Monday, Aug. 25, 2003 - 9:55 p.m.
Lake Titicaca and the islands..part 2
When we arrived we were taken up a rickety wooden lader to one bedroom with four beds, the doorway to the bedroom was so low I even banged my head on it! There was no electricity or plumbing, an outhouse out back. We settled in and took a look around. I expected the lodgings to be more rustic, like they were in the Ecuadorian Oriente. We had a nice view of the lake below, framed by Eucalyptus trees. We then met the Dad, Juan, and the children. Luz Mery was soon eating her lunch and constantly was smiling, wearing her hand woven colorful hat with ear flaps (very Peruvian). She grinned at us through a mouthful of rice. Later that afternoon we reconviened with the others for a hike to the summit of one of the island peaks. As we hiked, we stopped occasionally to catch our breath and our guide told us about the island history.
There was a temple at the summit, a temple to honor the sun (there's also a temple of the moon on a nearby peak). It was constructed about 500BC, made of stones. Shaped like a square with three convening lines that meet in the middle, the lines are for the equinox and summer & winter solstices. The square had an interior square that was closed off, we were not allowed to enter because it is a sacred place to the locals. We were also told that it is tradition to walk around the interior square 3 times counter clockwise and make a wish, which we did. Also, the sun was setting on the other side of the island from where our community is, the sun was amazing.
Teodocia had let us borrow some hand woven Peruvian hats with ear flaps (like what the locals wear) because it gets chilly after the sun sets, and it was getting cold and windy up at the temple. I felt pretty rediculous wearing my hat, but at least it was warm. I insisted we get a photo of the 3 of us wearing our hats while there was still light left for photos.
As we walked down the hill the daylight was fading. By the time we returned to the house it was dark. Juan, the dad, lit candles for us and I noticed that the night sky was filled with stars as Mars shone brightly in the east above the massive body of Lake Titicaca.
After dinner there was a fiesta. But first we were dressed up in traditional costume. The guys wore simple brown ponchos with the traditional woven hats with ear flaps. My outfit was more complicated. I had two bright full red skirts, the first one had sequins and embroidery. And I also was given the same white blouse with colorful embroidery (I learned it was machine-made) and a black shawl with embroidery. With our hosts, we walked along the rocky path with flashlights. When we arrived at the large hall it was full of many other gringos and locals, all in traditional clothes and dancing to lively Peruvian music.
We had fun at the dance with the live music, locals and gringos dancing together. Sometimes in pairs, sometimes as a large group, in a circle. It reminded me a little of Greek dancing. One by one, Teodocia invited us to dance with her, so all of us had at least one dance that evening. We also chatted with Ally and Chris from New Zealand. She and Chris are headed off to La Paz, Bolvia for 5 weeks. Maybe I can meet up with them if our paths cross again.
Coming soon...
Cusco, Foot fungus, the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu...
As of Sept. 6th I am about to cross over the border into Bolivia. Will arrive in La Paz either Monday or Tuesday...
