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Published: August 19th 2013
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17 Aug Day 5: Lake Titicaca Puno
The end of a couple of busy days. We had a minor disappointment yesterday. When our itinerary said we were sleeping on an island, because of the way it was written we assumed (didn't read it closely enough) that we would be on the Uros floating islands. WRONG. We ended up on a solid earth island. It was still good though as we got to walk up to the two top peaks of the island ending up at around 4,150 meters. Its just a shame that the lintels weren't so high. We just about had to kneel down to get through the door of the room the boys were in. BUT we had the mirror - Maryalina and Liz didn't - nah nah nah nah nah. The score was the door six us nil. Two for me, two for Maryalina, one for Garry and one for Don. Liz seemed to be able to walk under it!?
We were picked up about 8am and transfered from the hotel to the port and by motor boat we were taken to one of the legendary Uros Islands where we were able to observe the lives
of the Uros people who live on floating reed islands, some only 20 metres in length. The island we were taken to had four families on it and wasn't much bigger than 20 meters. We were quite prepared for a stay on these islands as it was like being on a waterbed.
After a beautiful 3hr boat ride we reached Amantani island where we broke into smaller groups to stay with the local families. Our hostess was Olga. We met Olga's parents and one of her children. Her other two children and her husband were in Puno. The kids are at school and we think her husband was in Puno. We then climbed the 250 metres (elevation not distance) to the top of the mountain (4150 mtrs) to see the Temples of the Pachamama and Pachatata - two separate peaks. After the walk we were able to enjoyed the traditional customs of the island people with a welcoming dance with authentic music. Even Don got up to have a dance and even looked like he enjoyed it. We also enjoyed the food served by Olga. Apparently this happens two or three times a month. It was strange to smell
Local transport
Well for the tourists anyway. the smoke from the fire - it was eucalyptus. The island is covered in gum trees and the smell of the eucalyptus was great. Even better and stronger than at home. The food was great. The accommodation, by our standards, was basic but the blankets were unbelievably warm (read that as hot for me). For me it was a great experience.
18 Aug Day 6: Lake Titicaca Puno
You don't realise how big Lake Titicaca is until you see a map. Our three hour boat ride left us in the top left corner of the lake. A fact we turnout today (unverified) is that Lake Titicaca contains sharks. And I was thinking of having a swim.
This morning after breakfast we took another boat ride to the neighboring Taquile (not Tequila) island, where we were supposed to tour around the ruins and visit the people. Collectively we missed the ruins. The Taquile people are world famous for their intricate and fascinating weavings. After a great lunch of Trout or Omelete followed by a walk down the 546 steps to the main harbour we returned to Puno - a three hour ride with quite a bit of sleeping
happening. We arrived at Puno at about 4:00 pm. After a shower we went out for more shopping.
Liz figures being in South America she needs to launder her money - so she washed it in her trousers.
As for Pen well not much to say bit I think Koala was a bit homesick with all the gum trees. I let the photo speak for itself.
We have another early start tomorrow with a 6:30 pick-up and a long drive - ten hours - to Cusco.
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anonymous
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Love this picture