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We just arrived in sunny Copacabana, Bolivia! It's about 60 degrees here. We took a bus from Puno to Copacabana and managed to make it through the Peruvian-Bolivian border without any problems.
While we were in Puno, we visited the floating islands of Uros, where we learned how the locals "preserve" their floating islands and keep up their native traditions which are becoming less practiced and prevalent among the younger generations who move to town (Puno) for a more modern lifestyle and work. It's a big concern for the older generations, as you can imagine, who want to keep their culture alive.
Before we left Uros Islands, Paul took a turn rowing a large boat constructed with reeds and gave Jorge a break! Next up was Amantani Island, where we had the opporutnity to stay with a local family...after a 35 minute hike up the mountain to their house. We were greeted by an adorable 2 year old, Glendy, who couldn't stop smiling and saying "Hola!" to us. The family included grandparents Maximo and Anselma, their 24-year-old daughter, and her 2-year old. They were very kind and provided three excellent meals for us, including: quinoa soup, fried Andean cheese, what we would call a potato and egg casserole, and crepe-like pancakes for breakfast the next morning. The evening we were there, the ladies dressed us up in traditional Peruvian clothes for a dance the community put on for the people doing homestays. Paul simply wore a poncho. Stephanie wore a blouse, two layers of thick skirts, a thick belt to hold it up, and a shawl (all over her jeans and hiking boots). It was quite a sight! During the dance, it began to rain, hail, and yes, eventually snow! So much for getting away from winter. You've gotta love summer at over 12,500 feet!
It was Ash Wednesday that night. It's strange not being a part of a worshiping community during Lent. Though we couldn't find soft, fresh ashes to smudge on each other's foreheads, we created our own ritual and reminded each other with the sign of the cross: Child of God, remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return. It's a sobering thought, and yet we are thankful for each day we have together.
During our visit to the islands, we were struck by the strange juxtaposition of the locals trying to preserve their traditions, with an equally strong emphasis on tourism and entertaining those who come to see how they live. How do you live authentically day in and day out without feeling like you're on display since the primary source of income is tourism? This is something we've been struggling with as we try to experience the community, but also realize that we are tourists. Hopefully we have honored the people we have met and not made them feel exploited.
We are grateful that you are sharing in our experience and we welcome your comments and input as we continue our journey together.
Paul (Pablo) y Stephanie
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Julie Diedrich Stephanie, what an experience. Homestays are such a great way to really see things as they are. Everyone sounds so welcoming and open to sharing it with you, that is the blessing. It is raining here and has been most of the day, just took Henry for a walk and even he said enough and only lasted to the end of the block and back. We are hoping to wake up to some snow...is it winter in Minnesota? We are gearing up for week number 2 of mentoring and I am excited to share your video. Safe travels and keep journaling, you will look back on that for the rest of your life. Peace...
Heidi Miss you guys!