Lake Titicaca

Just a quick post from the Puno hostel´s computer

The over night bus from Cusco was delayed a couple of hours by disgruntled customers who couldn´t get on it due to over booking. Dispite the 2 hr delay we arrived just 45mins behing schedule at the obscene time of 0515hrs in Puno.

We were soon taking over the hostel (I do feel sorry for some of the peoples peace and quiet we obliterate sometimes) and making ourselves at home.

It was a very tired team that found themselves on a boat out to the Uros floating islands sxtraight after an early breakfast. Overnight buses can suck the life force out of you. After checking out the unique was of life of the islanders there was the chance to catch up on some sleep as the boat took us on the 2 hr trip out to Tequilie (sp??) Island. Some of the team are paying the price of falling asleep in the sun this eve with some sun burnt faces. The cold clear high altitude air caught people out despite it being only 9am in the morning.

The thing that struck me wandering over the second island was the clarity of the air here. True sparkling air with stunning views across this iconic lake to the Bolivian High Andes was truley spectacular.

The chance to see and learn about another unique community was followed up with a lovely lunch before hopping back on the boat and cruising back to Puno.

I had my first hot shower since leaving the UK and then most of the team have been out for a meal. Some stayed back at the hostel to sleep off the effects of the overnight bus and too much high altitude sunshine. They need to be fiting fit ready for the next phase of the expedition. We´re up early in the morning (0530hrs) ready to catch the 0800hrs bus to Arequipa and start the trek.

Its 2130hrs here now and I´m the last up. Everyone has gone to bed, guess I should do the same as I didn´t get much on the bus last night, the seats weren´t as good as previous coaches.

Hasta Luego

Ian