The islands are made totora reeds (as are the boats, the buildings, everything) and each week another layer needs to be added to replace a rotted bottom layer - this was a most interesting and picturesque visit.
Cruised on to the deep water Amantani Island where we had an overnight home-stay with the Blanco family with 5 children (the youngest just beginning to walk).
An eye-opening experience in a mud brick house with dirt floor kitchen/dining area, burning twigs to cook lots of potatoes and rice, minimal electric lighting and yet satellite TV!
Our group had to come together at the town meeting place - the continuing upward climb at near 4000 meter altitude was a torturous slog with one always gasping for breath. At the meeting we were told we would now climb to the top of the island to the sacred site Pacha Tata. One of the Gadabouts decided enough was enough and stayed behind watching the kids play soccer and volleyball and gave the blessing for the other Gadabout to continue. The view was superb and the canter downhill most rewarding!
Next morning amid the bustle of the harbour market we set off for Taquile Island where we were to have lunch atop the island. We finally solved the riddle of how to survive the endless climbs we had to endure - plod very slowly (like 18 inch paces) giving your lungs time to do their work.
There's something to the fable "The Tortise & The Hare", as we would always catch up with the younger ones as they regained their breath.
On the way up we reunited with Eddy and Celine from France whom we met on the Colca Canyon tour, they were on another boat - we took photos, swapped email addresses and hope to meet up in Cusco.
This morning we explored Puno, got some reading glasses ($5) to replace mine which I've been using with one broken arm for a few days, put our camera in for repair - wouldn't start this morning. Joan got a travel bag, coat, socks and crocheted bed socks all made of alpaca wool - she should be right for Cusco tomorrow night!
REGARDING LOST LUGGAGE - through our helpful friend Marcello in Lima, it has come to light that Aeromexico have been searching an incorrect baggage label number so in resending the correct details to them there is a glimmer of hope yet! Which is only right considering the amount of candles we have lit in churches and rocks we have piled atop one another in the wilderness (an Inca tradition) and of course holding our breaths crossing wooden bridges!
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