Puno

So after leaving the Bolivian side of Lake Titicaca we crossed the border into Peru, first stop Puno. This small town is the main port to the famous Lake Titicaca floating island. The Uros people (Quechan speaking ) have lived on the lake for centuries, living off the lakes birds and fish and building moveable floating islands from the plentiful reeds that grow in the lake. Around five families live on one island, made by weaving the reeds into multiple layers. As the lower layers rot new layers are placed down. Taking a small boat, we headed to one of the islands, we were greeted by the women in traditional dress who helped us get our feet on the spongy, unsteady surface. We chatted about their life and culture and the men showed us how they build boats, houses and anything else they need from the reeds. Their pet heron made a comical visit as we sat and munched the raw sweet roots of the reeds. They have solar power for lights and a separate island for 'toilet time'. Dunno if I’d like their way of life, but sure like their ethics. If someone on the island is lazy or does wrong they just cut the piece of island off with his house on it and send him floating!!! Always remember - build your house in the middle of the island!

Off to the Inca capital of Peru - Cusco. Can't wait to try Inca Cola - only this and Iron Bru outsells Coca-Cola in its respective countries - must be good.