Hola all!
Taking a break from it all in Oruro. Has been loads of fun so far. Took the bus from La Paz to Oruro on Thursday, to our hostel, dinner and early to bed. Friday we got up and got ourselves organized. The streets were really busy with people getting ready for the Carnival. Setting up stands for seating and selling all the necessities. Apparently I had a big target on my back that read "Gringo!" so got pelted by water bombs all afternoon. We decided the war was on so bought some pink and purple ponchos, and the biggest water guns we could find! We were armed and ready. They are ruthless here and no one escapes from the water guns, water bombs, and spray foam(which they spray right in your face). Especially the gringos. Most are covered in water and foam. Once we were prepared we were much happier and named our guns "The Equalizer" and "Payback". Got ourselves sorted with a bus ticket out on Monday, we ran into Jamaica and Sam. Went for dinner with them, then off to another resturant for some vino. On our way home there were loads of little stands and seats set up selling this drink made of watered down and heated milk, with vermouth and cinnimon. We stopped for "just one, to try it" but ended up drinking many(they were only $2 Bolivianos=30cents!!!! we couldnt resist). Met some nice locals and had loads of laughs.
Saturday we were up early to get to our seats for the parade. It had already started, but there was so much to see. It lasts from 8am Saturday to 3am that night. ALL DAY! There are so many dance groups that it lasts over 18 hours!! Crazy. And the entire time its a full on war, against the opposing stands, when there is a break between each group. And there is no exception for the people sitting around you. We got loads of foam in our faces and finally decided we had to be armed with this too. It was so much fun. And the costumes were amazing. Each group had big bands playing behind them. Lots of vendors walking around selling food and drinks(but only beer!!!). After a while we were in need of a break so went back to the hostel for a siesta and to regroup. Up again, we grabbed some food and headed back. More amazing dancers and costumes, loads of cervasa, foam and water. Had lots of fun. Ran into our friend Dave and joined his group and went to a bar. Danced with the locals, wandered the streets(still packed with people), then went to a kareoke bar. Tried to sing a song but it took too long so we headed home.
Slept in late today, but are armed and prepared for the day. Heading to the parade, then we will see where the day leads. Should be fun. More later!
Cheers!
February 27, 2006
February 25, 2006
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