Sun-Ae has an altitude problem . . .

No, not an attitude problem! An altitude problem! Her report:

I have just arrived in Atacama, Chile after visiting Uyuni and other parts of Bolivia. In Uyuni we started a 3 days' tour, and I [was] . . . sick most of the time. I . . . had a headache . . . [and] could not eat. I missed a lot of nice scenery because I had to lie down or stay in the car. The altitude was 4800 meters at the highest point. I thought I had suffered enough before but I seemed not to [be] able to get used to the altitude.

Now we have arrived in the hostel near the border, I feel immediately better.

She's also having technical difficulties in sending photos, but a few have reached me, and they tell this story:

"Looks pretty dry . . ." Sun-Ae muses, yet a closer look reveals life, though not life as we know it:

"To be frank, such prickly life is life as I'd prefer not knowing too intimately!" she thinks. "And I'd need water! Oh, here's some now - cool, clear water."

"I can hardly wait to guzzle some down!" she thinks, her thirst growing.

"Looks a bit icy. Must be really cold water at this altitude!" Her thirst grows in anticipation. "Ah, all that fresh, cold water just waiting for me . . ."

The 'water' turns out to be the stagnant dregs of a salt lake. Ever thirstier, Sun-Ae and her team pile into their SUVs and continue their search for water. "Keep driving, Dan - we'll soon find water . . ."

Sun-Ae waking up: "Oh, thank God! It was only a dream!"

Disembodied Voice: "No, dear. This is a dream. You're really still in the desert, looking for water . . ."