the countries I have visited.
    I walked through security and found my gate as I received a text from Americian Airlines, flight delayed. Only an hour so no issues. As I continued to sit at the airport every 15 minutes or so I received a text pushing back my flight. Finally at 2 we boarded, got de-iced and took off at 3. Only about 4.5 hours late. At this point I was glad I had booked myself onto the earlier flight to allow time for delays.
    So finally I arrived in La Paz thus morning. For 9 hours worth of flights it took me about 24 hours from the time I left my home yesterday morning.
    Cambria, Cambria, cambira... the Spanish term for money exchange I remember being chanted at me on my last trip to Buenes Aires. With a few BOB, the local currency, in my pocket it was time to head to the hotel.
    I walked out of the airport and was surrounded with taxi men viaing for my attention. I encourage you when traveling to always look up ahead of time the cost for a taxi from the airport to city center. In Bali last year I did not do this and what should have been a $10 taxi ride cost me $70. Always make sure to go to the taxi stand and use a official taxi. This is both for safety and value. My Mom likes to share stories with me of people who have shared taxis with unknown people or taken off license taxis.
    As we left the airport the driver pointed down a ravine and told me that was La Paz. La Paz is nestled high in the Andies at about 12000 ft above sea level. The fog and rain concealed the city. As we took the winding streets into the valley the roads are a mixture of past their prime and washed out by rock slides. The entire city has the look of homes and buildings looking like they could be washed down the mountain at any point. There were drainage ditches rushing through the city that would rival any good white water rafting location in the States.
    The city itself is crowded but very poor. There are buildings that seem to just add on levels at any point more room is needed. Some homes have windows while others have temporary blankets as the famikly is saving for windows. The streets of the city are steep with just a block climbing what would be 4 floors of a building.
    As I arrived at my hotel I was tired out. It was 7am and I was ready for a nap. Being on the 3rd floor which is actually the 4th as they consider the first floor the entry level I was happy to find thet had an elevator. A small one as I had to arrange myself just right to fit my suitcase and backpack in.
    My room is small and cozy in feel but not warmth. I search for a heat adjustment and then vents but have not found it. I don't think there is heat in the building. So I settled in under the thankfully thick blankets for a nap in my 55 degree room.
    Outside my window are the sounds of the city with the added bonus of a festival going on. The taxis honk every few seconds, there is someone speaking over the loud speaker, and frequent fireworks being set off, even during the day. It is a noisy happy city.
    Even with the noise and cold I fell asleep quickly and had a wonderful 4 hour nap.

    More to come later. Also please excuse any mis typed or spelling errors. I write this from my cell and we know how creative auto correct is.

    Jodi

    Tips
    the picture of my garage is the one I take for my own sanity. That way if I start doubting if I closed my garage I can look at the picture and remember it is all set. Weird but a tip I recommend.

    .As smart luggage is getting more popular I encourage you to do your research before purchasing it. If the luggage has any kind of smart or lithium battery it must be removed before it is checked. Some are easy to pop out, but some require the suitcase to be emptied taken apart to get it out.

    Detroit airport has great Detroit pride shirts 2 for 20. Save room in your carry on so you can represent Detroit on your trips. You will see the picture of the ones I bought in future pictures.    Read more

  • TravelerEscape from Michigan Winter
    1
    1
    Day 6

    Figuring out my way around

    February 13, 2018 in Bolivia ⋅ ⛅ 7 °C

    Hello Again,

    I write to you much more refreshed. Since we last spoke I woke up from my chilly slumber and explored the city. Only a few blocks away from my hostel is the Witches Market. The Witches Market is one of the older markets in La Paz and they focus on healing and energy's. My plan for here was to find a witch to bless me and take away all the bad energies from around me. Unfortunately English speaking people have been pretty hard to find so I was not able to communicate with the Witches what I was looking for. Maybe more luck tomorrow once I meet my tour guide.
    As mentioned the Witches Market is only a few blocks away, yet the blocks are not set up on a grid system but more of a meandering fashion. So in my wandering to not lose track I come up with geographical points along the way. ie turn left at the dead alpaca fetus.
    The good news is I did not get lost. Also as mentioned in my last post there is a festival going on today. I spoke to a woman who explained it is their Carnival. Today is for the businesses with their booths lining the streets. They have colored wigs, jester costumes, sweets, balloons for the kids and flower peddles. Family's are walking about with kids spraying silly string at each other. Even the dogs are dressed up.
    As I continued my wander I heard the band's ahead of me. They were small groups of marching bands competing for the attention of the onlookers. High above me was a man on stilts.
    One of my biggest issues when I travel is settling in the first few days and finding food. As little Spanish as I speak I muttered to myself in English as I checked out possible dinner places. It was only about 3 pm so nowhere was open. I ended up coming back and having one of the protein shakes I had packed.

