Well we've been away for 2 weeks now - in many ways it feels so much longer since we've already passed through vastly different climates and terrain. Today was our last full day in Peru before we cross the border into Bolivia tomorrow to continue our adventure. We spent the majority of our day on a boat on Lake Titicaca. We succumbed to the hugely touristy day trip which sets out from Puno and visits the floating reed islands (Isla Uros) and the larger island called Taquile 3 hrs away by boat in the middle of the vast glistening lake. It was just us and about 200 other tourists who all had the same idea!

I think if one was hoping to get a genuine glimpse of village life on the floating islands you'd probably be sorely disappointed; but if you accept you are visiting a representation of an ancient culture rather than the genuine article, then it is still an interesting and enjoyable experience. Now there are about 60 floating islands (compared to about 20 when Scott visited in 2006), each with about 4 families on them. I'm pretty sure the majority actually sleep on the mainland but Peru does not miss a trick on how to make money out of tourism, hence the increase in numbers of islands. We were shown how the Uros people use the deep roots of reed beds to anchor their islands and build up layers and layers of dried reeds on top. Whilst we were on the island you could see the whole structure bobbing up and down on the water. The Uros people also have boats made fully of closely woven reeds - there were pretty magnificent examples sculpted out of reeds with dragon heads at the stern. Amazingly they manage to hold a good number of people (probably up to about 20).

After about an hour on the floating island we boarded our main boat again for the second leg of the journey to Taquile. We were able to go up and sit on the roof of the boat to gain an idea of the vastness of this lake which spans over 200km in length. Upon arriving in Taquile we began a steep ascent via stoned steps to the main square at the top of the hill. We reached just under 4000m and it was a strenuous walk when you're not fully acclimatised! Also unfortunately my belly was really not right today either and I felt pretty nauseous already before you even take the altitude into account. At the top however we were met with a spectacular view across the lake which was jet blue and as huge as ocean, but serenely still and sparg. Lunch was fresh trout from the lake (for those whose stomach's could take it) in a restaurant which made the most of the view. During lunch our guide told us some more about the traditions of the Taquile people who are known for their intricate embroidered clothing. The men have to wear a red embroidered hat if they are married and a red and white one if single. I couldn't help but think such logic would make the dating process back in the UK a lot more simple!

Scott and I slept some of the 3 hr journey back to Puno and listened to our ipods. Dinner was in a fantastic restaurant off the Plaza de Armas (main square) which had been recommended to us by a lovely personable couple from Co Cork, Ireland, who had been on our tour that day. They were also out here on honeymoon - the first honeymooners we've met! We had the very authentic Peruvian dish of pizza!! - and due to my bad tummy ended up bringing half of it back to the hostel with us in a doggy bag for lunch tomorrow. In bed by 9pm tonight (that feels like a late night by our standards out here!)