Hotel Taypicala Lago Puno

... Visited the Muesem at Pukara which gave some interesting insight into indigenous life.<br><br>The trip ended in Puno which was rather better than expected. I was particularly impressed with their &#8220;motor taxi&#8221; rickshaw style modes of transport. Then checked into the Inka´s Rest where I enjoyed South America´s equivalent of Basil Fawlty. And yes, before you ask I have had my eyes tested recently&#8230;

... took just over 3 hours and then we have to climb up to the main plaza. Altitude is ****.<br><br>Once there we took a look at a textile factory and then went to this gorgeous restuarant where you had 2 choices - omelette or trout. I chose the trout and it was lovely. Dont think I have ever had Trout before!!<br><br>Following lunch we walked through the infamous loney planet arch and down 500 stairs to where ...

... dinner at La Casona - a little pricey but really excellent pizza. Peru in general has really wonderful woodstove pizzas- who´d a thunk it?? I tried to treat my migraine with fluids and mate de coca but ultimately I needed a bed. The room at Posada Don giorgio was cold, but clean and simple. We had plenty of warm blankets and I was happy to finally sleep away the soroche (aka altitude sickness).

... off to the market to buy ingredients for the next 2 nights, it was so cheap and there was such a choice of cheeses and veg it was amazing! Puno is not meant to be that safe at night although it felt fine as we were near the centre and Alfredo had told us what streets were safe for night time, however as we were cooking for ourselves it didn't matter too much! <br><br>The next day we opted for only a half day tour of the floating islands, we could ...

So...me and kay spent the night on Amantani Island, an island about three hours by boat from Puno. We stayed in a local house and even got to try on the local clothing and dance the night away!!! Well, actually i think we were in bed around 1000, but this is probably the latest we have been up to since we got here...<br>

... only what the island itself produced (potatoes, oca, quinoa, wheat, and a few sprinklings of vegetables) she still managed to make it all taste amazing and keep our bellies full. Since she spoke Quechoa first and Spanish second, she was constantly whispering things to her son that I could not understand, and I hoped she wasn´t scorning our Gringo ways to our faces.<br><br>After lunch, Mollie rested while I ascended to 4200m above sea-level with the ...

... was in a large dining area and we were surprised with a culinary delight which included a hot salsa with oven baked bread, a soup made from Quinua (a cereal which promotes brain development, high in nutrients) and vegetables followed by freshly caught trout steamed with onions, tomatos and local herbs with good old Peruvian potatoes. Delicious. <br><br>After a dancing session with the family , Lily dressed ...

... goes down it is really cold and also dark so it was quite a challenge walking down the mountain without spilling the plonk. <br><br>After supper at the cottage we had a bonfire on the beach and then more drink and chat with kerry until the early hours.<br><br>How sad to leave this place. Kerry decided to stay longer and the temptation to join him was overwhelming. However more adventures await so off we went on a four hour ride along the worst road back to Puno.

... playing and I met up with some of the other tourists. We were dragged into dancing the traditonal Peruvian dancing, a little like a crazy okey cokey. Really exhausting at altitude, I slept really well that night.<br><br>The next day after breakfast I travelled on to Taquile island where again I had to climb a big hill., why do these people insist on living on such hilly islands?! I visited the square and ...

... and <br> relief. A few cultural differences made for some interesting situations. For <br> example the Peruvians are quite passive, so if you ask the whole group an open <br> question, nobody will answer it. Asking it again doesn't help. The only thing <br> that helps is pointing out someone who should answer the question. <br><br> <br><br> They were also very shy to begin with, but the more roleplays and group discussions <br> we held, the more ...