Backdated blog: September 2014
Here is one of our back log of blogs about Peru which we hadn’t had time to put up. Although this is from 2014 I’m sure you’ll enjoy our travels and pics!
Here is one of our back log of blogs about Peru which we hadn’t had time to put up. Although this is from 2014 I’m sure you’ll enjoy our travels and pics!
Welcome to Peru – land of good food, smiling faces and slightly cleaner streets!
We arrived in Puno (which you can see a panorama above) and set off immediately to Uros Khatanti one of the tiny islands that make up the Uros islands. A set of floating reed islands in the middle of Lake Titicaca.
Lake Titicaca is the largest highest altitude lake in the world, you cannot see the other side, it’s really small ocean, at altitude which is pretty amazing. There are theories that originally it was part of a lake system at sea level and due to earth movement and the plates it was raised up many millions of years ago.
We arrived in Puno (which you can see a panorama above) and set off immediately to Uros Khatanti one of the tiny islands that make up the Uros islands. A set of floating reed islands in the middle of Lake Titicaca.
Lake Titicaca is the largest highest altitude lake in the world, you cannot see the other side, it’s really small ocean, at altitude which is pretty amazing. There are theories that originally it was part of a lake system at sea level and due to earth movement and the plates it was raised up many millions of years ago.
The Uros islands are a set of famous floating reed villages. Everything is made out of reeds that litter the banks of the lake. I was really excited to do a homestay with a local family who live and work on the islands, and luckily we found a lovely place called Uros Khantanti. The island supports 4-5 families and the main income for them is tourism, they have 4 homestay rooms so you will only have 8 guests at any time. Other than that they live fairly sustainable lives eating fish from the lake, trading reed goods with the landlubbers etc.
We met on the side of the lake and were very excited to hop into little boats to be rowed across. As we neared the island you could see these yellow islands come into view.
As we got off the boat we were welcomed by Christina and her husband Victor, who have a bit of English, (thank gosh!) as our Aymara was pretty non existent!
We explored, found our rooms and got to meet Chana the pet flamingo who took an instant dislike of Greg.
Fishing with Victor
He took us out on the reed boat (now they use empty water bottles to buoy up the boats), and showed us his fishing spots. We caught small native fish, good for sopas (soups) he told us. Trout was introduced to the lake a couple of decades ago, but they eat all the native fish.
Our reed boat was very comfy. He showed us how they can eat the inner reed flesh.
Our reed boat was very comfy. He showed us how they can eat the inner reed flesh.
He showed us how they cut and thresh the reeds to construct the islands. They tie the reeds into blocks and stack until it’s about 5metres deep, then Every 30 years they replace each individual reed blocks.
Years ago before borders, the islands would float around Lake Titicaca, kind of like nomadic pirates! However once borders were drawn between Peru and Bolivia the Uros people had to choose a side, so now they tether the islands with 8 ropes to hold it in place.
Years ago before borders, the islands would float around Lake Titicaca, kind of like nomadic pirates! However once borders were drawn between Peru and Bolivia the Uros people had to choose a side, so now they tether the islands with 8 ropes to hold it in place.
Back for lunch, of sopas (soup), trucha (trout), quinoa and vegetables. They were all the same temperature and tasted delicious – a far cry from our food in Bolivia.
Tradition!
That afternoon, Christina brought out some traditional ethnic costumes. It seems so cheesy but suddenly becomes quite silly and fun as everyone gets into the spirit. Christina giggles and does our hair with huge heavy pompom creations, noting how short mine is (traditionally you never cut your hair). I have to mention that this was the one activity Greg was dreading as it’s intrinsically so touristy, but suddenly he’s all dressed up Aymara/Uros style and he loves it. We realise all the boys look like their in some ethnic boy band! Quick pose!
The Uros Men, Boyz2Reeds, Riverboys, Corazon de Totora (Heart of the Reeds)…..
What do you think?!
The Uros Men, Boyz2Reeds, Riverboys, Corazon de Totora (Heart of the Reeds)…..
What do you think?!
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As the sun dips behind the horizon we begin to realise How warm traditional clothes and are loathe to take them off! Rain starts and we huddle in her tiny reed comida (kitchen).
Dinner is yummy too, with a creme Anglais, fried pastry and fruit. Yum yum. Greg remakes it’s amazing what a Peruvian cook can do in the middle of a reed island on a lake, whereas Bolivians cannot do this in a kitchen anywhere!
We’d love to hear your thoughts on what Greg’s Peruvian boy band should be called! Leave a suggestion below ; )
Till then
Jade & Greg xoxo
