Weekend #5: Puno and Lake Titicaca

These first photos are from Corazon del Lago, one of the famous floating Uros Islands of Lake Titicaca. While the concept and history of the islands is very interesting, now they are disgustingly tourist-centric. The islanders greeted us when we arrived and wanted to know all of our names. After each one of us introduced ourselves, they clapped. When we left, they sang us a song. Our tourist guide kept pushing us to buy their crafts to help the families, who had tvs and solar power. It is even rumored that no one actually lives on the islands, but that they live in the city of Puno and come out every day to welcome tourists.

 This is an archway in the plaza of Taquile Island, in the middle of Lake Titicaca. There were many such arches on the island.

When I got back from my trip, I had the flu. I don't like to regret things, but I could have used that $60 for something better. Save your time.