Prior to the Salt

We arrived in Oruro mid afternoon on tuesday and proceeded to complete some errands. The train tickets (to Uyuni) took forever to get and during the lineup I dropped my laundry off at the local laundrymat, the order was taken by a 7 year old girl, but I thought nothing of it, given that most places around here have their kids working as soon as they can crawl. She said to come back at 1:30 the next day, perfect due to our train departing 5 hours after that. Walking around town, we decided to try this resteraunt that came recommended by Lonely Planet. The description talked about it being run by a celebrity chef, Don Roberto, and to invite him over for a drink cause he has some amazing stories. The thing is, lonely planet often gives little suggestions like this, but usually they never come close to being achievable. This one was different. The guy was literally standing outside his resteraunt and quickly hustled us upstairs to a table. Within 5 minutes he had us buying a round of beers, a bottle of wine and the most expensive lamb roast on the menu. I can't overstate how cool this guy was. He just sat there and filled us in on his life for an hour. He's been a personal chef for Hugh Hephner, Cher, Jim Belushi and Bill Gates. He's been to over 70 countries and was the top executive chef of the Hilton Hotel Chain during the 70's. He's essentially retired back to his home town in order to look after his family. Anyhow, enough about him, but needless to say, he's probably one of the most interesting people I have ever met. The lamb was also fantastic and supported his reputation. Following this we wanted to hit up the town for a night out. Since I had no clothes I was forced to wear shorts, a t-shirt and a toque. After an hour of looking for a place, and probably a hundred different jests and jokes from the locals about the stupid gringo wearing beach clothes in 5 degree weather, we finally settled on a Karoake bar. We made fools of ourselves for a few hours singing Michael Jackson and Lionel Ritchie then hit the sack. Next morning we journeyed to some hot springs just outside town and nursed our hangovers while lying in these little private baths. Back to Oruro, tried to grab my laundry at 1:30, store was closed. Tried again at 2, 2:30, 3, finally at 3:30 the store was opened and the woman said it wouldn't be ready until 5. Back at 5, no laundry, they didn't even know where it was. So finally I literally sat on their counter until they recovered my seemingly lost clothes. Finally at 6:20 I got a bag of wet clothes. Train arrived early this morning in Uyuni at 2:30am, checked into a 24 hour hotel and hung my clothes from different spots throughout the room to dry, it is proving less than successful. This morning we booked a 4 day expedition into the salt flats and beyond. Not sure exactly what we're going to see, but everyone recommends it so there must be something else out there besides salt! Shall post a debriefing of our mission upon our arrival! Adios. Sorry, no pics, no tengo USB.