Sucre, Bolivia

Last day of Spanish today, and I am glad I did another two weeks but I am ready to move on. I have improved, it is still not coming very easily but as long as I am improving that is a good result to help me travel. I meet Tom after lunch, who I met first at the Dinosaur park and who I bumped into again on Wednesday. We were looking for sites to visit and I was keen to see the Santa Clara convent. It was just opening as we arrived outside the fortress sized white walls. The nun showed us first into a room filled with old artefacts and religious art. The convent is 17th century and the art dates from that time. She then kindly took us into the convent walls where we could view the frescos painted around the courtyard. The central courtyard itself was abundant with flowers including poinsettia trees and geranium hedges. It was a very peaceful and quiet spot despite being in the centre of Sucre. A younger lad then showed us a secret passage way with more art that led to the back of the chapel. In the chapel is a beautiful wind organ that is bellows driven. It is the oldest and first made in Sucre. The turquoise painted doors open to reveal the organ (think it was 16th Century) which is still functional and played four times a year. Lovely place to visit and we enjoyed a coffee in the square afterwards. Ali is catching an overnight bus to La Paz tonight so brings her stuff to mine pre leaving at 8pm. I on the other hand am booked on the plane tomorrow morning with Tricia (£33 to fly vs £16 for a 11hour bus!). Tricia and I get to go to the Florin Cafe one last time, and the BBQ ribs are a worthy last night dinner.