market mayhem!!

How can there be so many market stalls in one town?? I spent about 4 hours today wandering through a laberynth of tiny streets (I know that is probably spelt wrong but can't find a spell check!), most of the time I was lost but there was so much to see. Amidst stalls selling wool, fruit, meat, jewellery and shoes there are little old ladies who have cooked food at home, half a chicken, potatoes and cheese, all in a bucket, serving up portions for people.

I was after warm clothes for my adventure tomorrow and eventually got the following: a hot water bottle (no idea if there will be access to hot water) a hat, gloves, wool socks, a roll neck jumper, scalf, umbrella, wool jumper and then I really needed a blanket and couldn't find one for some reason so bought a meter of really soft. warm snuggly material... I hope it will be enough!

The plan is this. I catch an overnight bus this evening to Uyuni which arrives about 7am. I will definitely need something to knock me out because half of the journey the road is paved the rest it isn't and it is a notoriously uncomfortable trip, even though I am on the tourist bus which is supposedly pretty good. When I arrive in Uyuni I have to find a tour company which sounds reasonable. There are dozens of companies all offering the same trip but most of them have bad reviews, some of them mixed reviews. I know the questions I have to ask, and the average cost and will trust that I get an OK one. The trips start at 10.30am and involves 3 days of driving and 2 night stops at very basic accomodation, no hot water and everyone sleeping in together (I will hire a sleeping bag in Uyuni!) I know it soulds like hell, but am really hoping that the sights are worth it!

Should return to Uyuni at 5ish on Sunday and I then have the overnight bus booked back here whih leaves at 8pm. I will be shattered. Have booked in to come back to this hostel for the night to recover. The other alternative was to be dropped off at the Chile boarder and come back through Chile but have decided against that.

So wish me luck and I will report back on Monday hopefully!