Longest Bus Ride Ever!

11/24/09

I awoke at 4:30am when we arrived at Bolivian exit customs. For some reason they had to check our passports at two different offices before we could get our exit stamp. The next time I woke up was when our bus broke down. About two and a half hours ago (8am) we were told it would take four hours to fix.

It is now 12:45. The bus is running, but we haven't moved yet. I am still hopeful that I won't be stuck here for more than a few days.

3pm: The “mechanic” has gone and returned three times. Each time he replaces a small part, then they start the engine, rev it up, look at it shake their heads, and the “mechanic” starts off again. What is the mph equivalent of one inch in 7 hours?

I am hot, sweaty, tired, and hungry. It is surprising that I am not (too) grumpy. I seem to have gone zen. The baby just started crying. We'll see how long zen lasts.

3:30pm: We are on the move! Let's see how long this lasts. And the baby stopped crying a while ago. Given the number of kids under two on the bus, it has been very quiet.