Another 7am start for a full day today, lots on the agenda as we experience 2 completely unique cultures with their own language and traditional way of living in modern Peru. We start the day with a quick tuk tuk ride down to the port at Lake Titikaka to catch our speed boat, well more motor than speed we aren't exactly tearing around but it's a nice leisurely ride out to Taquile island for our first stop.
Taquile island has its own community, and they speak the inca language of kethchewan. The men here all knit, you can see them walking around with their needles, these are made from the spokes of bicycles apparently. The women weave, and their is a belt that has been protected under unesco apparently which is their calendar belt showing the 12 months and their significance in harvesting. You can also tell the marital status of everyone by the hat they wear, each colour for married, or single, they even have living together...! The island is so picturesque, with the lake visible from the main square. The knit wear is of course irresistible for shopping... I have to get at least one piece!
We head up for lunch, rainbow trout and the food as ever in Peru is divine... Then we finish up And head back to the boat, despite the altitude it is scorching hot today. Our next stop is Uros, the floating islands and the people who live there!! I have at this point no idea what is in store and am amazed when I arrive.
So basically the island is made of reeds, kind of... Layers upon layers of reeds all held together onto one small island, and it is small and anchored so it doesn't literally float away. One family lives here, about 15 or so people men, women, and children. They even have solar panels and TV's, I am amazed at what has been achieved here to mix traditional culture with modern needs. The children are great fun running around, taking us to show the houses. Of course, they have things for sale and it would be rude not to so I grab a couple of ceramic egg cups to round off my Peru shopping spree!
Next it's a boat ride in a reed boat, slow and tranquil its an interesting experience and I am really taken by the people here. As I go to leave the kids keep grabbing my hand, one last hug, one last swing around... So cute! They sing a little song, and we head back to Puno.
That evening we go for traditional Peruvian BBQ chicken with some traditional style dancing show along with it, it is great fun and a nice way to end an interesting day on the lake. Tomorrow we head back to Lima, and I think we are all sad about that as it signifies the end of our tour.... It's been amazing and just such a wonderful experience that its very hard to see it coming to an end.
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