We made it to Puno really easily, a brand new bus with TV and drinks, a horror movie and no flat tyres. The highlight of our time there was a boat trip to visit the Uros Islands, which are actually not islands but floating reed boats. Whole families live out there and interbreed, which makes for an interesting visit. They also use the lake both as a natural sewer and also as their source of water. nice. Anyhow, the peak of the journey revolved around the explosion of the boat's engine! After drifting aimlesly in the middle of the lake for a while, our McGaiver captain fixed it with a rope and a shose string...
During our extended time on the boat, we were also surprised to listen to our guide speak perfect english - a change from Fawlty Towers Manuel-style Bolivia guides. I conclude that Bolivia is one generation behind Peru.
The Grand Finale of our time in Puno was really the CUY Chactado (eaten at a Cuyeria - good for the French-speakers out there). You might not know what that is, but I thought I was fully in control when I ordered it. When it was in my plate however, even I had problems eating it. Fried guinea pig is impressive, especially when served with rice, fries, beens, legs, eyes and teeth. It is actually the whole thingh just sliced open, but left intact, as in all the body parts where nicely visible, even from Olivia's side of the table. Peru's speciality is acually pretty tasty, maybe a bit fatty, but the only problem is that while you are eating it, it smiles at you and makes the process pretty hard. The solution is to get ride of the head first thing, then chew on the mini-paws, before moving on to the fleshier bits.
Today we are in Cusco, but this is a different story.
Los Uros Island, Lake Titicaca .
Nice little girl of the island.
Local means of transport.
The famous cuy chactado, smiling.