    After another nice nap I wandered to the lobby for better Wi-Fi. I decided to ask about the non heat issue of my room. It turns out they have space heaters they loan you. That will make tonight much better for sleeping.
    In addition I met a few of the people from my group. They seem great and are around my age. They even invited me to go quad biking with them tomorrow. For anyone who read my last blog and the one titles "Red mud in my mouth from smiling too much", you will remember how much I love quad biking.
    Other thoughts from my wandering today.
    Many of the older women are dressed in a very traditional dress. They wear a long skirt with a sweater and a shawl. They seem to have a weird shape that my guess would be layers of clothing under. It reminds me of a reverse waist training in the States.
    At 7pm I finally met the rest of the group. There are 17 of us, which is larger than most of my G adventure group travels. 15 of them have been traveling together for the last 30 days and will be together for another 30 until Rio. There were just 2 of us joining the group. Despite this the group was very welcoming and friendly. Each came up and introduced themselves. It is going to take a minute for me to learn all of their names. The CEO or tour leader introduced herself and gave us a run down of the trip. It turns out today, Tuesday Carnival continues with the residents thanking their gods and drinking from 6am until midnight. Apparently the entire city is closed for the day, including buses out of the city. We were supposed to depart tonight for Sucre on an overnight bus. The buses are all shut down for the day and we will have an extra day in La Paz. With nothing open or running though there is not much for us to do.
    After the opening meeting I venture out with another newbie Sarah to find dinner. It was about 730 and although the restaurants said they were open until 9 we had a hard time finding a place to eat. After much searching we found a place. This was my first real meal since I left the States and I was hungry.
    When we returned to the hotel the rest of the group was heading out for bar hopping. They invited us but after a very long few days I decided to retire to my room to read and relax. Also an update on the heat. The first heater they gave me did not work. I traded it out for a new one that heated up my room nicely.
    Today I am not sure what is on the books. I have heard rumors of a walking tour and they have cable cars that look to be running.

    Until tomorrow,
    Jodi

    Tips
    Always take a card from the hotel you are staying. That way if you get lost you can present it to a taxi driver and they can get you home.    Read more

  • TravelerEscape from Michigan Winter
    Day 6

    Bless me

    February 13, 2018 in Bolivia ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C

    Hello from La Paz,

    Today is the day of Carnival. Bright colors, loud music, drunk people and all attractions are closed for the day. My CEO did some research for us and discovered that the free walking tour was still running today.
    Getting to the walking tour was a bit of a concern for me. As I said the city is not set up in a grid system. In addition no internet means no Google maps. Instead I have the front desk color in a map for me. Based on my years of working in transportation as you can imagine I am quite good at maps. There is always a sense of uncertainty until I arrive at my destination.
    I learned more about the Chulitos (I sure I did not spell that correctly.) They are the women in the long skirts sweaters and bowler caps. As I mentioned before it appears they have extended their hips with extra clothing. It turns out that this is the case and big hips and calves are considered beautiful here. The calves show that they work hard.
    We also had a chance to learn more about the jail. Apparently the police guard the outside but the inside is run by the prisoners. For awhile the best cocaine in Boliva came from inside the walls of that jail. The inside is set up in a case system with the residents paying anywhere from $10 a month to $1000 per month for their stay.
    The tour ended at a Bolivian family restaurant where we participated in our own Carnival activities. We cheered with the local drink of wine and orange juice, we blessed the establishment with flowers and gifts to the earth gods, I was blessed with flowers, and finally we set off fireworks.
    This evening I will be meeting the group for a dinner and hopefully tomorrow will be quad biking at the Valley of the Moon.

