The ominous mountain in the background of this photograph is the Cerro Rico of Potosi: It was where the Spanish extracted most of the silver for their currency, which was named after the town. At 4000 meters, the atmosphere is thin and the life expectancy of the miners short

The view that may been seen in this picture is of the church in Copacabana. Copacabana is on the edge of Lake Titicaca, and the main town of the Bolivian side. The town itself is unremarkable, but a good place to stop and relax for a couple of days, whilst travelling at altitude. The church comes as somewhat of a surprise in Copacabana, and it is a popular place for pilgrims. I was reminded of a Greek island.

This intricate door is the front of a church in La Paz. It shows the mixture of styles that developed as the Spanish hired local craftsmen to carve their buildings. The result is a definitively Spanish design, that is overlaid and decorated with the ornament and symbolism of the Bolivian Indians. The pillars have flowers growing up their whole length, and the flowers give way to dancing figures, ritual animals and fruit. This style of architecture allows the grandeur of the Spanish, whilst promoting the soft and subtle forms of the Indians.