july 1

I didn´t stay long in Arequipa. I didn´t like the hassel on the street, so I left. It is too bad because I would have liked to go river rafting or mountain biking or hiking. I arrived in Puno yesterday. I saw the Uros island in lake Titcaca. This island is intirely made out of reeds. The history is amazing because the people built them to get away from the waring tribes on land. It was not what I expected. The island is incredibly firm and not at all like walking on a water bed. The reeds have been trambled on in a way that makes them feel like wood chips under your feet. Like wood chips, you cant get a good footing, so even walking seemed to take some energy out of your legs. The islands seem to be a good tourist trap and the people have solar power and TV and other creature comforts. There are some strutures on pantoon floats, probably bought with tourist money. But, they know the reed island is how they make a living. I asked if it was cold at night with a house made of reeds. They said it wasn´t. I am going to take the night bus to cusco. i should see Machu Pichu in time for my birthday.

bye,

Pete