Think we made quite an impression in Puno. Our truck pulled down the cheese festival sign and then our driver had to barter with police who fined him 500 soles for also knocking over a plastic sign, even though the police told him to go that way. Got a the boat to take us to the islands and were like typical tourists falling asleep and getting sunburnt. Arrived at the island of reeds where everything is made of....guess what reeds. Houses, boats they even eat the stuff. We then headed off to meet our new Mum and Dad for the night at Amantini island. A 3 ft woman greeted us and took me and Anna Marie (my roomie) to a house that was full of kids that ran out to greet us and about 5 adults. We still to this day do not know who our dad was!!! Gave them their gifts of fruit and colouring pens and got given a lovely soup and then some not so lovely potatoes and cheese. Was a little worried about the hygeine levels as things looked like they had not been washed for weeks but was all part of the experience. Went off to watch the guys play football with the locals and got roped into playing. At 4600 metres above sea level this is not easy. One of the locals thought it would be funny to try and kick the ball through my legs but I managed to tackle him and every one cheered. Not bad for my first ever game!!

Had more soup and potatoes, this time with a little rice. We then got dressed up in typical tribe dress which was about 5 layers thick but in the cold was appreciated. We then went to a village hall and danced to peruvian music until about 9pm when everyone cleared off to bed. Visited the isle of the knitting men on the way back to Puno. This Island has had no crime since 1986 where a boy nicked a sheep and there is no divorce. They also wear hats which shows if they are single or are the leaders.

Went out in Puno for the night and got followed back to the hotel by riot police (still dont know what that was about). We then headed off on our 6 hour trip to La Paz.

On last day of tour with my group now and have to say I am a little sad. We have had a blast and have now had to go our seperate ways only with facebook to keep in contact. Roads are hectic here and had my first experience of attempted robbery. Got my coat slashed yesterday as I walked down the street. Felt a lot of people around me and then a tug so quickly pulled away. They didnt get anything though, did have a 5 dollar bill and a bottle of sanitiser that they would have got. Moved hostels today and luckily our driver Eddie is hanging around for a couple of days so is staying with me. There are rumours of a riot in La Paz on friday so am lucky to have an ex snipper with me. Hostel is cool am going now to watch films and chill. Chao