02/12/12

Waking up just before the alarm we checked out and hailed a taxi in the main square to the bus station. After buying our ticket to Puno we mooched around for some snacks for the bus. We were ready and waiting at 8am for the bus (Its allocated time) but this being Latin America it didn't turn up until 8.20am. Loading our bags and getting on we started to enjoy the journey until about 20 minutes in when I felt my vision going a little blurry - sort of recent migraine strain I seem to get now and again, so I took some paracetmol and slept almost all of the 7 hour journey to Puno!

At the bus station in Puno we bought our tickets to Copacabana, Bolivia, before getting a taxi to a hostel we had picked out. It was a nice hostel and we even got a free upgrade to an en-suite room. Awesome! The man at the hostel was really nice, Neil practiced some Spanish while we checked in and we got some information on Lake Titicaca tours. We were both rather hungry so after finding an ATM we went to a recommended Chinese restaurant - it was delicious!

We explored Puno a little taking in the Plaza de Armas, the Cathedral and also the biggest supermarket I have seen in South America, before walking along the train line (in the middle of the road) back to the hostel. I am still not feeling great so after booking our tour for tomorrow we had a hot shower each and climbed into bed ready for another early start tomorrow.

03/12/12

It was another early morning as we got ready for our boat trip. We were almost ready when our door was knocked telling us the mini bus was here already! After a few more pick-ups in Puno we were taken to the docks where we were transferred onto a small ferry. It was a pleasant 30 minute journey to the floating islands.

These islands are made of reeds and literally float although they are anchored down to make sure they don't float off, they still bob up and down with the lake's movement. Here we had a nosey in some houses, saw some handicrafts made, and learnt about the building and upkeep of the islands. We then enjoyed a 20 minute gondola ride to the main floating island. This island had a shop - where we got a drink each - a bar, a restaurant and a hospadaje (guest house).

It was then back onto the ferry for 2 ½ hours to the third biggest island in Lake Titicaca - Tuquille Island. It was a tough climb up to the main plaza, and bought back many (not so nice) memories of the Inca Trail! The views as we climbed however were stunning and totally worth the effort. After getting our breaths back at the plaza we had lunch at a local café along with a Swedish couple. They were travelling the opposite way to us so it was nice to share hints and tips - especially about the Inca Trail which is still so fresh in our minds. The guide also gave us a talk about the locals on the island - the colours, hats, pom-poms and things they wear indicate their marital status, age and if they are looking for love. Neil and I both commented that it'd be like being at a traffic light party every day - but would make everything far simpler!

After lunch we walked back down the other side of the island to a different dock to get our ferry. Again we were rewarded with amazing views as we did so. Back on the ferry it took 3 hours to get back to Puno - this seemed even longer to me as I'd taken a turn for the worst. Thinking I just wasn't hungry at lunch I didn't eat much but on the ferry I got stomach cramps resulting in terrible sickness and diarrhoea. Not good at all, especially with only one very small, and basic toilet on board! Luckily we got straight onto a waiting minibus and were the first drop off back in town, where I went to bed, and only got up to visit the bathroom - no fun at all! I'm just glad it kicked in after I'd enjoyed the beautiful views of the lake!

I was anxious due to our bus ride and border crossing tomorrow, but I'll just have to see how I feel when I wake up. Neil went out and got some supplies for us both - a burger for him, bananas and a Gatorade for me - lovely hubby. Here's hoping I feel better tomorrow.

xxx