    Jodi

    Tips
    Look for free walking tours. You are still excepted to tip at the end, but because you tip based on service they are normally the top tours in the city.    Read more

  • TravelerEscape from Michigan Winter
    Day 7

    Love letter to travel

    February 14, 2018 in Bolivia ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C

    Happy Valentine's Day to the True love of my Life that is The World  of Travel,

    This Valentines day I realize I will spend  it with my one and true love.  Travel you sweet suductress, you call to me in my darkest hours. You give me hope in a sometimes hopeless feeling world. We have had hard times, but far more good. I forgive you for stranding me in Mexico, for the middle of the night in Germany when my hostel was no where to be found, my mindless wanders around towns where I was lost and did not speak the language. I hope you can forgive me for doubting I had the strength to take you on.  For you as my love,  know me better than I know myself.   These tests in our relationship have created me to be the person I am today.
    As I go through a bad day thinking I can not do it, I remember when I moved to London with no where to live.  If I wonder why I work so hard, I focus on my next trip and the unforgettable experiences I will enjoy. The  excitement and unknown keep me going and keep me coming back to you. 
    As I travel you introduce me to the most amazing people.  Being the accidental third in a couples massage, biking through Switzerland with a new friend I had met that morning, brief and wonderful  love affairs, learning to trust people I have only known for a brief moment in my life, to knowing I have life long friendships around the world for the rest of my life. 
    Travel you are that Siren who calls me back. You entice me with your pictures of the beauty of the world. You excite me with the unknown of what may happen next. And you give me strength with the memories of what I have experienced. Travel and exploring I love you.  Thank you for taking care of me as I traveled and explored this amazing world you have created. I can not wait to spend the rest of my life with you exploring the amazing world that surrounds me.    Read more

  • TravelerEscape from Michigan Winter
    Day 8

    Dinos doing Salsa

    February 15, 2018 in Bolivia ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C

    Hello from Sucre,

    Last night was our overnight bus. I think this is the first overnight bus I have taken since high school marching band trips many years ago. I am happy to report this one was much more comfortable. The seats were in a 2 and 1 configurations and I had one to myself. I also chose the front one so I had plenty of room to spread out. It was a double decker bus so I was located just above the driver with a 2 story view. As he turned some of the corners and passed people in the lanes of on coming traffic I was glad the windows were too fogged up to see much of the outside. On the 13 hour trip I finished reading a book and finished most of another on audible, so not much sleep. Yet I still felt full of energy today.
    Sucre is the National capital of Bolivia with the supreme court residing here while the presidential offices are located in La Paz. It is a beautiful city set in the middle of the Andies mountains. The buildings are painted white with gorgeous orange terra cotta roofs. Today we did the city tour with our guide. The national wage average in a month for Bolivia is $230 per month with housing costing about $100 per month. The area is very poor.
    As always my favorite part of cities is the markets. It is where the cities feel most alive. In Bolivia there are no super markets such as we have in the States. Instead residents go to the local fruit, vegetable, meat and cheese markets daily. Here they have an amazing sense of community. You can see kids coming in after school, friends meeting up after work, and families sharing time together.
    After the market we went to see the dinosaur foot prints. They are on a high sandstone wall that has been upturned by earth quakes. Apparently Bolvia is located on a fault line but has not had a major earth quake since 1985. Many of the earth quakes in SA recently have been in Chile.
    In the evening we went salsa dancing. Wow am I uncoordinated. I am happy to say there are no videos of my dancing, but I did include one for you of the instructor.

    Only 4 more days until the salt flats.    Read more

  • TravelerEscape from Michigan Winter
    Day 10

    Beagle deep mud tracks

    February 17, 2018 in Bolivia ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    Hello from Potosi,

    As mentioned in my last very brief post I am now 12000 ft above sea level. The start of my trip on La Paz was about 9000 above, I was mistaken to think that was the highest. When in the salt flats we will go up to nearly 15000, almost 3 miles. Having never really experienced this kind of high altitude I didn't know how my body would react. Oxygen starved is the answer. Walking down the hall of the hotel leaves me winded. In conversations my brain can not think of the right words. So I have slowed everything down a bit.
    First I will tell yuoh more about my day yesterday while still in Sucre. We went for a downhill trek of 4.17 km. The trail was well maintained but none the less I had to watch every step to insure no sprained ankles or falls down a 1000 ft cliff. There were parts that had experienced recent avalanches (Mom don't read this part) and we had to jump and walk across wet sand so as not to fall down the mountain.
    The trek was worth every sore muscle I have today. As we made each turn the mountain revealed to us a new majestic view. From water falls, to craters, sheer cliffs to views of the valley, it was an amazing trek.
    What goes down must come up again. This was our ride back. In a 4x4 vehicle built in 1978 resembling a Asian tuk-tuk and an extremely experienced driver we took on the muddy mountain roads. As we ascended we hit a bumpy patch in the unpaved mud road. The mud tracks being larger than a small beagle tossed both the truck and passengers. I laughed the whole time, see the video. Just as we were completing this patch another van was coming down the road. They stopped and refused to move to let us pass. Many words were exchanged in Spanish, I would guess not all of them happy roads. At this point we got out of the truck as it tried to pass the van. I had to turn around as the driver came close to the end of the cliff and I feared I would watch his demise. Luckily he stopped and did not attempt to go around. They finally all helped to push the other van out of the way. By this time our truck was stuck in again the beagle depth mud tracks. As we all pushed the driver went speeding away up the hill without the passengers. When he hit a flat spot he finally stopped as we ran after him. A bit of a scary ride as we finally reached the top to again desend the other side of the mountain. Cheers to our driver for his 4x4 driving skills. At one point he was even on the phone. 😁
    As we returned to our hotel it was time to head to our next stop Potosí. One funny thing about these Yolo tours is that they are not great about including bathroom breaks. By the end of our 3 hour bus ride the hotel was a very welcome site. Along the road on the drive we saw many small building cities. I assume they were tenements of sort. Each building was about 5 by 5 and appeared to house an entire family.
    I have a ton of pictures so I will split this post into two. The next post includes how they let me purchase sticks of dynamite.

