4. We are out here!

Last weekend i finally went to the famous Titicaca lake with my roomies. There was more hiking than we expected, but it was totally worth it. I can not describe the pure beauty of the highest navigable lake in the entire world. The traditional way how local people are still living on these islands is incredible. In the past they were mostly protecting themselves against rival tribes, such as the Incas and they want to live a traditional and isolated life on their beloved lake.

We first went by nightbus to Puno, a cute little city, next to the lake. From there we took the boat to the Uros floating islands. The local tribes, who have lived on the lake for decades, showed us how they made their own island. They bundle reeds tightly together, built their floating island platforms complete with reed houses and their transport consists of reed canoes. These tribes, who own almost nothing, make the most incredible juwelry and sheets, that they sell to tourists visiting the islands. We also had the opportunity to taste their local fruit, which was kind of inside the reed plant.

On the second island, where we spent the night at a traditional family house, i saw one of the most stunning views of my life. On the Amantani island we hiked till the highest point of the Pachamama mountain and i felt like at the end of the world. So beautiful! Once down we had dinner at our home stay, which included delicious homemade quinoa soup, muna tea (minth) and potatoes, rice and vegetables. Products are all fresh, veggie and for own use. They dont sell anything of the products. The locals wear colourfull dresses,

hats and ponchos and were really adorable and good hosts, although they live in poor conditions (no showers, heating, internet,...).

On the Taquile island, where we had again a beautiful view on the lake and even on Bolivia, we met a community speaking Quechua. We discovered some acient ruins dating back to the pre-Inca times and learned a lot about the traditions, that are unfortunatilly disapearing a little. They have e.g. a plant that can be used as shampoo and traditional hats, that look different if you are single or married. The weaving tradition goes back to early civilizations and is mostly done by women, while the men do the knitting. Here they eat fish sometimes and at the end of our visit we had the most delicious trouth!

This week will be my last week of volunteering! It goes so fast, unbelievable! I will do my last English classes with Spotty at my placement. The children love to learn and read English. I hope i helped them a little, to love learning a new language. Today a boy named Frank even asked me to teach him the numbers in English and he wrote everything down on his papers. Just adorable.

The rest of the week i will be planning the rest of my travelling. Next weekend and week there is Machu Picchu and the jungle on my program!