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We found a tuk tuk to get us to the hostel for the night. We had absolutely no idea that we were stepping into a nightmare of note. Man, I have never seen such road rage before. This eensy weensy little vehicle deciding that it owned the right of way on the roads and very deliberately blocking the way for any other vehicle to turn or pass them. And then he entered into a verbal altercation with another taxi and the 2 of them did their best to try and bowl each other off the road. We were trapped in a 1m squared space behind a spider web net which separated us from the driver. We couldn't get out of there fast enough when we reached the hostel. We booked our 2 day trip to the islands of the Titikaka Lake and made our way upstairs for a much longed for shower. Dinner at a local restaurant and then bed, beautiful bed.
The next morning we were fetched for our trip to the islands. A group of about 25 people were chugged out in a tour boat. Our first stop was the reed islands which were really fascinating. Completely artificial floating islands which each hold approximately 5 families, made of reeds laid out over a floating soil foundation. Such a very primitive lifestyle which is becoming almost completely dependent on the tourist trade. We were then whisked at a very slow pace to the next island where we would meet our overnight hosts - local families on the island. These families gave us lunch and then we were scouted up the hill to start our climb up the ancestral temples on top of the hill. My lungs simply refused to provide me with air and I arrived at the communal meeting place sounding much like a steam engine battling to puff out any steam. After the talk, I decided to descend back home while the others made their way up the terraced hill. As I lay down on my bed, my lungs objected and I had to sit up again just to breathe. Supper was served and we all went to bed after spending much time chatting and getting to know each other a bit better. Needless to say, that typical uncomfortable silence descended upon the company as soon as it was revealed that Graeme is a pastor. We slept well and rose early for breakfast. A pan sized crumpet. After that we were all dressed in Peruvian outfits for a photo shoot. We bid our hosts farewell and were chugged across to the next island - Taquila Island. Fortunately, Graeme had insisted that I take an altitude tablet after breakfast, because it was another steep climb to the town square. Did some window shopping of the local tourist trade and then we were taken to a local restaurant for lunch. Really delicious local quinoa soup, trout from the lake and then a herbal tea from local herbs. A really pleasant two days of travelling and chatting to some very interesting young people who are travelling the world. On our way to Cusco tonight.
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