Puno....Where? Oh you know! Lake Titikaka!

Yes all names to remember. And lives lived under incredible conditions. But survival is and making the most of what you've got is the crux of the story. Transport is not always quite what you expect on a very large mass of water. Much is made of the grasses including the image of a great beast big enough to carry all and sundry. Our guide told us how when a child he was often  sent on just such transport to and from school.

No the motorised kind had been built by his father and kept in the main running for tourists to ride across the lake to our guide's island home. An island showing all signs of a permanent home...buildings with doors and windows...bird cages...netting for catching fish...and an outdoor kitchen. TV also accessible with aerials mounted to make watching possible. As well our guide showed us around a school room which is used when required. And a solar energy source provided power.

 Lunch in the form of a large trout was brought up from the depths in a net. We couldn't see ourselves eating a whole one each although two were offered.

No limit on the types of pets surrounded us...of course we didn't see any dogs or cats...but caged birds or wading birds appeared to be of no concern.

Family members showed themselves to be very busy creating handy crafts...all for sale of course.

 Straw and mud wasn't always the building material of choice although it did dominate.
Some roofing material made of metal or tin did appear to be more reliable.

Boat handling efficiency appeared to be in-born.
I wondered if everyone could swim? A question I forgot to ask. The children made the most their 'swampy' playground.

 Rain water... a tank raised...had been put in place by an eternal optimist. I wondered how often the locals could expect it to rain.