Holidays and absences [2]

Just been down a mine in Potosi - Bolivia. Apparently around 8 million people have died serving the mines in the last 400 years. Not nice down there.... miners we met inside have a life expectancy of around 48.

Gawd, that sounds dismal ! 8 million ? thats a lot of lost lives ! How are you liking your travels so far ? Are you well ?

I don't fancy that mine.

Grim stats there indeed Lance.

Why the short life expectancy?- I assume a lack of proper breathing apparatus and too much dust.
Almost certainly more avoidable suffering not avoided for the sake of a buck

The mine is a co-operative... the miners have to buy all their own equipment. There is a lot of silicon dust and other toxic crap down there that 6-7 hours per day for 15-20 years means dead lungs!

Azriel - its been great to see everything that I have. Missing a good cuppa though. And a combination of good food and good bed. Not managed that in 2 months yet.

The mine is a co-operative... the miners have to buy all their own equipment.- Lance

Do they get paid enough to actually buy all the stuff they really need?(I have a sinking feeling I can guess the answer )

No... they work as much or as little as they want to... but obviously little dont pay the bills. They have different classes of miner... 1st-3rd depending on their role. Some can afford electric tools, some work alone and by hand.

The refineries pay them depending on how much they mine and the quality of the material. So if someone happens to strike a vein of high quality silver then happy days. Low quality zinc.. not so much.

And I assume no Unions.

Funny, we all consume goods made from this stuff, but how rarely does it even come to our attention the human price still being paid to get it.

Yep - the Spanish did a number on South America, just like most advanced, powerful civilisations have done on everywhere they have moved in to. I am sure it is a trend that wont end for a very long time!

No sadly not.

I am not sure whats worse- being me here and never thinking about it- or being you there having to see it and knowing there is bugger all you can do about it. It all sucks.

There's nothing like a good cup of tea & the comfort of your own bed You'll really appreciate it when you get home. Stay safe

Safe journey home Lance.

Still a month before home!

What? Well so long as they have internet where ever you go- and hey thats another month of not having to watch BofA on a plane

http://www.lancebloke.com/latest-blog-update.html

My last update before coming home.

Some neat pictures, Lance! It sounds like an amazing trip. Have a safe flight home!

Great blog Lance! I really like the overcast lighting for Macchu Picchu, makes it somehow feel more epic than sunshine would.

Thanks Halfy. Still have to do my Rio update when I get some time, although not much to update on as I only had half a day there.

just had the time to properly read your travel blog Lance. Very impressive journey, I would be knackered for a month after that little lot. I don't think I could have gone near those mummies though, they give me the willies. As for the 'death road' well yeah you are bonkers!

great blog, really enjoyed it.

Hey Figgy. Thanks for having a look!!

Death Road was lots of fun. Most people didnt ride it like me and the girl I was with as they werent confident riders. The company look after you well so you can take it as you like or even just sit in the minibus.

Some great memories! Will have to look back through my own blog as it all seems so long ago already.

For anyone interested, I have just added my last update from my travels.

http://www.lancebloke.com/latest-blog-update.html

I have terrible acrophobia, but that hang-gliding looked kind fun.

I'll be off the grid for about a week. Found out my dad is in the hospital with cancer related problem. had to remove some things and he has been really sick, so I am flying home to see him and spend some time with him and family. hopefully he'll have recovered some by the time I get there but I am in the dark at the moment. Anyone who believes that prayers help I would greatly appreciate them in this dark hour for me. See y'all as soon as I can

Very sorry to hear that, Sin. You will be in my thoughts.

Best wishes to you and yours, Sin. You'll be in my thoughts as well. It's really good that you can be there for your dad.