Day 11 Lake Titicaca (Part 1 of 3)

The day I had been looking forward to finally arrived at last…  It was my last full day in Puno and I was going out on the lake.  Here is a description of the day’s tour “Upon your arrival at Puno's lake port, a vessel will take you to the floating islands of the Uros. Uros are an ancestral society that inhabits a series of artificial islands built with totora, a reed that grows in the lake. The islands are built by weaving totoras in the places where they grow the thickest and form a natural layer. They build their totora houses over it and cook in the open air to prevent possible fires. After a one and a half-hour tour, you will continue your trip to the Taquile Island. Unlike other islands, inhabited by Aymara-speaking people in the lake, its residents speak Quechua. It was part of the Inca Empire and it is possible to note vestiges of said culture in their buildings. Nevertheless, when the Spaniards arrived, they forced its residents to get rid of their typical clothes and forced them to wear traditional farmers' clothes. Upon your arrival, you will receive a brief explanation on the island and will attend a cultural activity.”  It certainly met all my expectations!  It was a fantastic day with fantastic people….  It felt a bit strange walking along with the surface under your feet being a little spongy and moving up and down a some if a boat came by.  Very cool….  Inside the houses seems a little damp to me, I wonder why???  I was quite adventurous going out with one of the local men on a small boat made of woven totoras…..  very nice but a little edgy…..  Kept thinking about the camera taking a plunge.  I took a gazillion photos and because it was such a special day, I decided to do 3 blog postings…..  Truly spectacular day!