The day began at 6:20, where we enjoyed a quick breakfast in our hotel before catching our 6:40 bus.  The bus took us to Lake Titikaka, where we had a day long tour of all that the lake has to offer.  We travelled to Ura, which are known as the “Floating Islands” of Lake Titikaka.  The whole island is made from reeds.  The roots of the reed form the foundation and the reeds are then criss-crossed on top to form the floors.  From there, reed huts are formed for houses.  The Ura president gave a great demonstration on how their village was built on water.  See picture below!  On the particular island that we were on, seven families lived.  Each family relied on tourists purchasing their handmade goods to live on.  From that island, we paid 10 Soles each to travel by reed boat to another loating island. It was amazing how many different small island there were and how together they formed a community.  One island had a store and restaurant, with another island housing the school.  To get to each of the other islands, it took about 15-20 minutes.  It felt weird to walk on a floating island.  It didn’t sway like we thought it might, but there were parts where it felt as thought the ground was sinking.  The natives were very generous and welcoming.  They baked bread for us (tasted somewhat like a funnel cake without the powdered sugar) and invited us into their homes.  Knowing that they spoke no English, April began speaking Spanish to the man inside of his house.  He joked with April and offered to let her try on their clothes.  He first had her try his wives’ skirt on but laughed and said it was “Muy Grande” and would fall to her feet.  He said she could wear his young daughter’s skirt and helped her put everything on.  He gave April a skirt, jacket and sombrero, all in bright colors.  April loved twirling and modeling the outfit for the other tourists.  He was MUY DIVERTIDO (Very fun!!!!!)! 

 

 

We then went back on the boat for a 2 hour and 45 minute trip to “Isle de Tequila” or “Tequila Island.”  We hiked for about 45 minutes to get to the top of the island.  There was lots of heavy breathing by everyone on the trip and we took full advantage of every break we got!  When we got to the top, we had 20 minutes to check out the “town square.”  The town square was an open area surrounded by stores, restaurants and the town hall.  The guide told us that one store was equivalent to a Wal-Mart.  It had hats, purses, bags, shirts, and postcards.  There was also a street vendor selling drinks and snacks.  We were excited to see American candy bars and walked away with a Snickers, Twix and Kit Kat.  April has tried out the native chocolate bars as well though and is happy to report that chocolate is good in EVERY country!!

 

Lunch was at one of the many restaurants in the town.  They served bread, soup, either trout or omelets with rice and Luna Tea.  We all got the omelets and they were good.  After lunch and the long walk down several steep stairs, we were back on the boat for a 3 ½ hour ride to Puno.  Everyone thought it was time for a Siesta and several of us slept.

We are back at Puno and just finished a delicious meal at one of the many restaurants downtown.  Jim and Madeleine have gone to bed and April and Eric are soon to join them.

Enjoy the pictures and we will post more soon!!!!!  Buenos Noches Amigos!!