Day 24 - Puno

Early start this morning to spend the day on the lake. First stop was the Usos Islands to visit with a community that lives on one of the floating islands. They showed us how the build the base of the island from chunks of roots, then add layers of reeds. The island is the anchored so it doesn't float away, but it is truly floating. The houses are also built of reeds. Each house has it's own solar panel, so they do have light. They use a communal kitchen and cook over fire.

Our other stop on the lake is the permanent island of Taquile. This island was once part of the Inca empire. They are spectacular weavers and knitters. Their clothing tells you status, e.g., leaders of the community (the two guys in the photo), as well as well is single/married. Lots of sheep, but no horses, llamas, alpacas, etc.

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