We took it in turns to suffer altitude sickness headaches during the night; not much fun  The morning started with a tricycle taxi ride to the port; lots of fun if a little scary (a bit more spare between other road users next time please!).Took a leisurely boat ride out to Taquile Island in Lake Titicaca. Very interesting place, especially seeing the people wearing their traditional clothing. The people are primarily farmers, but yhey are very good knitters; we bought a hat for Andy and Andrea got a belt.Lunch on one of the restaurant terraces was very pleasant; vegetable soup, rainbow trout from the lake and what the guides call 'Explosive tea', which is a mix of local herbs. After lunch we were to return to the boat, which should have been a pleasant, scenic stroll around the island. Unfortunately a storm front blew bringing very strong winds and horizontal rain. The boat wasn't where we thought it would be as the weather meant it was too rough to stay where it was. So we all crowded into a shelter to escape the worst of the weather. After a while the rain stopped an the wind dropped so we were able to get on the boat. But it wasn't a smooth crossing to Amantani Island. The boat didn't appear to have been designed with rough seas in mind and it pitched and rolled something awful. We were mightily pleased to get to dry land!
On Amantani Island, the group was split into two's and three's to stay in the homes of the local people. Our family was a girl and her mum, complete with chicken, lamb and tiny kitten. They lead a very simple life living in mud brick houses. They had their room and a separate kitchen with wood stove and we had our own room. Outside toilet (bring your own paper!). Although they didn't have many possessions, they seemed very happy with their lot and they made us feel very welcome. They gave us hats so they could recognise who was staying in their house (a great system as we all look the same to them).
In the evening we were dressed in traditional clothing for La Fiesta. Andrea's outfit was two skirts, a shirt, a wide colourful belt and shawl. Andy got away lightly with just wearing a poncho. We all met up in the community centre where much dancing was had! Well, we danced for about an hour (not continuously) then got tired. But it was fun dressing up and shaking our stuff!
They only electricity on the island was from solar panels, so the island was dark walking back. Saw an amazing amount of stars! Slept very soundly as it was so still and peaceful there.