3 November 2007

El Castillo - the Princesses in the Castle

Once upon a time just a few days ago, the two International Princesses reknown for trouble went exploring in the Bolivian Yungas. A subtropical area known for its beauty and serenity and therefore attractive to the two who were no longer happy being amongst the masses.
The journey had been long and arduous - as the high mountain pass was cold and they had feared somewhat for the sanity of their driver Henry (Ensie in his native tongue)


Once through the mountain pass, the road had turned to rocks of varying sizes and stability. The road had also appeared to shrink whilst on one side dropping instantly to the treacherously fast and deep river.

They happened upon El Castillo del Loro in the Southern Yungas. A castle built by a previous President of the Bolivian nation nearly 80 years ago.

The Princesses were greeted by men with large umbrellas for as is common in the subtropical regions of the world, twas precipitating madly.
The Princesses were shown to their suite - a suite befitting their station - the suite of the President himself. Built high aloft the tower with a near 360 degree view of the area they shalt inhabit for the next few days.


The keepers of the castle immediately sprang to attend to the Princesses and food and drink was served. As the Princesses are of the most intelligent kind, card and word games appeared and entertainment occured throughout the evening time.

The Princesses were served of the finest local quality and they dined until they were satisfied.

Other guests of the Castillo were playing a dice game.
The dark haired Princess was aware of a similar game so they joined in and learnt the native twist.
Exhausted the Princesses retired to their tower suite.

The following morning, the Mistress of the House regaled the Princesses with stories of the construction of the Castillo and the Presidents use of prison labour. It is said that the ghost of the President may appear in the suite and the rooms below built for his sons.
The Mistress then proferred to take the Princesses on a tour around the grounds and the surrounding valley and spiritual areas in the nether regions of the Castillo. They crossed a raging river via a wire based bridge, stepped over snake pits and discussed the regions flora and fauna.


They then made their way through vines and landslides to the sacred grotto were they may be granted three wishes.

In order to reach the final sacred place, the Bath, a test of bravery was required.
The mighty river must be crossed - however this time the bridge was of far less stable construction and had the river not been so high, surely trolls would be waiting for ladies as fine.
The river reached up its fingers to pluck whomever may place a step incorrectly.


Born from hardy stock - both Princesses crossed the mighty river without harm.

The golden haired Princess had been feeling poorly for several days and knew she required rest - so the far more energetic and adventurous dark haired Princess set off again on another adventure whilst a siesta was had.

That evening the Castillo was quiet, save for the Princesses enjoying cinema and but a local family to ensure their needs were met.

The third day dawned bright and warm.
After breakfast, both Princesses sunned themselves for a time and then again the energetic and athletic Princess set off in search of more adventure and sights unseen - vowing to return safely before the midday meal.

Happily the buxom Princesses continued to rest and read preparing for their next travels and praying silently that her body would be healed.

In the evening time, the Princesses proceeded to play the native version of the dice game (Yahtzee) whenst they were joined - albeit timidly at first - by the children from the village of El Charo.
The children entertained the Princesses for a while showing their ability to count and their acrobatics.

It was amusing for some moments but as is well known, children can only be tolerated in short phases. The children were banished to the parlour whilst the Princesses had their evening meal and enjoyed their local wine.

The evening ended on a challenging note - a new form of card game based on Rummikup was played with much concentration.
An early night was had as there was more exploration (and some rest to be had the following day)

On an unexpected note, the transportation described to the Princesses was not forthcoming.
Therefore to bring the two back down to earth, they were driven back to La Paz in the back of a truck rather like they were on their way to a concentration camp.

Well .. it was destined for La Paz.

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