We’d got used to the ever changeable weather through the Andes now so it was no surprise that despite a fabulous sunset, the following day dawned with rain and clouds. The view over Lake Titicaca was still something to behold though. Thankfully my stomach was feeling much better and I was ready to tackle the walk back down with gusto.
Our hosts at the eco lodge were taking us back to the mainland on their own boat so Rudi led us down to a harbour on the other side of the island to where we had originally docked. Crossing the surface of Lake Titicaca for one last time, we arrived back in Copacabana. Rudi was accompanying us all the way to our final destination (but more of that in a while), but first he had some more sight-seeing in mind for us.
Walking up one of the roads, we were beguiled by the sound of music and like the children in the Pied Piper of Hamlin, we followed it to an open air school show. A square full of locals appeared before us and in the centre a school full of bemused children putting on their end of year/Christmas show (the main school holidays start when the children break up for Christmas here). Wherever you go in the world, the responses at such events are the same. Children of all ages wear the same expressions of bewilderment with a little confusion thrown in. The teachers wear gritted smiles and anxiously await some kind of performance disaster. The audience lap it up with happy smiles and tears and smart phones at the ready.
Altogether it was charming and we would have happily stayed for longer, but Rudi was a guide on a mission…next stop the Cathedral or the Basilica of Our Lady of Copacabana. This was a huge, beautiful, Moorish style structure with a commanding presence. Although most definitely a stunning building and must see for tourists, personally I’d have been happy to watch the school performance for longer.
From here we went to another lovely restaurant for lunch with, you guessed it, quinoa soup as starter. There’s no denying quinoa is a staple here. It’s widely grown, nutritious and can be used in many things. That aside, I think it will be some time before we use it in our cooking back at home!
Boarding a coach we followed the scenic shore of Lake Titicaca for some time before it finally disappeared from sight. Trying to ignore the scaryfying driving around hair pin bends, steep gradients or deep joy, a combination of the two, we tried to imagine what our destination would be like. So far our trip through South America had been largely tranquil, relaxed and not too busy. This, however, was about to change. We were heading for La Paz . Although not the official capital of Bolivia (this is Sucre), it’s the largest city and certainly the busiest. What delights and adventures awaited us here? You’ll have to wait and see.
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