Lake Titicaca

My final few days in Peru were spent on Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest navigable lake at 3,800m (altitude has certainly been a theme the last few weeks!) The lake seems so vast that it feels like you’re on the ocean and the water is incredibly blue. 

I visited Taquile Island, which reminded me of the Greek islands - stunning views over the lake with such vivid colours, made brighter by the sunshine.  The boat also stopped at the remarkable Uros floating islands - islands made completely from reeds including the boats used by those that lived there and their houses.  Amazing to see how much can be done by just using natural materials and for me, a good link to forest school.

Overnight was spent with a wonderful older couple in the village of Linquina and after a great night’s sleep (only to be ended by the noisy donkey in the back garden,) I spent the morning helping with the daily chores including taking the sheep to graze, harvesting beans and potatoes, shelling the beans and drying the grain.  Not sure I would make the best farmer, but digging up the potatoes was pretty satisfying work! Not so sure I am as keen on the animals!  

A football match played against the locals, a chance to wear the traditional dress of the ladies and performing a dance with the locals topped off a great couple of days, which I feel privileged to have experienced.