Bolivia - a fair weather friend

We have arrived in Sucre and things are looking up again.

We've emerged from the trials and tribulations of stinky buses, stomach bugs, chronic migraine, altitude and the mother of all hangovers, humbled but certainly not beaten. It's been a schmorgasboard of crap - I'll happily skip dessert and have an early night, thank you very much.

Feeling well and mentally more positive has resulted in a haircut (Gemma also opted for a one-hour massage). I asked for an "Evo" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evo_Morales) which seems to be a popular style amongst Bolivian men (and some ladies as well). She did the best she could, but instead opted for preppy Londoner - which seems to work! Hooray!

Some of these good vibes might be down to Sucre, which quite frankly, is lovely - full of white colonial houses and churches. It's a sweet relief from the beautiful, yet slightly austere, Potosi.

Potosi was fairly hardcore on a number of fronts. Firstly, there was the mine - an unforgettable yet very uncomfortable experience. Then there was the weather (it was freezing at night - 5 blankets just about did it). Finally, there was the night of debauchery which culminated in the mother of all hangovers, and involved drinking with one of the Bolivian miners/guides, dancing in a formal line with the other Bolivian clientèle (boy opposite girl) and singing some Western as well as Bolivian classics (including "Mi corazon") at the top of our lungs. Gemma at one point pretty much refused to have the microphone taken off her. It was messy.

Between the five us we managed to polish of a bottle of red each and a litre bottle of vodka. The bus drive the next day (this one smelt of raw meat - a small relief from the piss and shit of previously) was hideous. We had the "scenic" seats at the front of the bus, which have about as much room as dodgem cars in a fairground.

An early night...wifi, TV, on-suite bathroom and not one, not two, but three beds in the auditorium of the room we've got (all well under budget) has contributed to Sucre being a great place to be. I'm looking forward to tucking into some Chinese food later.

Bolivia - all is forgiven. You're great.

Some things about Bolivia:
1. Adverts are all painted on the side of the buildings. It's quite nice. Couldn't they re-introduce that back home?
2. There are probably more basketball courts than in the USA. But they're all empty. Seems like someone in government was a fan and no one else was.
3. I've now heard Pink Floyd's "Another brick in the wall" four times in four different places. If Mr Waters or Gilmore fancy coming to Bolivia I'm sure they would be warmly received.