Apr 6 Islas Flotantes and Copacabana

I actually woke up feeling pretty good.  I ate the remainder of my quinoa salad dinner and a Peruano breakfast (bread, jam, and coco tea) and got ready for my tour.  I read that the tours are somewhat exploitative, but for $9USD, who cares?

I took the boat out with 8 other tourists, mostly Spanish speaking or bilingual.  The ride out was pretty.  There are now 62 floating islands that are constructed out of root mats from reedy plants latshed together and anchored.  They gave us a demo on how everything was constructed. It was interesting.  When they got to Q and A, I asked where all the human waste went.  Of course, it all goes into the water.

Uros; Islas Flotantes en Lago Titicaca

Definitely a touristy, photo taking kind of morning

Demonstration on how floating islands are built

Some stats on Lake Titicaca

local crafts; tapestry tells the story of Uros

After the demo, we got tours of the dwellings. All were very primitive with bed mats and little else except for a tv.  Hmmm.  The Ayamara women dressed us up in local garb which was kind of fun.  But after, they demanded that we buy their art which was just bullshit.  I gave a small tip and boarded my boat.  I guess it was a worthy experience, but really bizarre.

getting dressed

Elections are on Friday and there is lots of activity in the Plaza da Armas

I got back to Puno with just enough time to eat a final Peruano ceviche.  What better for bad intestines than raw fish and octopus and lime.  It was divine!  I picked up some snacks and got a taxi (paid for by my hostal) to the bus.

The bus was half full and all were gringos.  I was the only American.  I know this because Americans have to buy a visa for $135 because the Bolivian president doesnt like the US.  The bus driver and conductor do not like to be held up, so they kepy calling me American and directing me where to go.  The bus driver was impressed with my expediency at the border and flashed a big smile.  The bus company was a far cry from yesterdays ghetto operation.  The conductor gave us info on accomodations in Copacabana and drove us to his preferred hotel.  I have a massive corner room on the 4th floor overlooking the water.  Only 40 Bolivianos ($6.50 USD).  Downside is no wifi. 

I went to the front desk to register and was informed that there are no ATMs. F$%&!  Not again!  I had a small reserve of USD ($65) which, as it turns out, is enough to live really well for a few days.  I also have areserve of ARG pesos if necessary.  I can afford the $3 ferry to Isla del Sol tomorrow.

Town is kind of dive-ish, but has a low key charm.  I ate dinner in a gringo haunt and was treated to the movie Flashdance on a big screen.  Hmmm.