THE HOT ADVENTURES OF A NOT COLD BIATCH

Lake Titicaca and the floating islands | 26 Sep 2006

Had to draaag myself out of bed and realised I had absolutely no idea what I had booked for myself so couldn't really pack for my overnight stay on an island on Lake Titicaca. So kept the rest of the group waiting while I, completely flustered, threw some things into my bag. I am such a hopeless traveller. I never have a clue what's going on.

Lake Titicaca is the world's highest lake (well, the highest biggish lake, or something... Daniel knows...) and is really really pretty when the sun is shining. The water is this really clear blue and it's HUUUGE!!! Apparently like half the size of Holland or something. Heaps of the Andean tribes associated Lake Titicaca with the emergence of man. I think. It plays a big part in their mythology and religions anyway.

We headed to these amazing islands made entirely of reeds, that float on the lake. About 2000 people live there, the Uros, and they make everything from reeds - the islands, their houses and their boats. The life is very tranquil - they survive by fishing and weaving, and nowadays through tourism aswell. Walking on the islands is a little weird, all squishy and damp. The Uros make anchors out of rocks and tie them to rope to make sure the island doesn't float away. A new layer of reeds is added to the islands each month because otherwise the islands deteriorate.

The Peruvian government decided a while ago that using fire on these islands was too dangerous (because the reeds can catch fire) and so the Uros now have solar electricities to power tvs and radios. Otherwise, their life is relatively primitive.

Went on a boat ride in one of the reed boats. Everyone had a go at fixing my dodgy camera.

Left the floating islands and headed to Amantani, a permanent island where I did a homestay with two Dutch guys, John and Ralph.

to be continued...

Locations Visited: Puno, Amantani

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