Bolivia! Part 3 Sunday, 12/30/18 drive to Samaipata

Sunday morning we slept pretty late, probably til about 9:30 or so, and then we packed for the country house and I went to pick up saltenas with Pili. Saltenas are delicious half spheres of sweet dough filled with stew, either beef or chicken and lots of savory thickened broth, chopped boiled eggs, olives etc.  Last Mother's Day Derek found a place to buy them in LA and surprised me with a dozen for a picnic with the kids at Lake Balboa Park. It was so great. So we were excited to eat some authentic ones in Bolivia.  After our brunch, we packed up Sili and Dardo's truck and piled in to the extended cab for our two hour drive to Achira camping.  It was a gorgeous day and beautiful views.  Upon arrival to the country house, we put our things in the room next to Gladis' downstairs.  Each room had a wooden sign above the door engraved with the names of the four daughters. We were assigned Mili's room, which had two twin beds and a larger double in a raised alcove, plus it's own bathroom.  Dardo (Sili's husband) offered to take us into town to get some food.  It was about 2:30 pm, so we piled back into the truck and headed into town, about a ten minute drive. We parked near the main plaza, and headed into a restaurant. Inside we met Dardo's adult son Dardo, and also immediately saw Andrea (Tila's younger daughter) who was there with her boyfriend and other friends. We ordered some food and drinks, and eventually saw another relative, Tia Rita's youngest son Alejandro, sitting outside with some friends. He came to say hello.  He is a nightclub owner in Santa Cruz.  After lunch we headed over to a small shop for bug spray, sunblock and a couple of large bottled waters.  When we got back to the house, it was nearly time for dinner. My favorite, a typical dish called Majadito. mmm. i salivate remembering it now. It is a mixture of rice and meat topped with a fried egg and a side of plantains. mmm. After dinner we went to bed.