Great Day, Runny Night

We have just returned from a top adventure out to Lake Titicaca–the highest commercially navigable lake in the world at 3,812 metres above sea level. Titi means Puma and you can see from this link how the lake actually looks like a puma chasing a rabbit from above (just like the way Orion looks like a guy holding his sword).

It is amazing how many inca derived tribes still exist there living seemingly traditional lifestyles untouched by modern conveniences (but more on that later).

The first stop on the lake was the island of Uros. These special islands are made from reeds. No land, just reeds, floating around the lake. Each island sustains around 12 families each. The Uros people eat the reeds, sleep on the reeds and even make special boats from the reeds. Walking on the island is like walking on a giant inflatable dingy.

We are pleased to report that we have taken instruction on how to build said islands and will be commencing construction on Lake Ginninderra on our return. The main benefit of living on a floating island in Peru is the exemption from paying taxes. Do you think John Stanhope will extend us the same privilege?

The next port was the island of Amantani. This is where we had our homestay with a local couple. Here we had the chance to participate in a fiesta complete with traditional costumes and bonfire. We have acquired some fancy new dance moves from our "mother" which we can impart on our return.

Everything was going swimmingly..........until.....

It was on our return trip up the steep path back to our homestay on the hill that Matthew felt something brewing from within. This was not good news because as we foreshadowed earlier in this entry, the islands of Lake Titicaca, while beautiful, are not furnished with modern conveniences we take for granted.

It must be said that the outhouse was of decent construction, but after several visits throughout the night, Matthew can now give you a full description of its function.

Suffice to say, after 24 hours of unpleasantness he is now on the mend and now rearing to tackle the 4850 metre mountain passes of our Lares Trek which will start on Sunday morning.

We´ll tell you all about it when we get back!