Long bus ride stopping at a few instersting places along the way to Puno.
Next day after a 3 hour boat ride we visited the floating island Uros(made of cut reeds). An amazing way of life for these people and we learned how they make their islands and houses from the reeds in the lake. With constant maintenance the islands last about 15 years.
We then went to our homestay in the village on Amantani island. Our family were really lovely. The Grandma did all the cooking squatted by a small fire (in a ceramic fire pot) with all her cooking needs arranged on the dirt floor around her. It was a one roomed, mud brick hut where we also ate. We ate at a small table they obviously brought in for us because the family ate around the fire. Not sure about the salmonela though, I guess we find out next week.
Our sleeping room was in a mud brick building next door (very basic) but at least we had beds, but no showers and a non flushing toilet (which they must have also brought in for the gingos) at the bottom of the vege patch.
Soon after we arrived we assembled for a long steep uphill walk to the top of the volcanic mountain which forms the island, to watch the sunset (a beautiful sight). At the top is a pre Inkan religious site which is still used regularly. We had to walk back down the rocky parth in the dark. Lucky we had our torch.
In the evening the family brought to our room some of their local clothing for us to wear to the party they were planning. At this stage we were exhausted and the temperature had dropped and we were really cold and ready for bed.
The Grandpa insisted on dressing us up in all the regalia and off we went. Feeling pretty stupid, I might add. When we arrived at the party everybody else was also dressed up so we were glad we had cooperated. Once the music and dancing started we warmed up and really enjoyed ourselves. Grandma and Grandpa still have a lot of life left in them yet. Their little grand daughter Anna (4 years old) was very cute and loved to dance at the party especially when she could make her skirts twirl out. She insisted on dancing with all of us even Ray.
The Grandfather was the real host and he served all our meals to us. He was a really lovely old man.
Next day, after saying goodbye to our hosts, we visited the beautiful nearby island of Taquile where we had lunch overlooking a magnificent ocean/lake view. This island has a much more Spanish influence, it is a long uphill climb to the village square.
We have done so much uphill walking/climbing that I am beginning to feel like a mountain goat.
Long overnight bus ride home. Fabulous double decker bus with seats that were like first class airflight seats. We slept all the way home and arrived at 4 am.
Quiet day tomorrow I hope.
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