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We're back in Puno again, after our Lake Titicaca trip. It was a really interesting couple of days, and not without its own little drama. We seem to be having dramas this trip, although, so far they´ve all been fairly minor.
The trip consisted of a very slow boat ride across part of the lake to one of the islands on the Peruvian side. We got out, had quite a long walk (which is not trival at 4000m), then lunch in the main square, including the nicest piece of fish I´ve had in a long time. We also took photos of Bolivia while we were there, but our guide insisted it would take hours to go over and get out of the boat, so we´ll have to be content with Peru (probably just as well given the current political climate there which fortunatly hasn´t spread to Peru at all).
We were then supposed to be met by our boat to be taken to another island where we were to spend the night. But, we arrived at the dock and there was no boat. Eventually, after a number of quiet frantic phone calls, the boat turned up with horns blaring. The driver attempted to manouver the boat into dock, but failed miserably. He went around for another approach and it looked much better until he stopped rowing and decided to relieve himself from the front of the vessel. I think it was that that tipped us off to his lunchtime activities, and it became clear very quickly that he was incredibly drunk. Getting the boat actually docked was quite a production, as were his first attempts to drive it. Fortunately, our guides decided that was unacceptable and took over, leaving him to wreak havoc by nearly falling overboard, attempting to fill the petrol tank while we were going and doing running engine 'repairs'. But, we did make is safely - although suffice to say, he did not get tipped.
The island stay was great. We were staying with a local family and helped prepare and eat dinner, then walked up to the top of the mountain for sunset and the local temple (unfortunately missing most of the soccer game in the process, but we're told that the tourists drew 6 all - I´m sure our presence would not have helped that scoreline) and then traditional costumes and dancing. Again, all these activities are much more difficult at altitude, although we are both coping quite well.
This morning we made our way back to Puno, stopping at the floating reed islands in the picture. Groups of families literally live on floating reed islands that they construct themselves. They have boats, houses, kitchens, lookouts and all sorts of things, all completely made of reeds. It seems quite a good arrangement. Apparently, if there are disputes between neighours, they simply move their islands around.
This afternoon we´re off to an Incan cemetary, and then tomorrow is the bus to Cuzco and the start of our trekking.
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