Peruvians love volleyball

Woke up and headed to a breakfast of fried quinoa cakes, jam, and cafe con leche. We said some quick goodbyes and headed to shore to board our sail boat. Today's goal was to make it to Amantani Island, but the outlook was grim as we had a steady, strong headwind. The men trade turns rowing - I offered - but was denied. Oh well! We got about half way there and ripped a sail, we decided to get back int our motor boat and cruise safely to the shore. Since we are staying on the other side of the island we decide to hike up and over. We hike though town to the main square, past the school at recess, a kindergarden graduation. We have to stop often because it is so strenuous at this elevation. We make it to the saddle after several geological discussions on the origins of Lake Titicaca. We hike to both of the two peaks - they are used for spiritual ceremonies one for Mother Earth and one for the Father. Along the way we stop and chat with people working in the field and a man hand carving a stone basin for feeding animals. We head down to our town, past fields of golden wheat and a football stadium to our home for the night with Adrian and Rufina. Once we arrive, we sit down to another lovely lunch and lovely view of the lake. We munch on fried king fish, tomatoes, 4 different kinds of potatoes and a yam that tastes like a carrot, potato combo while planning our afternoon. We decide to head down to the shore and soak our tired feet. I went up to my knees to cool my aching joints. We talked about folk stories, there one-eyed people before the Incas who upset the Sun god so he covered them up with water - Lake Titicaca and then brought about Manco - Inca #1. Back to the house for volleyball with our family First off, I can't stand volleyball, but this was the most fun I had the whole trip. Seriously. No one spoke the same language, but we just laughed and laughed. Music and sports, the great unifier. After a great dinner we headed to town for a traditional dance, Peruvian music and beer!