Day four - Floating islands and the home stay

On Thursday we were up early to depart for our home stay. Henry had told us we would travel to the port by limousine. It was not what we expected! 

Racing through the traffic we arrived at the port and met or local guide, Luis. 

We travelled to the floating islands of Uros where people have lived for hundreds of years by boat. 

The president of the island explained how the islands were built upon reed beds, held down by long stakes driven into the bottom of the lake. The islands themselves still rock. Every now and then the people have the place more reeds down to keep the ground spongy. 

Katie and Dina

We then travelled onto Taquile island for lunch. The 40 minute uphill walk gave us a taster of things to come next week 

Making more friends! 

Amazing views during lunch

Dancing in the main square

After lunch, we carried onto a local village for our home stay. We were welcomed at the dock by music, played football with the locals (even katie provided an assist), dressed in local clothing, danced and then had dinner with our new families. 

Although there were 6 of us eating, only Matt and I were allowed to sit at the table! Dinner consisted of quinoa soup and rice with spiced vegetables.

We were surprised that our room had an en suite. But were even more surprised when we were told to go to bed at 7:30!