So we crossed the border into Bolivia, headed to the little town of Puno, on the shores of Lake Titicaca. The journey took us along the majestic snow-capped mountains before reaching the La Raya pass at 4,321 metres. We visited the Sillustani ruins where we relaxed on the grassy hilltop overlooking lake Umayo before we made our way to Puno. Only spent one night in Puno then made our way to the dock and catch a boat taking us along the serene Lake Titicaca, headed to the a small island inhabited by the indigenously Aymara Indians. And what a beautiful island it is, where life seems so simple, as they live off the land and marry only within their community. There is little western influence here, which is refreshing, and it is a joy to wonder around the island. Then we reboarded the boat again and made our way the the island of Amantani where we stayed the night with a Aymara family. Not really knowing what to expect, we docked at the island and what a beautiful island it is. Again the island is self sufficent growing their own produce, but only enough to eat and trade with other islands. There is such a calm, peaceful feel here. It is made up of a small community whom welcomed us with genuine warmth, it doesnt feel like it is a tourist trap or that we are intruding, you feel really welcome. After being introduced to our family we were taken to they house where we attempted to converse with the small amount of spanish and in their local language quechua and with english and hand signals, but it was all in good humour. The Aymara Indians are so small, half the size of me, most of them are under 5 ft and the tallest men are even smaller than me, so that meant that their houses are typically small and we had to duck to go under the doorways. Before dinner we walked to the top of the hilltop to get a panaramic view of the island and Lake Titicaca and watch the sunset. Then we made our way back to have a supper of potatoes, and rice, the tradition meal of the island. Then were invited to the community dance. We were dressed up in tradition dress and taught the traditional dance which consisted of holding hands in a big circle or as a pair and skipping around as fast as you can. So I worked up a sweat as the women here wear a heavy cotton skirt with a under skirt and a cotton skirt and a waistcoat, and with all the dancing and basically running around for a few hour, I must of sweated off a stone. But it was such a good night and so much fun as you were really made to feel welcome and part of their community. I even got a marriage proposal, but despite how nice the island was, I had to decline, aswell as the fact that he was only 4ft nothing and only a teenager. So after a great night we thanked the family and bid them goodbye and reboarded the boat that took us to the island of Umayo, which are floating islands made of reeds, inhabited by Uros Indians. The islands are so unique, and strange to think that they are made of reed and are actually floating on the lake. We aboarded a floating reed island and was informed of the practices and traditions of the Uros Indians. Afterwards we were taken on a boat ride to another reed island by a reed boat where we could buy locally made textiles and crafts. So an awesome few days, such beauty and a privilages look into different cultures which gives you an understanding and appreciation into they practices and tradition. A definate thumbs up!!!! So after one more night at Puno we made our way onto La Paz.