251218: About the size of Wales

We both slept well as our room is towards the back of the hotel. The wiring of our shower looks a bit dodgy.

Breakfast on Christmas day consisted of a big wedge of Pannetone, papaya drink and tea for Kevin and café con leche for Joan.  The hotel manager grilled us on where we came from and asked us awkward questions about the size of the UK. Usually when asked how big something is, a good response is the size of Wales, but this wasn't cutting the mustard.  We explained the big cities were often quite close, unlike Bolivia.

Bolivia, since Evo Morales became President, often refers to itself as plurinational to respect the various indigenous groups that make up the country.  Joan tried to explain that the UK was also plurinational which the manager seemed to find interesting.

We heard a band passing by and rushed out to get photos.  Angry car drivers were not happy with the parade blocking the road. (A bit like the Armistice Parade in Bolsover.)

After breakfast we decided to walk up the shrine of Our Lady of Socavon, perhaps the most holy Catholic site in Bolivia.  Allegedly Our Lady appeared to a local bandit who robbed from the rich and gave to the poor as he lay dying in a mineshaft.  After that a mysterious painting appeared near the site which is now highly revered.

Unfortunately the church was shut as was the museum below.  Very strange!  We have never found a church closed before in South America.  No candle lighting here!  Joan was disappointed as she was looking forward to seeing some Tios - the gods of the mines who are horned and with huge "man bits", and who allegedly rule the subterranean - all still within the Sanctuary.

Outside there was a new cable car up to a statue of Our Lady of Socavon but this was also closed.

However the streets were far from closed with stalls still selling all types of Christmas goods.  Plus loads of children playing with their new toys.

Of all the places we have been to in Latin America, Bolivia seems to make the most of Christmas with Santas and lights and music. 

Oruro hasn't been the best place for food or bars, but Kevin remembered that confiteria shops sometimes sold beers.  He was right.  There was one on the corner of the main square, overlooking all the festive activities.  They had empanadas on the menu (pasties) but had none so we settled for a cheese sandwich, chips and beer.  Happy Christmas!

After our lovely Christmas dinner, we walked a few blocks away to a lighthouse and amphitheatre.

Clouds were drawing in and there was a bit of damp in the air.  We walked back via a street of solicitors.  No flashy offices here.

Back at the hotel we reconsidered our options.  Oruro wasn't the best place to be a veggie. Joan also went out in the streets to see if any of the veggie friendly restaurants were open. No! So we decided to cut our losses and head to La Paz.  We managed to negotiate via WhatsApp to hire the apartment we had booked for New Year for a few more days.  A little comfort and home cooked food will hopefully do us good xx