11-01-2003, 09:43 AM
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obsolete
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Join Date: Nov 2002
Posts: 617
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Freddie D'Argenio
Freddie had opted for cargo pants and a tee to travel in. The heavy jacket slung over her arm got her a few strange looks in New York, but she knew that the climate in Bolivia was not hot and balmy the way everyone thought, and it would come in more than handy.
She felt the pressure in her chest as soon as she deplaned, but knew that her body would acclimate in a day or so. Thank somebody she'd quit smoking.
She was almost there!
The transfer to Sucre took under an hour and the taxi she'd commissioned for the three hour ride to Potosi was waiting. Of course the $50 she'd offered had nothing to do with that, Freddie thought, rolling her eyes -- the normal rate was about $18 and she'd dangled the offer of a substantial tip as well.
The roads were hellish and littered with potholes, but she managed to grab a catnap despite the bouncing and jouncing. Right now it was easier to sleep than try to breathe.
"We're here, lady. Hostal Colonial, yes?"
I opened my eyes and looked out through the taxi's window at what was considered to be the best hotel in Potosi. It was far from luxurious, but it had heat -- a definite plus -- and was the only one with bathtubs. Actually, she'd chosen it for it's proximity to the main square.
Freddie squared up with the driver after he helped carry her things into the main lobby. There was a certain 'quaintness' in its faded, musty carpets and the antiquated furnishings that appealed to her. The lights were dim and lent an ethereal atmosphere to what was a mere vestige of glory days gone to seed.
The desk clerk took her information and payment in advance -- just in case she decided to opt for better accommodations in a local village or something, Freddie thought wryly. He didn't seem over-pleased that his nephew had made himself scarce, but plastered a smile on his face as he struggled to carry her bags up the two flights to her room. The lift, he said was broken.
She grinned and tipped him, listening as he finished his pitch for his cousin's shop... and his uncle's restaurant. Oh, and did he mention that he had a nephew on his wife's side that had a taxi? She thanked him for all of his 'help', locking the door behind him as she gently nudged him out.
Freddie didn't unpack right away, instead opening the French windows to look down onto the brick courtyard below. She remembered how it once was... and couldn't help wondering what she was doing here again after such a long time.
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