Bolivia, Santa Cruz

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A bus journey to the Brazil/Bolivian border in 40 degree heat wasnt the best of expirences. After getting stamped out of Brazil we had to walk across the border with our bags and our backs into Bolivia. We joined the queue sweating to say the least to get our Bolivian stamp, after a few sighs and forehead wipes we were in. The night train to Santa Cruz departed at 5 which left us enough time to go shopping through dusty run down streets to find dinner, which ended up to be biscuits, crisps and an ice cream!
14 hours on the night train actually went quite quckly a few films with english subtitles and a decent sleep (considering the last 2 where in hammocks) and we where there. An afternoon walk into Santa Cruz where the square was very nice. Church´s and chess boards circled the square with shoe cleaners every 10 yrds. Oh and of coarse an Irish Bar which the lads drank in whilst the girls went shopping! That night we went to a Bolivian restaurant, live music and waiters in straw hats we had a good night. Fried lizard for starters (tasted like tough salty chicken) and some local dishes for main.
Just one night stay in Santa Cruz and we were off to the airport for a short flight to Sucre. Checked in (without JP as they hadn´t his name on the list) and waiting for the gate to open when CANCELLED came up next to our flight! With the weather so bad there they couldn´t have landed the plane. Down the stairs to get our luggage back only to find that Jezza´s bag was´t on the belt! After an hour of waiting it miraculously turned up! With the next flight in the morning back to Santa Cruz we go! Back to same hotel and back to the same room. M xx

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