Friday 17 December 2010

CGGS Update # 5


An update from the group at Lake Titicaca

Hola amigos! First of all thanks for all of your detailed comments, you should have seen us all running and screaming down the hallways of our hostel with the excitement of hearing from you, so please do keep the comments coming!
Our last few days have been rather eventful.  We began our insanely early morning by jumping onto the local bike taxis which posed many more threats to our lives that caused both Marman and Lashes near heart attacks. You´ll be relieved to hear that all of us made it safely to the jetty where we boarded our boat to take us to the floating islands of Lake Titicaca. After a short trip we received a warm welcome from the locals on the island of Khantani where we were shown how the islands are made and told about the lifestyle, history and culture of the region. Once the presentation was over, we had the opportunity to visit the local houses and try on traditional dress, which, being us, was a lot of fun. We then went on a traditional reed boat, where we travelled around the floating islands.
Next, we hopped back on board our boat and endured a three hour ride to an island of more solid sorts, where we would stay the night. We were warmly greeted by locals once again, who showed us to our eating area. After a delicious lunch, we met our host families and spent some time with them, both in their houses and looking around the villiage.
It was then suggested that we climb to the highest peak on the island (that was already at 4000m above sea level!) to watch the beautiful sunset. Admittedly, we weren´t over the moon at the thought of another hike as the memories of our trek were still fresh in our minds. However, it proved rewarding and well worth the ¨leisurely¨walk. 
After a well earned dinner we then donned the local dress and danced the night away (...until 9pm!!) The sad thing however was that the teenagers wanted to go to bed, while the oldies (Marman and Lashes) wanted to dance the light fantastic until the early hours of the morning.  We won, of course.  The band from the local college were great with our final song of La Bamba going down especially well.
After the fiesta we then returned to our host families to stay the night.  The houses which we were staying in had neither elecricity or running water so that was a completely different experience from what we are used to.  We all slept exremely well and enjoyed the immersion that came from the home stay.
Today we travelled back from the island and split off into groups of 5 where we were given free time to find our own lunch and explore the craft markets.  Lunch proved to be an interesting experience where we were forced to experiment with our Spanish.  One particular group was unable to differentiate between the various items on the menu, so chose five random meals on the menu within our budget.  We were pleasantly surprised which the outcome with all of our meals proving very yummy.  We spent the rest of the day wandering around the craft markets, and back at the hostel sorting through five full garbage bags of long awaited clean laundry.
Tonight we´ve been out to a tradiional local restaurant, followed by a stroll through the plaza, and much to the teachers´surprise.. more shopping! We´re all very tired after our adventures and are looking forward to a soak in the hot springs tomorrow afternoon.
Much love from all of us to all of you,
The Puno Pollo Eaters.


11 comments:

  1. Wonderful to hear so much more news already, and the photo was super too! You all look so relaxed and happy - but then who wouldn't on a reed boat on Lake Titicaca? You are having so many immensely memorable experiences in such a short time...do you think they could arrange a similar trip for envious Mums and Dads???

    Can any of you still remember what a mobile phone or ipod is used for? Or Facebook? Congratulations on existing for over 2 weeks without them!

    Glad to hear the smattering of Spanish is proving so useful, and I bet you've picked up a few more words along the way!

    Enjoy the last few days, squeeze in a little bit more shopping in your packs, take a few more photos in case you don't have enough yet, and sleep well on the flight home...

    XXXOOOXXX

    Mary

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  2. You all look so clean, shiny faced and relaxed in that fabulous photo. Glad to hear you have been delighted with the range of comments coming from the land of Oz.

    The shopping must be exciting with the Peruvian arts and crafts. I wonder what Christmas delights might be heading back with you.

    For the rowers amongst you, Lake Burley Griffin has only just reopened for use following the sewerage spill from the Queanbeyan treatment plant following the heavy rains.

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  3. What a pleasant surprise to hear from the team so soon - I wasn't expecting another "letter" for a few more days. Love the photo of all of you in the reed boat - can't wait to see the rest.

    I'm glad to hear that a year's worth of Spanish lessons has come in handy in your search for food. Hopefully you will get to use more of it in your bid to bag a bargain in the craft markets.

    I hope everyone is keeping in good health and good spirits.

    Love to all

    Minni Mathew

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  4. Girls, great note and wonderful to see the photo. You all looked so relaxed. Glad to see the teachers are leading the way!

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  5. Love the photo, it looks amazing! Tugger and Sarah say hello and are looking forward to seeing you next week! Love from all of us xxxxx

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  6. Hi Girls,

    Have been enjoying all your news and especially the photos that prove it really is all happening!

    Well done with keeping us updated- can't wait to hear all the details that haven't made it to the blog. Make sure the teachers get enough shut-eye and looking forward to seeing you all very soon.

    Love,
    Chris, Jane, Erin & Anna

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  7. Hi Girls the trip sounds amazing! Looking forward to hearing all about your adventures when you get home. Xmas shopping continues.....it continues to rain......but the sun has finally come through today. Missing you all.

    Leecia,Stephen & Kate

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  8. A bonus blog and what a surprise to see you all.

    We loved the photo of the team floating on the waters of Lake Titicaca. We're sure it would have been a peaceful and reflective experence.

    Your adventures never seem to stop and you have certainly trekked your way into the record books of CGGS. Well done girls!

    Here in Campbell a serious countdown to your arrival has begun. We can't wait to greet you. Until then keep on adventuring and of course, shopping! There can never be too many markets.

    With all our love, the crew at #16.

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  9. How wonderful to find another blog as well as a photo. The reed boat looks unbelievable sturdy and it's good to see that somewhere in the world there's blue skies!! Like the rest of the Peru parents we can't wait for you to get home. Pleased to hear that you're keeping the shopping bug alive and well. May the rest of your trip be just as exciting.
    hugs & kisses Maree and Ted

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  10. Hi Girls, love the photo - it was great to see you all. The reed island and boat took us by surprise and your time there sounds like a truly unique experience. What a difference from downtown Canberra!! We were also surprised to get another blog so early - what a treat for us! We have started the countdown and can't wait to see you all. Enjoy your last few days - good to see you're getting some shopping therapy in after all your high country exploits! Love to you all, Vicki & Kent

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  11. Thanks for giving us another update - it sounds like you are cramming in the great experiences! We can't wait for the full story and photos when you come home! Keep practising the Spanish - seems to be coming in useful(?!). Much love from the Ryan family who are eagerly awaiting your return.

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