Hostal Helena Inn Puno

... helped. The hotel was offering room discounts to 65soles if we took a tour on lake Titicaca with them. It all seemed pretty straightforward so we provisionally reserved our places on the tour and agreed a price which was written on a small piece of paper. It all took a bit of time, about an hour before we dropped our bags off and went looking for food. We found a nearby Pizza restaurant and splashed out about 30 soles on a large Pizza and coffee.<br><br>We went back to our room and crashed.

... shorts - a big mistake. We quickly learned why the Lake has such a reputation for being downright freezing at times. We passed a few local women selling their wares and I picked up a few really nice handmade alpaca hats for 15 soles each (about 5USD). We arrived at the ruins which were closed for entry. We had a nearly 360 vista of the surrounding landscape and the snow covered peaks in Bolivia. We didn´t stay long. I too was cold ...

... I saw the cross. Its really windy there and the water was quite choppy so the bus got a good 45degree angle swing on it from side to side as it crossed. I was glad to be taking a little boat instead... That added more time and by now it was clear that we weren´t going to make it to La Paz until at least 4/5pm. We were back on the road and I was just thinking what a ****** travel day it had turned out to be when I spotted some snow capped ...

... the sun go down and then headed back down the hill for dinner with our families. We had a nice rice and vegetable dish and chatted to Selma again.. she was asking all about our families and what we did etc... we got onto the conversation about parents, and I talked about mum... she then opened up to us about a health problem she has with her heart... I wont go into too much detail but she got quite upset, it was really sad...a little awkward but heart renching. <br><br>After dinner ...

... whos happily watching Madagascar as we speak) also the best, free internet and tea and coffee, also a kitchen but we wont be using that.<br>So floating Island trip for tomorrow organised and tip`s for a good restaurant we ventured out.It is only a couple of blocks to the main street and seems like everyone is out walking around. We found the chinese restaurant they reconmended and had a great dinner for about $7. BIG day tomorrow so off to bed.<br>

... the place and the lake are absolutely amazing. the women still dress in their traditional attire that you typically see in postcards and pictures. i really didnt think they still dressed this way until i got there. all the houses are made from mud bricks, and almost every home has their own self made boats to fish with. the only traffic you see here are the sheaperds, cows, dogs, and the kids playing. we woke up early that morning to see the sun rise over ...

... but <br> promised to call. We travelled on to Cusco, spent time there, looked for schools <br> who'd be willing to hire us... but all we could find was a school offering us <br> $3 an hour and only 4 hours a week (if we were lucky). All the other schools <br> asked for resumés, certificates and references. <br><br> <br><br> Arrival at the Centro de Idiomas<br><br> <br><br> We phoned Puno and were still more than welcome. When we got there, the ...