Amantani Island, Lake Titicaca

     As with so much in Peru, words fail to describe what the eye sees.  Fortunately, I am pleased with the pictures we took.  I think they are an excellent representation of our short but memorable sty on Lake Titicaca.

Having left the Uros Islands we continued across the lake to our final destination, Amantani Island.  The day was bright and cool.  We simply could not get over the calm, crystal blue waters.

We arrived at a quaint little harbour - members of our group were quick to point out how much it resembled fishing ports in Greece.  The views simply took my breath away!

We were met by two gentlemen, residents of the island who led the way, uphill of course (the Inca Trail was good preparation as it was steep).  A little girl (maybe three years old, carrying a pail in each hand) put us all to shame as she moved smartly along - apparently indifferent to the incline!  At one point, Carlos offered to carry a pail.  She gratefully accepted.

Education is taken seriously in Peru, as you can see in the picture of  school children on their way home at the end of the day.  It was interesting to note there are no vehicles on this island,  no sound of motors or pollution.

If the harbour is quaint, so too is the town square.

After a fine lunch we were billeted out to your homestay family.

We stayed with Victor and his wife.  The following pictures best describe that beautiful home with its gardens.

After a brief rest, as it was nearing the end of the day, the group came together for the hike - another challenging walk from the town to the top of a hill called Pachamama (Mother Earth), the other hill is called Pachatata (Father Earth).

From there, in the cold air we were to see the setting sun.  Unbelievable!

And then it was back down to the town for a party!  

Dressed in authentic costumes, we danced around the fire in the courtyard of another host.

Morning came too quickly! 

It was time for breakfast prepared by our hosts.

There was just enough time for a picture with our host, his wife, and our interpreter.

Last December, friends of ours sent an email describing their wonderful adventures that year.  I can't think of a more fitting way to end this blog about Peru than by leaving you with a quote our friend had forwarded to us.

In the words of philosopher Albert Schweitzer,  "In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being.  We should all be thankful for the people who rekindle the inner spirit."