Lake Titicaca – the highest lake in the world. Sitting at more than 3800m in altitude it stretches 170km in length and 70km in width across both Peru and Bolivia. The deepest point is an incredible 280m. Looking out across the lake it is possible to believe it is a never ending ocean.
While on the Peruvian side we visited the floating islands on the slowest boat in the world. I was skeptical. Surely they meant just some little island in the middle of the lake. Nope, turns out these islands are actually made of reeds from the lake and are movable. They were made so that the pre-Inca people could escape any attacks if need be. Or someone just thought it would be cool to live on a floating island. You choose.
(View of the floating island)
(Hairstyles of Peru…)
(The reed boats they use to get around)
(Pia and I cruising around on our reed boat)
After the floating island we visited an actual island….that possibly has the best idea ever. During lunch our guide explained the traditional dress of the island…which includes different colour hats based on whether you are married or single. Brilliant! Single women of the world rejoice! How much easier would it be if you could just look at the hat a man is wearing and know whether or not he is available. And you can spot it from a distance! Alternatively, the status of a woman depends on the size of her pom-poms. Yes, actual pom-poms that are hanging off her head scarf. What did you think I meant?
(Married)
(Single)
(Judging by the size of her pom-poms, likely single)
The island was very picturesque with the lake surrounding it. The town even had some trees, an unusual occurrence at 4km above sea level. Not sure I could live there though, even with the classification system. Walking any distance at 4000m altitude, let alone up the hill everyday, would nearly kill me!
(Admiring the view)
(Demonstration from a local)
The next day we boarded a bus to Bolivia…
