Lake Titicaca, Day 2

Our day began with a spectacular sunrise over Lake Titicaci from our host family's house.  I looked over the end of the bed and was greeted with a view like none other.  We slowly awoke and got our things together.  Natalie and Noelia were up and ready to play.  They showed us some of their toys and I showed them some pictures of my music room at school.  Then, we headed down for breakfast.  Norma had already made pancakes with coca tea and jam.  We had to depart the house at 7:45 to depart by boat at 8:00 am.

Me and Thomas enjoying the sunrise.

Looking towards the Inca temple we hiked up to the night before. 

Tommy, Katherine, and Noelia

Tommy playing some alphabet games.

The kitchen.

Steamy coca tea!

Our bedroom looking out to the lake.

Norma and Cecil's house.  Awesome!

We had a sad departure from Amanatani Island since we will be missing our 2nd family.  Our boat was now taking us to Taquile Island for an afternoon of a slightly different culture.  Taquile Island has 4 tight knit communities of people with traditional dress that signifies your status and relationship in the community.  The boys and girls change clothing depending if they are involved with another person, engaged, married, or even a high status member.  Rodger, or guide, explained how the culture of the island revolves around "Yes" and "No."  There is no in between.  This goes for everything, you are either happy or sad.  This balance is a driving force in their lives.

Trail taking us to the main plaza.

An interesting way to make a hinge!

On this island, the men do the knitting and women to the spinning of the yarn. 

Rodger pointing out the details of Taquile clothing and culture.

A girl demonstrating how the islanders make their shampoo from a local plant.  They do not get gray hair in old age and think it is because of the fantastic shampoo.  Maybe?

Our lunch location.

Our view of the lake coming down from the top.

We got on our slow boat and then took the 3 hour ride back to Puno.  Showers were mandatory and we needed Peruvian Nuevo Sol money to pay the hotel.  In our quest for food, we took a turn off the main road.  Our roll of the dice brought us to a local restaurant that had a special chicken roast.  This really hit the spot as we watched the Copa Cup football tournament on the TV.  What a great night.  Time to get cranking on the blog.