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Published: April 16th 2007
(by Callum) After a grueling overnight bus trip from Uyuni and the cross country jeep trip, La Paz was a virtual paradise offering comfy beds, loads of bars, restaurants, markets and sights for the weary traveller. As the highest city in the world we were forced to take it easy. We had three days to kill until we left for Lake Titicaca and Peru, so we spent our time washing clothes and recuperating. La Paz is a people watching extravaganza, there is so much life and colour here it is unbelievable. We induldged in exhausting walks for views over the city, and sat in cafes checking out the busy bustling city.
From La Paz we set off to Lake Titicaca, but first stop was a place called Puno, not much to look at but it offers a unique trips out onto the lake where you can visit the various islands and the people that inhabit them. The lake peoples ancestors are of the original ancient tribes that roamed the land before the Incas and before the birth of Christ, so languages and traditions vary from each island. A three hour boat cruise will take you out to Taquile island,
where we where given a fantastic Trout lunch and a brief history talk, apparently the only way to ask a girl out here is to throw rocks at her!!!
Next were we off to Amantani island, where we were billeted out to local family's who housed us and fed us for a night. Tourists traditionally bring gifts of essential foods and some extra things for the kids. Its amazing what a tranquil life they have here, the people are poor in so many ways, yet happy in so many others. We where treated football games (Gringos 2 - 0 Locals, we won one out of eightish games, but I did score 4 goals!), and then our own festival where the local lady's dressed us up in traditional clothing and pulled us up to dance. The next morning we were deposited back at the wharf by our surrogate mothers and after a sad farewell we were off back to Puno via the famous reed islands of Uros.
Each island consists of layers of reeds rested on a mass of reed roots that starts to float after about a year of drying in the sun. The Islands are big enough
to house a number of families and are good for 25ish years depending on the rain. Then they all get together and build another one...but if there is trouble in the community they wont hesitate to cut the island in half and go there separate ways!!
Well that's been the last couple of days we are now off to Cuzco and we are very excited about meeting Sonia and Fraser on Friday, however we are heading into the amazon first for a lodge stay, maleria tablet taking has begun.... Adios!
Highlight: Eating dinner at the family home on the island then dancing with the locals
Lowlight: The toilet situation
Best Munch: The vegetarian feast prepared by the grandma, with fresh vegies from their garden
Best Gulp: Cusqueña (Peru Beer)
Rate: 6/10
Interesting Fact: To attract a wife in the islands, it is customary for the young male to follow the girl (and her sheep) to the top of a hill with a very large tape deck (to show wealth), and throw stones at her until he captures her attention. Still practised and observed today!
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Derek
non-member comment
Sadly, when I employed the "large tape deck and stone throwing" at Hampstead Heath over the weekend, I failed to attract a wife... but I did get a fair bit of interest from a legion of baton-wielding police... *sigh*
Guys, Peru sounds awesome and the pics look great. Keep havin' a blast... and happy birthday, Cal!! Cheers...