las islas
cass and i just returned from an overnight stay on the island of amantani. first, though, we stopped at the floating islands of uros. the islands are entirely comprised of several levels of a lake plants roots and stalks. (once again, i cannot use an apostrophe). the islands literally floated and would quake when a boat went by and created some waves. their huts were entirely comprised of the stalk of the same plant, though many were equipped with solar panels. we saw their cook stoves and a typical lake fish. we also saw a school on one of the islands and played several singing games with a group of pre school aged children. the islanders also build elaborate reed boats with the heads of various animals at the bow of the ships. now, the boats are made with a lining of blue tarp and empty liter bottles, but were once made entirely of reeds. we road in a puma headed boat to the next island and relaxed as our boat driver told us about the construction of the vessel. then, it was a three hour boat trip to our home island, where we were met by family representatives and lead to the home. our home was a charming, simple brown adobe place with two stories built adjoined to an outdoor courtyard. our room was at the top, with pink walls, a ceiling lined with blue tarp and three wooden beds laden with hand woven blankets. our family served us lunch in their tiny, stuffy kitchen, where the air was thick with cook smoke. it was an awkward experience as the family brought out their crafts for us to admire and buy. after lunch, we hiked up to the soccer stadium where we purchased some chocolate. the stadium was truly incredible as the field was entirely dust and the back of the stadium seating was framed by the wide banner of blue that is lago titikaka. we then hiked to the top of the pache tate (not sure of the spelling, but father earth) ruins where we watched the sun set over the lake. i walked around the temple three times for the various sacred animals, but have received no positive energy as yet. afterwards, it was back down to our homes for dinner. i should mention that lunch was a soup of quinay ( a strange barley like cereal) and vegatables with potatoes, a hard boiled egg, and tomatoes on the side. dinner was a corn soup with a rice and potatoe dish to follow. afterwards was a town fiesta. ridicously, cass and i dressed in authentic costumes with the help of our host sisters, jenny and clara. we danced some at the festival, but the atmosphere was strangely contrived. we did enjoy the live andean band, but i had no coins for a propina (tip). afterwards, it was back to the house for sleep, and early rise, fried bread and tea in the morning and back on the boat to visit taquille. the strangest part of our homestay came when the girls brought in their niece and emphasized her long hair after we had admired her sufficiently (the baby did not really have long hair). then, the babys dad came in and asked if we would like to cut the babys hair. i replied that we did not know what we were doing, and cass responded with the same. he told us it was customary that someone outside the family should cut the babys hair and i began to feel honored. however, he told us something about the cutting and plata (the word for both money and silver, the metal). i was very confused, thinking we were to cut the babys hair with a piece of silver, however, we soon learned that he wanted 50 soles for us to cut the babys hair and have some of it for good luck or a memory or something. it was too weird and we were a bit relieved for the experience to be over. taquille was not quite as wonderful as i expected, still beautiful and quaint, but somewhat more of the same. the best part was strengthening our friendships with our group, which proved to be a lot of fun. one of them is moving to new york and i know you would love him, julee. i am going to send you his email. however, everyone we met was a lot of fun. i wish now that we would have spent more time in bolivia, but maybe next time. much love, darcy ps. we go to cuzco tonight!
Tags: Travel
July 13th, 2005 at 8:01 pm
hmmmm, all this time i’ve been cutting troy’s hair i could have been making money by having someone else do it! can’t wait to hear about cuzco! luv, la t-ster
July 13th, 2005 at 9:19 pm
Hi Darcy, WOW what an adventure. This is so great to hear all your travels. You are so out going and making the best of all your experiences. Your true calling is writting. Your trip sounds so fun and a little crazy. Bruce left for boot camp on the 4th and probally wishes he were in your shoes. We wish you well and a safe journey. Can’t wait to hear your next exploit. The energy you thought you might find at the temple was no doubt a sign that you already have the great spirits with you and you need not worry for you have the energy of DARCY. With Love, Denise, Ed & Boys
July 13th, 2005 at 10:07 pm
Darcy,
I know what you mean about “awkward” in that situation. It is hard to know whether or not you will offend someone by not participating in their so-called customs. This afternoon Laura and I went to the cemetery and after she got her flowers out I landscaped the area around Dad’s grave. It was hot here today so nobody was moving too quick. Tom Darche wanted to bike ride to Borrego today but I played sissy on that one. Hope Cuzco floats your boat.
Love, Dad
July 13th, 2005 at 10:09 pm
Boy, it sure was good to see that letter show up tonight. Some of your experiences at the islands seemed a little spooky. Sure glad you thought better about cutting that baby’s hair or you would have been in deep stuff with having no money to pay them. I am a little wiped out because I have been outside watering and doing some raking just like I thought I was 20 again or something. The yard looks so good to me that when I am out there I just start thinking I can do anything. It was pretty hot today. The air-conditioner is on for the first time. If I had of stayed in the house I probably wouldn’t need it. I am going for a needle job tomorrow. Mom and Lu will pick me up at 1 or 1:30 and taking me down the street, then they will go on home and come later and pick me up. I hope it gives my body some new strength. B and Devon leave Friday for a short Mexican cruise. Lona will be doing over the line. The valley is still quiet. M and M are down at Marla’s for a few days. Hope your ride to Cuzco is a happy and easy one. I think of you OFTEN. Love and good Karma or ? G and G TAKE CARE ! Hi to Mama Cass.
July 14th, 2005 at 9:34 am
Thanks for your very descriptive entry. I cannot believe everything you have experienced in eighteen days. It sounds like the floating islands were a little fake in their catering to the tourists, but I am glad you have bonded with a wonderful group of new friends. I can’t wait to hear about Cuzco. I read that its population has tripled in the last twenty years. I do know that tourism is important to Cuzco too…. but you’ll have more of an opportunity to choose what you want to do, and you, hopefully, won’t get trapped into awkward situations. I love you Darcy!!! Be careful….and keep writing!!! Mom
July 16th, 2005 at 2:52 am
I get up - take a pill - eat - more pills - then it’s time to look for a letter from you. I check about every three hours. It’s about midnight here and I will check again. The needle job went well. I watered a bit at late evening. Nothing else new. Just wanted you to know I’m thinking of you. A LOT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love Grams and G.
July 16th, 2005 at 10:38 am
Hi, you’re missing all the fun here. Teresa’s here and she, Cynthia and Laura came down to set up tables, wipe down chairs, and today will put on table cloths, etc. at Linda’s. They came here with Greek Chicken so we had it for supper and had a slumber party. I finally finished my genealogy papers so will get them in plastic folders today. Working on the computer has made me learn a lot and practice what I had learned in classes. We are all anxious to get your new Blog from Cuzco, and to know you made it there. I think your tales could be sold to a travel magazine. We miss you but we know you are having a great experience of a life time. All is well here. Troy is with his parents. His dad is having back pains. I hope they are well enough to come Sun. I think it will be fun. Love, and XXXOOO Meemo