We we left off, I was freezing we had just completed the a trip to the floating island of Uros. The island is actually made of reeds harvested from the lake and Uros is actually a series of islands and whatever tour you are on stops at one island. The island we visited has 22 people in residence from 4 families. The families work together to help maintain the island, the women create crafts of ceramic, weaving, wood carvings etc. The artwork and tapestry is much more authentic than anything we have seen in the local markets. The islands now have solar power for hot water use the money from the tourist to support and buy anything that can't be grown on the island such as meat and grains. The island residents invited us into there 1 room shelter where 4 people reside it is about 10-12 feet wide by 12 feet long. Talk about cozy. There is an oven for central cooking and the home is without decoration although there was a small portable TV, I am not sure about the power to operate it. The picture I posted is with the 15 year old daughter. There is a ride in a reed boat to a central location that has solar energy and wifi as well as a snack bar for the benefit of the tourist. Again this island is made of reeds. It is amazing to walk of the soft surface that gives and that the residents have lived this way for over 500 years.
After a cup of coffee, back on the boat for a 90 ride to the island of Taquile. This is actually an island within the lake. The boat speeds along and bounces with water splashing the entire window. There are several islands within the lake so with all the bouncing I was surprised I didn't get sea sick (I usually do), but Dan started to feel green. This is what occurred in Cusco on day 2 when in the altitude only today the outing is planned for another 6 hours and there is no turning back. They give him some herbs for the sea sickness but with no sleep and his GI upset we hope it shall at least calm somewhat.
The boat docks and then there is an uphill walk. (about an hour per our guide). It really wasn't that long but we were VERY slow. This is more of a challenge when your breathing is impacted and worse for poor Dan since he has some GI issues on top of not being able to breathe. Some of the trail are just steps, there is a long uphill grade and a portion of loose rock that sort of resembles steps. I was glad we brought the walking sticks although every thought we were being silly. Probably were but I appreciate the safety. It was the first time on one of our walks that I made it to the top before Dan.
On the way up we are past by a flock of sheep going down. Weaving, spinning yarn, and knitting are the main activities as well as tourism. There is a charge to visit the island that the locals use for improvements and what paid for the long walkway up to the top. There are flush toilets, solar power and a kitchen. Part of the visit is lunch in the community dining room.
We are greeted by the local chief who explains that on Taquile all the men knit. They are taught at age 5-6 while the women are responsible for spinning the yarn. There is also weaving on the loom by some women. It takes a women 1 month, to weave a scarf that is 6 feet long working 5 hours a day 7 days a week. Coca leaves are a stable and what the locals eat all day long for energy. Yes the same leaf that metabolizes to cocaine. Everything here seems ritualistic but it is a way of life on the island. There are sheep so there is also milk and lamb as well as fish. Everyone in the community has a job. We are treated to local dancing and can even take part. Of course after all the demonstrations we have lunch. Quinoa soup with vegetables then some local caught trout. It was baked and terrific, a tortilla type bread that was puffed up and most likely fried with a fresh pico de gallo salsa (yes too hot for me but tasted just the same). Rice and a finish of mint tea. This will probably do Dan the best.
After lunch we had a choice to walk to the top of the island and down the other side with multiple steps and go back the way we came. We choose to go back the short cut along with 2 of the tourist from France. There were 20 people on this specific tour that was held in Spanish and English and we we were the only people from the US. I find this amazing, People from Mexico, France Spain, and England. Truly a multinational tour.
Back to town after the 90 minute boat ride and the taxi back to our hotel. All in all a great day. Dan made it but he had his doubts. We fly tonight at 10PM back to Lima and then home at 12 noon the next day. A chance to sleep in a little and I will make sure with have feather free pillows.
The flight is on time. We were talking at the hotel to another couple that were going out on the 8 PM flight. I was worried the boat might be late so we are going to the airport 5 hours early. Julicaca is a small airport so they won't check us in until 1 hour before lots of time to rest up and sit in a snack bar and people watch.
Our flight to Lima was uneventful and we were met with a coupon for a welcome drink which for us is a farewell Peru drink. Dan was happy to be back at sea level and now is is more than happy to know he is on a plane bound for the US in 12 hours and 12 hours after that he plans to be in his own bed until we start our next adventure. Stay tuned it is upcoming in March.
Until we travel again!!
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