Saturday, March 8, 2008

Lake Titicaca


It´s been a few days since we left Cusco. After taking the bus to the city of Puno we decided to take a tour of some of the Islands on the Peruvian side of the lake. We went to the floating islands first. Made out of layers of reeds by the Uro Indians the, floating islands typically house two or three families. Being so small Maggie mentioned that it seemed like an intrusion of privacy. The islands have capitalized on the tourism also, making as much money as they can off of boat rides and art made from the reeds. Although in the words from our copy of Lonely Planet "there really isn´t anything quite like it."

The island of Amantani was where we spent the night. With virtually no electricity and no hotels we ended up with a local family. This was one of the best experiences of the trip so far. It was a good look at the agricultural way of life that still dominates much of Peru. At sunset we climbed up to the two highest points on the island, pachatata y pachamama (father sun, mother earth, pretty much). The locals have descended from the Aymara who, through the centuries, lived very close to the Inca and it seems today many elements have blended. Quechuan language, their spiritual ideologies,etc. We learned a few phrases - alli-llanco = hello. yus-parda-sunki = thank you. It was fun. After a wild night dressed in the local clothing, we headed on to Taquile. Similar traditions, great trout for lunch. Now we are off to the arid climate of Arequipa.

Hasta luego!

3 comments:

Ashley Rhian McKee said...

Kev, you have some great pics up!!!! I had no idea you two were leaving so soon! I hope all is well and keep posting the pictures! Awesome stuff!

Anonymous said...

hey kevin and maggie,
It is wonderful to see your pictures. I hope soouth america is great, I feel your pain maggie I was sick last time from mexican street vendor food, a bad choice. Happy Birthday Kevin. Sorry its early i've been really busy with school and getting ready to move.
Amor. Laura

Anonymous said...

hey kevin dad says hi and is working on posting a comment.
Love, laura