The cradle of the Sun

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After the hectic couple of days in Oruro, Laurence and I made our way to Lake Titicaca, 4 hours west of La Paz. upon arriving in La Paz the carnival atmosphere was definetly present and water ballons continued to fill the cold and damp mountain air. After waiting in the bus station for a couple of hours our bus finally arrived to take us to the lakeside town of Copacabana. The town and the scenery immediately felt welcoming, I think it was a combination of warm smiles and a lake to look upon. It is funny how much I enjoy and perhaps even need water to keep me sain, I welcomed the sight of the incredible lake. We checked into a decent little hotel and soon found that it was a late night computer game haunt for a number of local kids. After telling these guys to keep it down a number of times, Laurence and I finally resorted to threats, threatening not to pay if the noise did not stop, which quickly shut the machines down a little past 10pm.

The next morning we checked out and found a lovely little place with firm beds and a nice courtyard, great change. In addition to this , we also found a coffee shop that served real brewed coffee, a real treat down here in Bolivia. Most of the time the coffee is terrible nescafe, nwhich for any coffeee lover is a terrible injustice.

Enjpyed a relaxed and lazy day of reading, eating and Internet follwoed up by a delicious meal of fresh rainbow trout served in a tine stand along the lakeshore. For about 2.50 you got a beautiful little trout, with rice and fries, not bad when washed down with a cold brew.

The next day, I hiked up the near by hill, peak which afforded wonderful views of the town and lake. Stayed up there for nearly 4 hours just enjoying the view and soaking in the lake. It was great! back down to the beach for another trout dinner and then to bed.

The next day our destination was the near-by Isla del Sol (Sun Island) where Incan legend describes the birth of the Sun and their own creation story of the very first Inca and his partner. After a 1.5 hour boat ride we arrived at the steep and amazing island where no cars existed and the only noises where from the numerous donkeys, pigs and llamas. Settled into an incredible room with 180 degree views of the lake and had a wonderful spaghetti dinner.

We ended up spending 3 nights on the island because of its laid back atmosphere, incredible views and spectacular hiking. On the second day we hiked 18 kms to the end of the iland and back to explore some early Incan ruins and the spot, nay the rock where legend has it the sun was born. Met up with a nice Danish guy who was travelling alone and who joined us on our hike and for a dinner and drinks. Leo was his name and he was a great addition to the hike.

After a month in Bolivia with its incredible scenery, beautiful people save for the creep who stole my wallet it was time to bid adieu to this land and head for Peru. Next stop Cuxzco and the Incan city of Machu Pichu!

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Photos

Ceremonial Table on Isla del Sol
From the Incas

some cows on the island
Very tranquil

Comments

[mormor]

great to read your blog again, I am getting the e-mail when you and Laurence is writing about your journey great. sound like a great place. and meating another viking ,the World is getting smaller al the time, take care both of you love Mormor and Morfar.