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Published: August 13th 2006
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La Paz
La Paz After the rigours of the Inca Trail, we have both returned to some kind of normality. Nadine´s Salmonella seems to be losing the fight against the antibiotics, and I am back to using the toilet again! (Inca trail toilets were somewhere between that toilet in 'Trainspotting´and the gates of Hades, and I have the uncanny ability to shut down my bowels in times of crisis. Too much information I know!!!)
So after a brief sleep in a normal bed, we headed to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world at 3800m above sea level (For the geeks out there, supposedly 'Navigable´means you can sail a steel hulled ship in it?). Its about 135 long miles by 50 miles, so I guess its pretty big. The scenery is amazing here as the air is so crisp and clear. The lake is so placid, with islands dotted around the place, and what makes the view so much more imposing is the fact that its ringed by the snow capped mountains of the Andes.
We stopped for lunch on a small island (Trout and chips) before heading to Amantani Island, where we would spend the
Amantani Island
Supposedly Primark are now stocking this haute couture. night with a local family. Now before I cast any dispersions on these wonderful people, may I first say that we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
So here´s how "I´m a Westerner, get me out of here!" went.....
In a "Blind Date" style, we were all allocated our Surrogate Mothers at the dock of the Island. Except when the curtain went back, all of them had faces like a 70 year old German Sunbather and held the most uncanny resemblance to Les Dawson with a wig on (and no teeth!). All the mums, that is, except one. Lourdes, our 16 year old mum, I believe is a direct decendant of Kevin the Teenager. After the wonderful traditonal greeting bestowed on us of a 'grunt´and 'nod´she proceeded to walk us to her house with all the gusto of a blind, one legged donkey, walking through treacle. All she needed was a hoodie on and she could have been ejected from the local Spar in record time. But, alas, all was not as it seemed. Lourdes was in fact the daughter of the parents who couldnt be arsed to pick us up themselves. After a few more nods we were shown to
our room, which was by all accounts pretty good. It had a light bulb which obviously meant we had struck it lucky and blagged ourself a family at the higher end of the social circle!
So after settling in, We ventured off to a local footy pitch to challenge the locals. I now understand why countries such as Bolivia have not lost at home for 10 years! Now I´ll be the first one to say I´m a bit short of fitness, but its a tad worrying when you can taste blood after only 15 minutes of running about at 4000m! I was absolutely shattered and Nadine took great amusement in catching all the action on Camcorder!
Afterwards I stupidly decided to climb to the top of the Island for the sunset, while Nadine went to a local wedding to gets some tips for our forthcoming nuptials. Nadine says its not too different from a British wedding, ie. lots of beer and unconcious men and women lying in the dirt, although I like their idea of pinning money to the bride and groom. That might catch on!
After a veggie stew and a twig in hot water in the
family´s mud hut, they dressed us in traditional local clothing so we could 'hit the disco´in style. Nadines corset was so tight, that it cut-off what little oxygen she was receiving to her lungs. I swear the mum put her foot on her back to get better leverage on the straps! I got away lightly as I only got a poncho and a noddy hat to wear.
The disco itself had lots of home similarities as well. Lots of beer, numerous casualties on the seats and even more people vomiting on the floor directly in front of us. Was all very funny until we realised that the guy vomiting on his shoes in front of us was our ships captain, who had to sail us back at 8 the next morning!!! So Nadine and I have decided that the road signs should be changed at home to "Bridgend twinned with Amantani Island!" Oh, forgot to mention that the Dad emotionally blackmailed me into buying the noddy hat. Like I need another hat!!!! But in all seriousness, we had a great time and enjoyed living so rustically ( although I have my suspicions as we found aSony Ghetto blaster and a
box for a 21" Samsung TV! Rustic my buttocks!) The only downside is that the families have tourists staying three times a week and I think they are a bit blase about it all. There was definite lack of charm from them, the only real downside.
On the way back to Puno, we stopped at Uros Islands. These are the "floating reed Islands" and in my opinion a complete tourist trap. They are so geared to Tourism thats its difficult to see past it all decide if they do really exist in that way. Was worth the trip though
So now into La Paz, Bolivia and Peru has been crossed off the list. We´ve got another week touring before heading off under our own steam to Chile. By the way its my birthday next week (12th) so please feel free to make any donations to "Save the Whale" +44 (0)1656 865039. A receptionist will take your call any forward any donation accordingly.
Lots of Love
Stu and Nadine
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tess
non-member comment
i want one
hi both, only just found that we could send a comment!!!!!!!!! after reading your blogs. still think you should be looking for a job when you return on the local paper stuart, you can keep every one amused in pencoed and surrounding area. (great blogs) Nads please can you bring me your disco outfit home, its just what i want for the wedding. buying the hat stuart (your such a softie) bless you. great pictures, email you soon love tess xx