Tequile Island

Morning on Amantani Island
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Woke to a beautiful morning with the moon still visible on the horizon.  Took a pleasant boat ride from Amantani to Tequile, a relatively unspoilt island that is only about two spare miles in size and characterized by its friendly inhabitants who produced fine textiles decorated with symbols that reflect their way of life, customs and beliefs.  With no machinery or animals (including dogs), life on the island remains quite rustic.

The main industry is knitting, something done by both men and women.  Functioning as a cooperative, the community retains many traditions, including men wearing certain hats to indicate their marital status.  (White = taken).  With sun shining, we all enjoyed a wonderful meal of quinoa soup and king fish (introduced from Argentina into the lake, apparently eating all the trout introduced from Canada!).

Men Knitting

Men of Tequile Island
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We then walked down one of the steep hills through one of several arches beautiful arches along the path overlooking the lake. Next, we enjoyed a leisurely cruise back to Puno where I had to have it out with my hostel (or more specifically a representative from the company that had arrange the trip) as they tried to charge me for another night.  (Spoke to the Tourist Police and all was taken care of.)  Can´t wait to get out of this town...is Puno Spanish for "hole"...'?