World´s Highest Lake

So, we´re a few days behind on updating due to poor internet accessibility. However, we do have some fun stories to share about our trip to the world´s highest altitude lake, Lake Titicaca...and we just love saying the name! Our day started with a a three hour boat ride in the hot sun. Our first stop was to the famous floating reed islands where literally everything is made from reeds...houses, boats, crafts,...the ground. The reeds are even eaten by the native people and are thought to cure sicknesses. Talk about putting all your eggs in one basket! Now, you ask, how does it feel to walk on a reed island?...Drink about 3 shots of tequila and that will pretty provide a similar experience! The native islanders were super nice and inviting. They even dressed us up in their extremely festive gear...photos to come ( technical difficulties). Our next stop was on the island of Amantani. This island is about three hours off the coast and has 9 ancient communities that still follow the traditional customs. We were lucky enough to have the opportunity to spend the day and night with a family (along with an amazing hike to see the sun set and moon rise almost simultaneously). Although no electricity or running water seemed uninviting, we roughed it and had an amazing time. Our first experience with the family was viewing their native dress which consists of piles of skirts, tight belts, and a hair scarves that resemble that of a nun. Meal time was another adventure, which consisted of potato soup, potato chucks and some other roots that resembled potatoes. Even more interesting was the way the families ate their meals. The mother was always crouched on the dirt ground cooking and cleaning while her family ate comfortabley at the table ( Women´s lib hasn´t taken flight yet here!) Later on, we again were dressed in their clothing and were brought to a community dance. A picture is worth a thousand words, so we won´t say much more about that...We will send pictures as soon as we can! Overall, a great cultural experience!