A fantastic walk through Taquile. Passed young shepherd with their flocks. Sad to see though that many of the sheep had been hobbled and the ropes cut deep into their legs. The climb up was breathless, both in the fantastic views and the steep climb. As usual we watched aged women and men with huge bundles on their backs overtaking us effortlessly!
Talking with Edwin along the way we learnt of some of the customs... marriage was interesting. On most of the islands the young couples make their decision to marry after a couple of weeks and then move in with each other. They then have three years to finally make up their minds.
If there are children however, there is no going back... and once you are married it is for life!
Once a couple decide to marry, the festivities start. The couple's family are responsible for feeding the island for 12 days! At least 20 sheep are roasted and after watching the New Year's festivities we can see that much beer will be drunk! You wouldn't want to have too many children!
As we walked into the square we watched as a very distinguished line of "presidents" complete with sashes and bowler hats sashayed down into the valley and out to a distant village. Young children dashed around us selling small bracelets and weaving. We headed up, up to a stunning restaurant overlooking the ocean and the 500 steps we had to descend to our boat!
Before lunch one of the local guys demonstrated the clothing worn, white hats for umen, red for married and a funny pom pom hat for the president. A quick demonstration of how local plants are used for making detergents, dyes and food. By the time he had demonstrated the amazing knitting (definitely men only) we were ready for the splendid lunch of soup (of course), trout and omelettes and then off into the hot sunshine back down the steps to the boat.
The journey back a bit boisterous, not the peaceful trip of our outward journey. I must admit to catching a few ZZZZZZZ under the boat awning.
Suddenly the dream was over and we were back in Puno!
What a great afternoon. Fabulous setting in a unique house, made of sandstone and set into the hillside. Fab views of Pittwater. As it was hot and humid the smell of the gum trees was just overwhelming. Felt suddenly very nostalgic for everything Australian. More so than when we were travelling.
