It has been a low key few days since arriving to Puno. We made it out of Cusco and boarded our plane to Puno around 11 a.m. for a short flight (less than an hour). Once on the ground, we embarked on a 1-hour journey to Puno itself. We went straight to the downtown area where we had a nice buffet lunch and then headed to the hotel for some much needed down time. Our hotel is across the bay from downtown and is situated right on the lake. The kids enjoyed the down time playing pool, talking and just relaxing. Dinner this evening was back downtown.
The following morning we were picked up at our hotel by boat to head out on the lake, first to visit 2 of the 92 floating islands on the lake and then to the largest natural island on the lake. On the first floating island, we learned how these islands are made by cutting the reed roots into squares and then binding them together. They then lie about 6 layers of reed on top and then houses. These islands can last about 50 years before they do it all over again. It was really quite strange to walk on the island, as there was a lot of give under our feet. We got to play "dress up" and learned about the significance of the pom-pom accessories - signifying whether you were married or not - the bright colors for single, to attract a mate, more drab colors for married (usually black or brown). We took some photos and were able to look at some of the local wares (textiles and reed boats and mobiles) from the families on this island. We also learned about the hierarchy on the island where every year they have a new "president" who divides the money earned up between the families on the island.
After our visit, some of us boarded a reed boat to go to the next island which had a store and the local elementary school. Here we were able to get our passports stamped for Isla los Uros. After a short stay here, we boarded our motor boat and started the 2-hour ride to Taquila.
One the way, we learned how big the lake is - over 3300 square miles - owned 60% by Peru and 40% by Bolivia. There are a lot of natural islands with 80% of them being inhabited. The average temperature of the water is 9 Celsius or around 45 degrees - much too cold to swim in. It was hard to imagine the size of the this lake. We even got to see Bolivia.
Once we docked at Taquila, we headed up a very steep walk-way to the main square. We learned that this island produces some of the finest textiles in the world, having won several awards. We got to look at these. Then we walked to the other side of the island for lunch and a demonstration on clothing - and how to tell the difference between ages, married or single, etc. and even how the wool hats and belts are made. We also learned about the courting rites of these people. The girls ask the boys out with their pom-poms and the boys answer with theirs. Once they decide to get married, they actually live together for about 2 years in a trial marriage before deciding to get married, as there is no divorce here. We also got to learn about natural washing where they use a local plant to make natural detergent. It was quite fascinating.
Then it was back on the boat for the ride back to our hotel for dinner and getting packed and ready for our last day in South America. We have had a great time, but are ready to come home tomorrow.
The following morning we were picked up at our hotel by boat to head out on the lake, first to visit 2 of the 92 floating islands on the lake and then to the largest natural island on the lake. On the first floating island, we learned how these islands are made by cutting the reed roots into squares and then binding them together. They then lie about 6 layers of reed on top and then houses. These islands can last about 50 years before they do it all over again. It was really quite strange to walk on the island, as there was a lot of give under our feet. We got to play "dress up" and learned about the significance of the pom-pom accessories - signifying whether you were married or not - the bright colors for single, to attract a mate, more drab colors for married (usually black or brown). We took some photos and were able to look at some of the local wares (textiles and reed boats and mobiles) from the families on this island. We also learned about the hierarchy on the island where every year they have a new "president" who divides the money earned up between the families on the island.
After our visit, some of us boarded a reed boat to go to the next island which had a store and the local elementary school. Here we were able to get our passports stamped for Isla los Uros. After a short stay here, we boarded our motor boat and started the 2-hour ride to Taquila.
One the way, we learned how big the lake is - over 3300 square miles - owned 60% by Peru and 40% by Bolivia. There are a lot of natural islands with 80% of them being inhabited. The average temperature of the water is 9 Celsius or around 45 degrees - much too cold to swim in. It was hard to imagine the size of the this lake. We even got to see Bolivia.
Once we docked at Taquila, we headed up a very steep walk-way to the main square. We learned that this island produces some of the finest textiles in the world, having won several awards. We got to look at these. Then we walked to the other side of the island for lunch and a demonstration on clothing - and how to tell the difference between ages, married or single, etc. and even how the wool hats and belts are made. We also learned about the courting rites of these people. The girls ask the boys out with their pom-poms and the boys answer with theirs. Once they decide to get married, they actually live together for about 2 years in a trial marriage before deciding to get married, as there is no divorce here. We also got to learn about natural washing where they use a local plant to make natural detergent. It was quite fascinating.
Then it was back on the boat for the ride back to our hotel for dinner and getting packed and ready for our last day in South America. We have had a great time, but are ready to come home tomorrow. 
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