We arrived in Puno on such a high, feeling positive and extremely confident about our trip (its said getting money from a Peruvian is like getting money from a Jewish!) We arrive at the bus station and like normal tours and hostels where being offered left right and center. We didn´t really have any plans to go to the floating islands on Lake Titicaca but we started talking to this guy and what he offered seemed incredible. For only 10 pounds we would go to the floating islands and have a bus to Copacabana (to cross the border into Bolivia) with no hassle. We signed up to the tour and even ended up staying in his hostel that night.

We had decided to treat ourselves to a nice meal so we walked the strip a few times and then an old man caught my eye and smiled. I couldn´t say no to him so we went into possibly the most expensive restaurant in Peru! When i saw the prices (which really were only 10pounds a meal) i convinced Becki to do a runner with me so as soon as the old man had broken his eye line with me we headed for the door for cheaper food. We finally settled with a restaurant that served local traditional food, so Becki indulged in some Llama which was amazing.

The next day we were both a little nervous about the quality of the tour due to Cuzco but we were picked up on time and arrived safely. We were hurried onto a boat and enjoyed about a twenty minute journey to the islands. We had read about the islands being made of reeds but thats all we knew, and thats because they all were! The islands were made up from locally grown pond reeds, which where anchored 15 meters down in roots and mud. (i know this as i won a prize for guessing the depth! well i said 15 as it was the first Spainish number that i could remember!) The families would use heavy logs to swash the reeds and then put new ones on top on a weekly basis. Each island had a life of 15 years, then a new island would have to be built. They used the reeds for everything, making homes, toys, tools, boats and even eating! They didn't taste of much only watery celery! The tour was really good however it was a little touristy and the locals depended on the money from tourists too much and were starting to change their way of living to make more money. We gave some kids a few coins and i played with this little cute fat kid who just cried and we brought our presents and said good bye.

Back on the main land we had a few hours to kill before our bus so we headed into town where we heard lots of noise. The streets were full of small Peruvian people either spectating or dancing in a long carnival. We had walked in on the warm up parade for February 2nd when the locals celebrate their founders day. We later found out that some of the costumes they where wearing cost more than all their other clothes put together! We joined in with the celebrations and then headed to the bus station.