Para Mi...Sucré

So...after four amazing days in Bolivia´s outstanding Salt Flats, we were off to our next destination, Sucré.

The journey alone was eventful. The bus to Potosi, broke down a number of times in the mountains, and I had to pass two babies out of the coach window. Yes, you read correctly. Two living, dribbling babies. Out of a coach window over two meters above the ground. It was terrifying, but it was funny, yet I´m still unsure as to why it was necessary. I think now, from having spent more time in Bolivia, you just accept it as normal.

Anyway, Sucré. Para mi, si. As Bolvia's cultural capital, proud Sucré is the beautiful city rival of La Paz. Set high up on the hills, the city was a surprising first representation of a Bolivian city; it was just so clean, modern and prosperous. Obviously, not all of Sucré's population would agree that it was prosperous, but it is one of the more educated and successful cities in Bolivia, a fact of which the people are proud of.

After our four days of dirt and cold in the salt flats, Sucré brought us all back to life! We spent our days exploring the markets, and had our daily fresh fruit smoothie for breakfast at the food mercado. We dined cheaply, on street food or in smarter restaurants, and soaked up the sun and the atmosphere in the main plaza. The hundreds of artesanias kept us busy for hours, though we excersized as much restraint as we could, as La Paz would be our retail mecca. We went horseriding in the countryside around the city, where I galloped for the first time, and discovered (if not a little late) that I was quite allergic to horses! Still, our salt flats family, of Julie, Agus, Allen and 'Nacho' bonded well, and had many a fun evening.

We were also very happy to hear that we could be around for the 202nd anniversary of Sucré. In South America, this could only mean one thing: one big three day FIESTA!!! It was going to be a three day street party, with parades, bands and fireworks going on throughout the evening into the nights. We instantly changed any plans of leaving, to soak up the colourful delights of a Bolivian fiesta.

Fiestas completely take over the city. It's something South America is famous for, and we were not disappointed. Families of all generations take to the streets to spectate, as big brass bands, soldiers and dancers with big beautiful traditional costumes parade through the streets. It was all very well rehearsed, but the atmosphere was electric.
At night, the parading continued, and street vendors make their mint with everyone feasting on cheap but delicious eats. We spoilt ourselves with the best hamburguesa I have ever tasted, with a burger, chorizo, chips and as much sauce as you like, all crammed inside a soft white bap! Cheap, but tastes like heaven, especially after a few rum and cokes! We talked and watched the fireworks with the local students, exchanging language tips and taking drunken photographs. Everyone was friendly and happy, and it was contagious.

If the above hasn't made it crystal clear already, we loved Sucré. Yet as with every place whilst travelling, eventually you must move on, so we broke away from our Sucré family and decided to venture towards the jungle. Santa Cruz was going to be our little taster of the Amazon climate, where we could catch some sun and explore the different side of our beloved Bolivia...

Unfortunately, Santa Cruz was disappointing. The weather was bad, and we were unaware of how expensive and difficult it was to get to the nearby nacional parque. Whilst I'm sure it had its charms, Santa Cruz just couldn't live up to Sucré, so after feasting in some nice restaurants we decided to make for La Paz. Back to be reunited with Agus, Allen and Julie, and back to a city...famous for being wild.