Day 20
Lake Titicaca

OK....today completely obliderated yesterday from my thoughts. Spectacular! Lake Titicaca is magnificent. That is pronounced "Titi-HaHa" The locals do not appreciate it being called "TitiCaCa"...as CaCa means something unpublishable in the local Quecha language!
Anyhow we left for the lake early this morning and it was freezing cold...but as the day went on the sun came out and the lake turned a spectacular azul.
First we stopped to meet the people of the Uros Islands. These are actual floating islands built by the people over 1000 years ago and constantly upkept and rebuilt by the tribes who live on them. They graciously fed us fried bread and showed us around the church, school, and homes. Its just incredible. The ground is all squishy under your feet....you feel like you could fall right through, but this is their home where they live, work, pray, eat......There are no bathrooms. If you have to go you get in a small boat, go out a ways and plop over the side. This is how these people live everyday of their lives. it blows the mind to imagine the existence. But they are friendly and smiling....singing us off as our large reed boat carried us from Island to island. There are over 1000 people living on these 35 islands and they are gorgeous.
We then took a power boat two hours to the center of the lake to visit Taquille a solid island of 2000 people. When you arrive the first thing you have to do is climb two hours to the top of the island. This is where all the people live. Strange in the US we love our waterfront...but these people live as far from the waters edge as possible. They have to make the two hour climb up and down to bath in the water. There is no electricity or running water on the island....but somehow they cooked us a fabulous lunch. And the climb is worth it because the views....my god the views are beyond spectacular. You can see the whole lake right to Bolivia. But, you can not legally cross seeing as the boarder posts on the lake were discontinued in the 1980´s. Hence you have to come back to Puno and then go to Bolivia by land. Of course...a boat will take you, but if you enter Bolvia illegally....you may never leave!
Anyhow....Taquille is facinating. The men have to do all the knitting and sewing there. They wear these adorable knit hats that would perfectly suit an elf...but the hats are marked. White for single...red for off limits! I.E married. Very helpful for the local ladies I am sure.
After hiking and lunch we had our three hour ride back to Puno on the lake. Bryce bounced around the entire time! Even after climbing up and down a mountain! They let you sit on top of the roof which he loved and again, the views are beyond lovely.

Carrie asked on the blog...where is Rich. True...he is not the writer in this family and I have done all the blog entries. However, he has been with us...until today.
Unfortunately, Rich has taken very ill and has not been able to leave the hotel room. I hated to desert him today, but its easier for him to just be alone to sleep. We have medication and he is dilligent about taking it. He claims to be feeling better tonight. Wish him well!