We are back in Puno, after spending 1.5 days out on Lake Titicaca. It was a nice change and just what I needed after my time in Cuzco, although the first night was anything but fun. I was in a triple with Callie and Aiofe in the hotel and we went to sleep fine. However, a little later we were woken by a lady screaming in the street. We thought she was being attacked, so Callie and I jumped out of bed to look out the window, to find her being restrained by the police. There was a nightclub opposite and she obviously wanted in. So apart from her, the nightclub blaring music, people talking in the street and taxis honking their horn all night, we got no sleep. We were not happy chappies in the morning and asked to be moved for when we returned.

We all jumped in tuk-tuks and were taken to the wharves. We all purchased 10 soles worth of food stuffs for our homestay families before jumping on the boat. Our first stop was Isle Taquile. It was about a 3hr trip and luckily the seats reclined and were comfy enough for a couple of hours sleep.

Lake Titicaca is the worlds highest navigable lake at about 4000m. It is split between Bolivia and Peru and has quite a few islands - both solid and reed within the lake. It is also the largest lake within South America. Need to be very careful with the sun here as we are so high up and also the reflection from the lake.

On Isle Taquile we had about a 30-40min walk uphill, to reach the main plaza. Here we were besieged by young girls who want to sell the friendship bracelets they have made for 1 sole. Their selling technique if you say 'no' is to pretend to cry. Wonder where they learnt that from. I bought one - before they cried!!!. Here the boys knit hats. Different hats determine whether someone is single, married or of high prestige on the island. The girls wear light colourful skirts if they are single, and dark if married. We had lunch on the island and then headed down 500 steps on the other side of the island to the boat.

We then had an hour trip to Isle Amantani. Here our new 'mums & dads' for the night were waiting for us. Nikki and I were together and we were staying with Hilda and Dio, both in their 60's. We walked uphill (of course) to our house. We were given knitted hats to wear. Each of us were given them by our homestay families. It is so they can recognise you. It was possible to buy them and I had no intention of doing so, until I saw it and fell in love with the colours. At least it is unique and was made by my 'mum'.

We then all met up for a football game but it looked too serious for me so I, along with the majority watched from the sidelines before we returned home for a snooze and then dinner, cooked by our 'mum'. We then returned to our room, where we were dressed by our 'parents' in the traditional clothing of the island. We had 2 skirts on and they were heavy. Our 'mum' was so tiny, it was hard for her to get the belt around us or put the shawl on. If you look at the photos, no, she is not kneeling....

We then walked down to the 'Incatec' similar to a discotec, except all of us were dressed up. For the majority of others, only their mum came, but we had both. It is tradition that they come up and ask you to dance. It was just what I needed after the past few days, lots of laughter and fun and joviality. It was a great night but jeez, those shawls are warm, but so beautiful.

Had a great sleep, no taxis here. Had pancakes for brekky and then taken back to the boat for a 3hr trip to the floating reed islands which are made of totora reeds. Originally, the Uros people made these islands to escape the encroaching Inca empire. We were given a mini demonstration of how the islands are made. They should last 70-100 years as long as they keep checking the base and anchors. It is possible in a severe storm for them to end up 5kms away. They then use motor boats to push them back or to pull them.

Was glad to get back to Puno though and off the boat. Had a lovely lunch and was hoping to do some last minute shopping to spend my Peruvian dollars but since it is Sunday, most shops are shut. Kylie and I are going to try Guinea pig tonight. Hope it is tasty.