Hace tres años

We all know what I am really doing with my time. But for today only, I leave the land of stolen towels, excruciatingly boring civil procedure mini-essays, and impossible MBE questions and head to a happier place in a land far, far away in the not so distant past. Three years ago - to this day, to be precise - I was camping out in a refugio in Laguna Colorada in southwest Bolivia.

Laguna Colorada Day 3; Monday, 6/30

Today was great. The morning started off with S* and I antagonizing the annoying Australian girl by defending Starbuck's, dissing anti-globalization protestors, and making comments like, "I'm pro-sweat shop."

The scenery today was once again spectacular and even more remote and desolate. Far fewer plants. The first major stop was Laguna Verde, which is on the Chilean border. The water was very calm, so the reflection of Volcán Licancabur was very clear.

We had lunch at some hot springs, which were wonderful to bathe/sit in.


The Frenchie and the Australian chick didn't get in, even though the Frenchie smells. It was a pleasant experience to sit in 90º + F water in 40º weather amid desolate mountain scenery.

We then stopped at some very interesting geothermal vents, complete w/ bubbling mud and sulphur steam. The vents were some of the coolest things we've seen so far.

We arrived at Laguna Colorada fairly early - 4 PM. Now that we're on the far more common 4-day circuit, we've seen many more tour groups and the competition for lodging has increased. So far, I'm very glad we left from Tupiza.


*Names have been changed to protect the guilty.