I heart llamas

So Vicky and I got back this afternoon from Lake Titicaca, where we hiked, saw some Incan ruins, and contributed greatly to the growth of the local economy (in the form of me shopping for Christmas presents). We took a bus yesterday morning to Copacabana, a main town on the lake. The drive is pretty incredible. It takes you through the altiplano, with the Andes mountain range lining the way. Once we got to Copacabana, we took an hour long boat ride on the lake to get to Isla del Sol. From there, we saw some Incan ruins (Pilko Kaina), and then hiked to our hotel. It made me feel incredibly out of shape, but I have to remember, we were actually higher in altitude than La Paz, so I shouldn't be too upset that I was winded by the walk! The views of the lake from the ridge are incredible. And the island itself is interesting. There's lots of agriculture, and because it's hilly, everywhere you look, there is terrace after terrace after terrace of potatoes, or beans, or corn, or other edibles. The terraces almost make the island look like a pyramid.

We spent the night in Yumani, at a very nice little hotel called Ecolodge La Estancia. It's an ecolodge because they use solar panels to heat everything, recycle water for more than one use (not for drinking or bathing, obviously), and have constructed cabanas that are very much environmentally sound. They also have a close partnership with the local community, hiring locals for full time, part time and seasonal jobs, and sell artesania crafted locally. It's a very relaxing place.

This morning we hiked down to a different place, to see ruins called the Inca Staircase, and the "Fountain of Youth," and Inca-era spring fountain that the Spaniards thought was magical.

We stopped for lunch in Copacabana, saw the cathedral there (really pretty "moorish"-Spanish style), and did some shopping.

I just got back (only 8:30) from having dessert at the Kuchen Stube (um...I'm guessing some German influence here) where we went for tea and dessert. She lives pretty close by, which is nice. :-) You always need someone in a far away place to have dessert with from time to time!

Tomorrow morning I leave for Cochabamba. I really am looking forward to having my feet on the ground for a while after this week. I've been really lucky to have gotten the chance to see so many places, but travel really gets exhausting after a while!