    Jodi    Read more

  • TravelerEscape from Michigan Winter
    Day 10

    They let be buy dynamite

    February 17, 2018 in Bolivia ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    Hello again from high up in Potosí,

    At 12000 ft up the air up here is very thin and dry. Through the night last night I drank 2 L of water and still awoke parched. Today's activity is a historical one as we explored the still working silver and mineral mines.
    Our guide collected our passport numbers as he picked us up, thinking back I wonder if this was in case anything went wrong.
    Our first stop in the mine tour was to the miners market to collect gifts for the miners. Each of the mines operate as a co-op where the miners must provide their own supplies including dynamite. Apparently Potosí is one of the only places in the world you are able to buy dynamite on the streets without permits. So of course I bought dynamite as my gift. No Mom and motherly creatures in my life, I will not be attempting to bring it home through customs.
    The miners life is a hard one so I addition to dynamite we also purchased gifts of coca leaves, soda and cigarettes. We are after all guests of their personal mines. After the miners market we got geared up. With pants, jackets, boots and a helmet we looked like true miners. Although I am guessing I was the only red headed pale girl in the mines today.
    Our guide explained to us the history of the mines dating back to the 1700's. He also told us of the life of a miner. It is a hard job with 12-24 hour shifts of dangerous back breaking work. In addition the end of the lives of the minors never being a good thing. All will end up either dyeing either in the mines or with lung disease from the mine. It is a sad tale of very hard working men.
    Going into the mine I was a bit nervous. I suffer from minor claustrophobia. I normally do not let it stop me but it lingers under the surface. The start of the mine was a little over 5 foot tall so I just barely had to bend over. In contrast one of my group members was about 6ft6. Our first stop was to give gifts to Pachamama or mother watch. By the way she had a big bright red penis, so I am a bit confused on the mother earth part. Back to my story. The guide lit a cigarette and put it is her/his mouth. Coca leaves were also given and remember that liquor from a few nights ago that takes off varnish, it was also given. With a cap full you first pour at Pachamama's feet, the a little on her bright red penis, then a sip for yourself. Seriously that stuff has cleaned out my esophagus.
    As we were standing there 2 minors were coming through pushing out their very of minerals. The track was buried in mud and water so this is another of their very difficult jobs.
    Further into the mine we went. In patches there were beautiful crystals growing from the ceiling. As we reached up to touch them we were told it was pure asbestos. Mentioned above the altitude is making my breath hard to find. Include with that going a quarter of a mile into the mountain with a path just 5 ft by 3 ft to escape and pure asbestos growing from the ceiling panic set in. Learned from meditation training I began counting my breaths to ten before starting over and doing in again to keep myself from the panic attack that was quickly forming. Tears welled up in my eyes and the guide asked if we wanted to go further. I replied with a quick and definite NO. Luckily they prepare for this with a second guide to escort the panicked out. I was the only one and felt like I had accomplished enough to go out. After a long track back out I finally saw the literal light at the end of the tunnel. Only 100 feet to go until I was safely in the fresh air.
    As I got out I tore off my helmet, light and coat and again attempted to regain my breath. As scary as this was for me I am still glad I did it. Too see what the miners go through and the strength they possess. It is also a good idea to face my worse fears every now and then. In the future as I attempt a tough challenge I will again remember just to breath and I can get myself through it.

    Tomorrow we leave for the Salt Flats, they are the reason I choose this trip!
    Jodi    Read more

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