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Hey there,
Please excuse the dates, I am just very behind with my blogs.
So today we travelled by public bus to Puno, which is the nearest city to Lake Titicaca. Lake Titicaca is the highest navigable lake in the world, it's 3800m above sea level. The Peruvians say that 60% of it belongs to Peru and 40% to Bolivia, although I'm sure the Bolivians would tell you otherwise. It's a tough one, who do you beleive. We are off to Bolivia soon, so I will ask the question.
The lake is absolutely huge, and looks more like a sea, although the port section looks quite like a football pitch due to the pollution. Hey Ho. It's 40 miles wide and 85 miles in length. We took a boat out to look at a few of the Islands on the lake. The population of some of the Islands are very small, one of them having only 200 inhabitants.
We stopped at one for a look around and some lunch, which was cool, although we had to do a bit of hiking, which I am trying to lay off of now. It was back on the boat and off to another Island for what they call a home stay. This is where you stay with a local family and live in the tradiotional way they live, including clothing. I will load up the pics soon.
Pete and I were to stay with a Quechan family. We got off of the boat and were greeted by all of the local ladies that were to be our Mama's for the night. The guide gave us a list of Quenchan words to use, lthough the families do speak Spanish. But you know what they say, when in Rome (Or Puno - Or an Island near Puno)
They read our names out and told us who we were to go off with. Pete and I had to introduce ourselves in Quenchn and then were walked to our home for the night.
Our 'Mama', named Segundina took us to her home. On the way our Mama stopped as if that was the house we were going to stay in. So Pete thought he would be cever and read something off of the list in Quenchan that translates to "You have a lovely house", she gave him a strange look and then carried on walking past the house. Classic moment. He also said it about her house oce we got there. She showed us to or room, which was very nice. baisc but nice and also I was taller than the door. I definitely got pics of that. We then met our "father" who's name was and still is Felix. There wasn't a great deal said and we soon had to revert to Spanish as the list of Quenchan sayings soon dried up. there is only so many times you can say your house is nice. We took them some small gifts inthe form of fruit, sugar and flour. She was very grateful I think!
Once we were settled she gave us the clothes that we would be wearing that night. A peruvian woolen hat and a poncho. Classic look.
The hats that they make are made using a pattern that is unique to their family. We found that out later when Pete got his hat muddlled with someone else and they corrected him.
We got talking and found oout that they have 2children, both of whom are away from home at university in Lima. Conversation didn'tflow too much but we seemed to find out some interesting stuff about them.
After we had settled in we were taken to the local square - there was a small concrete footbll pich with some odd shape goals. The boys in our group formed a team and played against others, winning all the games we played in. Which to be fair was maybe too. It was such hrd work because of the altitude (about 3800m I think - certainly the highest point that I have ever played football at). It was made easier by the face that I was wearing trainers and the other were wearing hiking books. But as I say, pack your bag for every eventuality.
After winning the games, we were challenged to a game by the locals, although it seemed that after we accepted the challenge (Which was for a beer each) they seemed to change the team. Long story short, as it wasn't a proud moment. We got smahed. Not even some trickery from me and Pete could clinch a win. Although I did nutmeg 3 of them. Also in the Previous game, set dan up for a quality goal with a 30 yard pass, to be vollied straight into the net (well don't the mountain side)
After our 4-0 defeat , Felix Picked Pete and I up.It was dark by then, but somehow he knew where he was going. Segundina had dinner ready for us, the food was great although it was very filling and I couldn't eat it all. I felt rude, but what could I do.
After dinner and acouple of awkward silences, we were taken by Segundina to a local Quechen party. All of the males had to wear the same as us, although the females had to wear a funky get up that i'm sure they will agree was not the most flattering, although they looked very charming. (Just in case they read the unflattering part - You will see the pics) We all had a good night although the venue was just a hut, it did the job. We had a couple of beers, some good local music and a dance with our Mama's. Although Pete got fed up of dancing and when Segundina came looking for him, he hid from her and she grabbed me for a twist and a boogie. Thanks Pete. After the festivities Segundina took us home in the dark and the pouring rain. But worry not as I had my head torch. Then off to bed. I asked where the toilet was just incase I neede it inthe night, which I sometimes do afetr a drink. She pointed to a bucket. Great.
Felix and Segundina were very kind and although the language was a barrier, we still managerd to have small conversations. They were very good to us and very hospitable. They had a very modest house although the grounds seemed quite large. The way they live wouldbe considered 3rd world to most, yet they're really happy. Their kitchen, where we ate, is nothing more than a 2 x 2 meter mud hut, with a small stove on the floor. The kitchen had a light and nothing else, oh except a couple of calendars, one was a very family orientated calendar and one seemed to be mainly for Felix, if you know what I mean. They seem to have little or no luxuries, other than the tea that they insisted we tried. But as I have seen while travelling, everyone has their own idea of luxury. They farm long hours and work hard and this is very apparent.
The next morning Felix woke us up for breakfast. We were treated to pancakes and some jam. We purchased the hats that were made by Segundina, and taken to the port to say goodbye. This turned out to be an unforgettable experience and I was very surprised as I was quietly apprehensive. It really puts things into perspective and I sincerely hope that isn't lost and will work at keeping it.
So onto some more Islands this afternoon. We visited the Uros floating Islands....that's right, Islands that are literaly floating on the lake. They are made from floating soil-like material, with reeds on to (again thereare pictures) They anchor the Islands (which average about 10 families per Island) with rope tied to rocks. They have started becoming more modern and using solar power. Modern may not be the right word as they are still floating islands.
They make most of the things out of reeds, including there huts, boats and also souvanirs. The pictures should sum it all up.
I will leave it here for now. Next blog entry will be coming from Bolivia's capital Le Paz.
Take care
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