DESERT THERAPY BOLIVIA
In the desert of salt
Despite
the uncertainty of the departure, we finally arrived in La Paz. The
flights were long; Bolivia is almost on the other side of the world
leaving from Italy. The time passed quickly though, waiting for our
adventure, helped by the celebration of Roberto's birthday. La Paz is
always fascinating and these few hours served for us to rest and get
use to the high altitude. From the capital we headed straight for Uyuni.
A long journey, made with the aid of off-road vehicles. We arrived after
ten hours, tired and amazed by the scenery. The temperature is low.
For three days we will organize our camp in the salt desert. A rare
opportunity, that we had to request special permits for. We expect to
make a daily trek of about 10 km, changing the camp every night. We
will do this for three days. Then comes the time for the lagoons. The
situation in the country is quiet, though new strikes are expected next
Monday, which forces us to accelerate our journey in a few places. For
three days we will not be reachable except with satellite systems, but
everyone can follow us and see our position with the spot that appears
on the site.
From salt to water
There are no words to describe the emotions we experienced during the
four days of living in the Salar. And there are no words to describe
the emotions I personally experienced during my encounter with a French-man
who like me a few years ago, attached to a cart to transport all the
necessary materials, started his attempt to cross the desert alone.
My memories returned to the moment when also I said good-bye to the
support team and headed towards the absolute white of the salt and the
total absence of life. Te return the the lagoons was like a rebirth:
the nature there is rampant, there are noises, sounds, smells. Everything
is alive. In a little bit we will start our travels again to go to La
Paz. The drive is long and the high altitude creates some minor discomfort.
It is an important trip: something that will remain engraved in the
hearts of the participants for life, something that will leave many
stories. Fifteen miles a day walking in the desert of salt, united the
group and you can breathe a wonderful atmosphere.
Last days
The day before we leave in La Paz. A visit and inevitably shopping at
the market of the witches. Yesterday we visited Copacabana on the Lake
Titicaca. In the evening we returned to the capital for the last purchases.
This morning we will take a tour at Tiwanacu. Afterwards we will go
the airport. We are at the end and are beginning to draw our first thoughts
on the trip: a wonderful trip, very different and very challenging.
The group is happy, everyone overcame the small everyday problems, due
mainly to the altitude, with a great spirit. See you in Italy.