Living on a floater

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We took a bus across the border from Bolivia. Very easy border crossing. we had read that some of the bus companies can shaft you here, but we had no problems (with PanAmericano).

Headed straight to Puno, where we set about organizing a tour of the floating islands etc for the next day. My memories of Puno were not favorable so I was pleasantly surprised with the town when we arrived. Spent the rest of the day chilling out.

The trip to the floating islands of Eros and the island of Taquille (not floating) was great. After a 45 minute boat ride we reached one of the many floating islands (apparently it depends on whether several or all the islands have been joined together for parties as to how many are there at any one point). I think the islanders no longer really live full time on the floating islands, but it is still very interesting all the same. We were shown how they live when they are on the islands, what they eat, how they build there houses etc. We were then asked to purchase lots of cheesy souvenirs and went for a ride on a reed boat, but not before the children sang songs in many languages for us. The English song was twinkle twinkle little star!

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From there it is a 2.5 hour ride to Taquille, an island reknowned for its knitting apparently. Grans of the world take note. Our tour of the island was not a standard one, in that instead of heading for the main square we visited a family where we had a great cheap meal followed by some traditional dancing.

We then explored the island before getting the boat back. Beware of the sun on the boat. It is incredibly strong. Factor 30 all the way....

Went out for our first chinese that night. Very good too. Train to Cuzco tomorrow. We can't wait!