We just returned from the highland- literally above 12,000 feet! W bused from Cusco down to Puno where we caught a boat for the Islas of Lake Titicaca. This was the southern most point of our travels- at least this time- as Lake Titicaca is theborder for Peru and Bolivia. During our boat ride, we went to the Uros Islas, which are literally floating islands! The natives live on floating islands built out of reeds that grow in the lake. There houses are built out of the reeds, they use the reeds for fire wood, and they even eat the reeds (which keep their teeth clean just like toothpaste)!
After visiting the floating islands, we went to Mantanea Island where we met the family that we were going to spend the night with. It was a beautiful place- where we were finally able to escape the noises of the city (horns, dogs, vendors, etc...) and take an opportunity to bathe in tranquility.
Our family was fantastic and very accomodating despite their very simply living style. They provided us with our own sleeping quarters and some very delicious meals- though no meat as it is hard to come by on the islands!
We even got to dress up in native clothing and dance to a local Andean band!
The next day we hiked up to the top of Tequile Island to explore the different island cultures and to enjoy a splendid lunch!
Now we sit in Arequipa, preparing for another daunting bus ride (this time only 16 hours) to the booming metropolis of Lima. There the true adventure begins- we will attempt to navigate the ¨chicken¨ buses to make our way to Carral- the oldest city in the Americas!
Chau!
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