Hello People! By popular demand.....I am back writing another blog! (Well Karen asked anyway)

So, I have just arrived back in Cusco after a weekend in Puno. Puno is located in the South of Peru on lake Titicaca and near the border of Bolivia. Its about 7 hours on a very bumpy road by bus. Needless to say we didn't get much sleep on the way, or coming back. Carnival here is a week long event that ends on the weekend with 3 days of..............well carnivals. Puno is one of the larger events in Peru, with lots of people travelling from all over Peru to see it. Basically there is a constant parade through the main streets and plaza's with lots of elaborate costumes and bands playing carnival tunes. I was told that some of the costumes cost around $1000 each, which in Peru is a lot of money. (Most people earn about $300-400 / month)

I travelled down with Angela, and met some of her family. Which was nice, but also was kinda hard, as my Spanish is still rubbish. I seem to understand more now (maybe 10%) but its still hard speak. Mas practica!! We spent most of the time sitting on tall benches watching the parade and drinking beer and spirits. It was custom that if someone hands you some drink - you must take some and then pass it on. Of course being British.............I'm like 'Oh no thankyou', which I was quicky told was not the done thing! So.............being British.............I happily took the free drink. Also, it seems that I you are a Gringo (and tall) at Carnival people like to spray you with foam and throw confetti (?) at you! It was good fun! Especially when I got some foam for myself!

Well speaking of the Spanish......thats going okay. Last week I decided to step the lessons up to 4 hours a day, one on one. But that, for me was too much, I just cant take on that much new info so quickly...........so this week I have gone back to 2 hours, and 2-3 hours self study. It seems that I know a lot of words and verbs........but turning them into something people understand is an art!

Well I need to go now............as today is Angela's birthday, and I should get her a card or something. I dont know............I'm not too good at these things.................ideas are welcome!

Oh yeh ........and HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMANDA for tomorrow! I will try and phone you!

take care people xxxxxxxxxxxx