La Paz

From Woodstock, "the stories are coming, later today, i promise. i am in la paz until thursday morning--sort of soaking in this place for a bit, waiting for some things to get done here. another round of bike stuff to purchase in anticipation for the saltflats--i am a bit nervous (along with very excited) as i have heard that the flats are terribly rough on motor vehicles. included in my purchases are two large cans of WD-40 (for a whopping $10 each!) with which i will spray down the entire bike daily (except for the brake discs) to help against the salt.

i have mentioned before ***** and **** from california, no? we have talked and i am thinking that it may be best for us to ride the flats together, in the event of trouble...i am going to have to go to santiago for an air filter before i cross the continent, as i could use a new one now but there is not one in bolivia, for sure...i will write more to you later today (my hotel is rather posh, with free internet and breakfast included, and a hot shower with more pressure than a small waterfall, all for $8, which is a bit expensive for bolivia, but with breakfast, internet, and parking, it equals out)."

I cannot even imagine this, the salt flats, what a wild possibility. And yet, I am not surprised. Here we sit in 110% humidity, no where for peace but the big lake, and Wood, he's heading off across salt flats. Good grief. This brother. This habit. When will it be broken?

-- luludilly