La Paz

Today is the last official day of the first half of our Southern Cross Trip. And after an unpleasant nights sleep on a lovely train - we were given blankets and pillows, we arrived into a place called Oruro. From here we got a 3 hour bus to La Paz and the culture shock which is this city.

It's the highest city of its size in the world and the altitude is only noticeable when you walk up the really steep hills. The city is set in a valley with houses built all around - similar to flavellas.

After an un-enthusiastic introduction to the city from our Tour leader, we went to book the Death Road. It sounds like it's going to be fun, but with a 7:45am start I'd love a lie in.

Ina and I took up the shopping bug again and had a lovely look around all the silver shops and we weren't disappointed. I bought a lovely alpaca jumper from a lovely old lady for about £5. When we decided to give up shopping for the day, the group all went out for their last meal together - minus the leaders who were nowhere to be seen. The option was an Indian restaurant which was known for its vindaloo and when were arrived, our leaders were half way through their meal! After spending over 3 weeks with these people, they acted like they diidn't know us and to say we were all disappointed is an understatement.

The meal was the funniest I think any of us ever experienced as 4 of the guys went for the vindaloo - with the promise that if they finished one they would get a t-shirt.

Chris has a vindaloo and the tears were streaming down hs cheeks with laughter as the other 3 tried to eat theirs.

Needless to say, no one finished theirs and we were told that due to the altitude, the chillie peppers are a lot more intense. Too true!!!!!