The Train Ride

Hi Folks,
Given the date I have some catching up to do, so this will be a multi part blog(more than one today, if I can pull it off). First let me correct one of my many spelling mistakes. Last blog I referred to Tupizi when it is Tupiza.
We got our train tickets for Tupiza as I had been looking forward to trying out one of the few Bolivian trains left that provide passenger service. There are 4 trains northbound from Villizon, 2 are express and the other are the Wari Wari. We booked on the express as that was the one available on the day that we were leaving. The Wari Wari is a mixed train and has a reputation of being less reliable. We decided that the price to Tupiza was so reasonable that we would go executive class which included dinner, for which we received a chit. The scenery was quite beautiful and there were many opportunities to see the engine as we twisted down into valleys. The ride to Tupiza was only a few hours and we arrived on time. The meal was a sandwich (ham and cheese of course) and coke, served to us in our seats. Everyone else, who were not as fortunate as us, had to go and sit in a lovely dining car with flowers on the table and silverware as well. Poor folk, having to suffer while us upper class types had our sandwiches in our seats.
Tupiza has a great market on Thursday which made Joy very happy, so after we hiked up into a canyon to view some great scenery, featuring ´fins´which are mountainous slabs of red coloured conglomerate left after erosion, we visited the market. Joy revels in any market that is part of local life and not geared for tourists.
We quite enjoyed the Mitru hotel in Tupiza which is a little more than we wanted to pay, but has a lovely ambience, especially around the pool. Unfortunately, they also have a bar which was near our room and the subject of some revellry, which went well into Saturday morning. I recommend staying there, but not in room 114. It is also the home of Tupiza Tours which seemed to be relatively highly recommended by folks on ´Thorntree´the ´Lonely Planet´posting site. So we also signed up to leave on Saturday morning for a 4 day tour with them. It cost B1200 each which is probably at the top of the prices for this tour, but we were willing to pay a little extra based on their reputation. There are a number of tour agencies in Tupiza and many, many in Uyuni, and choosing is a bit of a crap shoot. We picked well as you will see from my next blog.
Got to go pick up photo cds.
Jim