Escape From Potosi

The last few days have been absolutely crazy! Jane, Justine, and I were able to get out of Uyuni by going to Oruro on an overnight bus. After a night in Oruro, we caught the bus to Potosi. The bus arrived at the blockade at 8 PM and we walked about 5K to the edge of town where a taxi drove us to a hostel. The first few minutes of the trek were fun since there was a full moon. However, our patience wore thin after an hour. Justine was swearing in French and I was a little irritated. Things would get better the next day.

Day1 in Potosi: We met some folks in our hostal who have been stuck in the town all week long. We joined one of the girls on a tour of the local mines. The conditions in the mines were terrible! It makes being a process engineer not a bad job after all. Our tour took us down a couple levels in the mine. We were crawling through tight spaces and there was dust everywhere. It is not for someone who is scared of tight surroundings. Before the tour, we bought gifts for the miners. These consisted of soda, coca leaves, and dynamite. You can buy explosives on ther street in Potosi! The youngest miner we met was 13 years old. And yes, these kids are buying dynamite for the mines. Unfortunately, mining is the only thing they know, so there are generations of mine workers in the same family. I could write so much more, but one must experience it first hand. On the bright side, I was able to take a hot shower and eat llama asado for dinner.

Day2 in Potosi: The morning started off with the miners setting of dynamite charges at 5 AM in the main city square. By 12 PM the center plaza sounded like a war zone with charges going off every minute. Did I mention that anyone can buy dynamite on the street?! The demonstration was very heated today. They set fire to one of the government buildings on the corner. Police in riot gear were everywhere telling people not to venture within a block or two of the main square. Note that our hostel is two blocks away from the main square. Jane, Justine, and I ventured out to the bus terminal later in the afternoon where we discovered no busses are leaving for La Paz, Sucre, or Oruro. Everyone is glued to the TV to see if the talks resolve anything. I can still hear charges going off every once in a while (It is 9:30 PM). We are going to hunker down tonight and try to look for a way out of this town tomorrow.

There is no danger to us at this point. The miners are not hostile to tourists. However, the whole experience is kind of sureal. I did not take pictures of the protest or the charred buildings.