POTOSI & SUCRE

POTOSI

Monday morning we left for the 8 hour trip to Potosi home of the silver mines from the 16th to the 18th centuries. Potosi was one of the richest cities in the world, now it's one of the poorest, a result of Spanish colonialism.  The indigenous people were exploited to work in the mines, then thousands of slaves from Africa were brought over.  The  elevation of Potosi is at 15,000 feet.

 

 

 

 

  We met the zone leaders at the hotel , discussed their needs. As they were in fairly good shape, we left them with money to purchase their own items.  The next morning Pres Dyer was sick and catching up on some work, so we went to La Casa de Moneda  (Money house)  Probably the most fascinating museum we have ever been in.  All of the production of coins between 1570 -1900 took place here. They used  wooden machinery driven by oxen in the basement.

 

 

 

 

 All of the machinery is still intact and in great condition  because of altitude and lack of termites, bugs, and humidity. When we left the museum it was snowing, and very cold, not unlike Idaho. Jack gave the President a rest and drove to Sucre.

 

 

 

SUCRE

 

The White City is the official capital  of Bolivia. Although La Paz is where it all takes place It  now houses the Supreme court, Executive branch and many universities.  It is a beautiful city. As our time was short, we called ahead to the zone leaders and had them prepare a list of what was needed. As soon as we got there, we met the zone leaders and went to the market.  Many new areas had opened up and we needed a lot of mattresses beds, wardrobes, desks chairs  all kitchen items, everything.  Christy, Lorna, and Jack spent money like drunken sailors in about two hours. It was the first time Lorna was left alone to her own devices and she ended up doing pretty good with the language (of kitchen items) and even bargained a few items down.

We stayed at a great hotel downtown that once was a mansion. It is several centuries old, and owned by the Bolivian Ambassador to Spain, who loves Christy and has to do the double cheek kiss every time he sees her.  We flew back to Cochabamba the next morning.  Getting ready to work in our Bella Vista branch this week