Jan 27th & 28th, 2010

After visiting the floating Islands, we headed to La Isla Amantani where Michael and I would spend the night with the local family.  We had no idea what to expect but it was just one night. 

When we arrived at the Island, the group struggled (due to the altitude) to climb up to the village where we were introduced to our family.  We then headed to our mud brick house.  No running water, no electricity, a kitchen with just a wood burning clay stove.  "Mama" (Rebecaa), Diego (13) and Lupa (5) greeted us into their house.  These kids introduced us to the extended family Sandra the Little Lamb, 2 cats, a donkey, additional lambs. There was also a small house that housed the Guinea Pigs.  (below right)

The kids were just adorable and loved entertaining their guests.  Diego and Lupa were not shy at all and acted as if they had known us all along.  Their native language is Quechua but they also speak Spanish.  We were conversing with them in Spanish.

My room is the one up top (close-up  below) and yes, teh house is made of mud bricks and there wasn't any lighting in the room, we used candles that the kids came to light when they came in.  Unfortunatley, when they came in, so did the cats and any other neatby animals.  The sheep were kept right below our window just to the side of the house.  The gardens were filled with Corn, Potatoes and more potatoes. 

We were served lunch, on the right is Quinoa Soup, on the left is three potatoes with a side of something similar to salsa, onion, tomato, and Cheese.  It was very good. Although it was a small kitchen with no modern conveniences, the food that came out of it was wonderful.

It was an adventure, staying with this delightful family and it makes your realize just how lucky we have the life we have.  I don't think a hot shower ever felt so good when I got back to the hotel.

For Dinner, Michael and I went to Giorgio's.  Michael had Quall with a side of Fettuccine, and I had a salad with black cheese, vodka and vegetables.  The black cheese was actually regular cheese covered with black seeds.  I never thought Vodka would make a good salad dressing. I guess that make sense, where there are potatoes, there is Vodka!

Last Updated 01/29/2010

Created by

Jim Gaidula