Lake Titicaca and the Floating Islands

I´ll admit that I was a bit homesick and depressed on Saturday night given that I probably missed one of the greatest AFL grand finals ever... to think that my team (West Coast Eagles) won over the Sydney Swans by just one point (85 to 84) is exhillerating to say the least... I can just imagine the high that Western Australia must be experiencing at the moment and to think that I missed it makes me sick. Can someone PLEASE buy this game for me on DVD so I can watch it on my return to Perth on Christmas Day. The Australians here in Peru tried desperately to get it shown live at the Irish Pub in Cusco but failed. And given that I went out with Julio´s friends, I couldn´t sit at an internet cafe for 3 hours to watch the scores posted live.

A floating island

I´ve spent the last two days visiting several islands on the highest lake above sea level... Lake Titicaca (3800 metres). Whilst interesting, my distinct lack of interest in touring meant that I didn´t really make the most of it. Yes, I am tired once again and kind of over moving from place to place. I am currently contemplating spending a month in Buenos Aires and a month in Rio De Janeiro before returning to Australia... I am planning to use these cities as my bases and visit nearby sights such as El Calafate (Argentina) and Iguassu Falls (Brazil/Argentina). I feel as though I´m not enjoying my holiday as much as I should... and relaxing and taking a true holiday is high on my agenda at the moment. But as Julio mentioned, I should just spend a week in Santiago, fly to Buenos Aires for a week and then reassess plans. Given that I´m at the end of a tiring tour, it probably isn´t a good time to be contemplating plans etc. But I am desperate to live in a place once again, no matter where it is.

A nice covering

I´m in Puno for a night before bussing it to La Paz tomorrow... the last day of this 35 day tour. Last night, we overnighted in locals´ homes on Takila Island. Like Sasha, I kind of felt awkward and felt as though it was too touristy for these people host people once a week. The island is situated in a beautiful area overlooking Lake Titicaca. The people were friendly and accommodating for the most part. To tell you the truth, I prefer to meet locals in my own way.

Cuzco was ok but didn´t satisfy me as much as Lima did. I´ve been having difficulties with the altitude especially with breathing and falling asleep at night. I´m looking forward to getting down to sea level (Santiago´s only 600 metres). I ended up spending Saturday night with Julio´s friends at a Miss Spring competition which was interesting to say the least... I spent the better part of the night being the only foreigner in this very Peruvian club.

A not so good pic of Julio and me

Another great group pic in all our glory

Another pic of the floating island

As the sign says

Better view of the floating islands

Bienvenidos... welcome... to the islands

Boat and floating islands

Close up of floating island

Close up of straw house

Dancing the night away

Great group pic with our local hats!

Local boats

Local house on floating island

Local lady

Local lookout house

Local mum preparing our dinner

Locals doing their thing

Locals showing off their stuff

Me in the local costume

More local souvenirs

My home for one night

My local family for the night

Peaceful area... Lake Titicaca Peru

Playing soccer with the locals

Sean and I enjoying our local meal

Takila Floating Island on Lake Titicaca

The other group who mirrored our journey to La Paz