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Potosí
15th April 2010
At 4060 metres Potosí, founded in 1545, is the world´s highest city and a Unesco World Heritage which once had over 80 churches and was the richest city in the world.
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Silver from the mine supported Spain for over 200 years to the detriment of millions of Bolivian and African slaves. Conditions in the mine today are not much better.
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Many fine colonial buildings remain along the narrow cobbled streets of the old town.
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The traditional Bolivian women (Cholas) wear their hair in 2 long plaits with a hat on top, a full skirt (pollera) over multiple petticoats and wrap themselves in colourful shawls. Sadly, the younger girls opt for jeans and t-shirts.
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We were reluctant to leave Potosí but didn´t want to miss out on the little local trolly/train that wound its way around the hills to Sucre, stopping for people waiting by the tracks and at pueblos not reached by road. There were people with big bundles sitting in the aisles, someone had a dog, and someone got on with a bucket full of the local brew. It took twice as long as the bus but well worth it.
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This painting tells the story of the Potosí mine

Cerro Rico (Rich Mountain) towers over Potosí

Entrance to the Casa de Monedas (Mint)

Courtyard inside the Mint

Igelesia San Lorenzo de Carangas from 1728

Wooden balconies overhang the cobbled streets

Convento Santa Teresa, from1685, still home to 6 Carmelite nuns

Courtyard of the Convent

Bell tower of Iglesia San Francisco with the Cathedral behind

The bell tower is all that remains of the Jesuit Church

All aboard for Sucre