DIY Travel: Lake Titicaca

Hola Amigos,

My name is Timoteo and I'll be guest writing today.  Before I begin, I'd like to share my ideas about travel and the types of people you come across while traveling.  First of all, in my opinion, I've learned more about myself, the world, and all subjects ranging from business to sociology than I ever did in all my years of studying in school and university.  Travel IS the BEST teacher.   

There are many types of travelers, but two really stand out in my mind.  Those who enjoy the comforts of tour groups and all inclusive packages, and those who love to do everything on their own.  Sometimes I'll find myself using tour groups but when I'm able to, I prefer the latter and here's why.  Most of the time, it's usually cheaper to do everything on your own, but even if that wasn't the case, it still allows for complete freedom to do what you want to do and when you want to do it.   Cheap tour groups might even be worse than expensive ones because they short change the experience.  You see, locals do the same things tourists do.  The only difference, is that tour groups create a 'comfortable' package where they just subcontract to locals.  

An example is when we went to see the floating islands of Lake Titicaca.  Tour groups were charging in excess of $100/per to see the islands.  Reading multiple blog posts, it sounded like a tourist trap, and to people like me, I try to avoid places where its all tourists herded like sheep.  In a way it kind of feels like one of those pyramid scheme meetings.  Anyways, Lynna and I still wanted to see it so we simply walked to the pier and bought share-ride boat tickets for $3 each with other Peruvians. They took us to one of the floating islands where we were given a spiel for how the floating islands were made and how the families lived there and then another ride for $3 to ride this special boat made of dried totora reeds.  We ended up buying some small necklaces to support the families that lived on the island and returned to Puno after a few hours.  

The Uros islands were a cool site to see against a beautiful backdrop that is Lake Titicaca and nearby mountains.  They are made of totora reeds and an indigenous people called the Uru's call it their home.  There are about 40 islands total with each island holding 3 to 10 families each.  Before tourism, the Uru's lived completely off the lake and from the reeds that grow there.  Nowadays, tourism has brought modern technology and money which can be seen from many solar panels and a sort of 'amusement park' feel to some of the islands.   

The lesson of reflection I learned from visiting this place is that these families are caught in a strange tug of war between traditional and modern living and the hardships are clear.  The islands slowly decompose over time and need constant care and maintenance while at the same time, these families are busy hosting tourists everyday to make an additional source of income.  The struggle is real.  It made me really put things into perspective and appreciate how good we have it back home.  I have great respect for these people as well as all the other street vendors I see who do what they have to do on a daily to survive.  I see them working hard and it makes me want to work hard when I go back home. 

Thanks for reading.  Peace and love.

Timoteo