Taking the Train to Tupiza

Carnival Time in Oruro
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A long day began with a 10:30am bus to Oruro, a tiny town in the middle of Bolivia.  The trip was rather uneventful and as we came upon my destination (where I´d buy a train ticket to Tupiza), I noted all the garbage along the side of the road (including a dead dog!).  Very sad.  Apparently there was some sort of carnival going on, but unfortunately, I did not have too much time to hang around town.

Leaving Ururo, I was amazed with the scenery.  To my right was a flat pan, a flat area of wetlands full of reeds, flamingos, ibises, gannett, ducks etc.  In the distance, mountains seem to float on mirage lakes.  On my left, towering moutains and lakes with abundant bird life thriving in murky brown waters.  Patches of mustard yellow and grey "Don King grasses" were scattered about the ground and several thatched, earthen houses, some half complete and abandoned, were visible with brilliant lateday sunlight.  Light cirrus clouds and latticed soils puntuated with green patches of alfalfa became grass lands dotted with cows.

Travel by Train - simply brilliant

Heading to Tupiza
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About an hour into the trip, a Bolivian womand in full garb seated herself beside me.  With a sun worn face, gold capped teeth, yellow skirt, irridescent purplet shirt, double ponytail and topped with a boleto hat, she was the epitome of Bolivian charm and tradition.  Gregoria Luna Caceres was her name.  Chuckling at the Alberto Benini film that was playing, I appreciated her brown, rosy cheeks and gentle nature.  Following her lead, I ordered an El Inca Bi-Cervecina (a tonic of some sort).  Sugary water, as far as I´m concerned.

Sunset
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Another interesting sight: a tractor!  The first I´ve seen in all my travels so far.

As dusk fell, the grasses became golden and the hazy layers of mountains in the distance turned dark purple with dark shadow valleys.  Thin serpentine rivers cut through the landscape, sheep scampered from the tracks and the magenta skies made way for a stunning sunset, a spectrum of pastel pinks contrasted against brilliant blue.