Quite a nice bus - reclining seats but no ventilation. Had to open the window to get any air in. 3.5 hours to Copacabana - partly along the same road we took 2 days ago. Interesting diversion when they told us all to get off and catch a little outboard motor boat. The bus went over on a wooden pontoon powered by a lawnmower engine and 2 men with long poles to steer and get it started. We were then at the port of San Pedro on the peninsular where Copacabana is.
Copa is on Lake Titicaka - the highest lake in the world at about 3800m. We had to cross a higher ridge to get here and we arrived quite tired from lack of oxygen. Once again the views were specatular of the valleys, lake and mountains. The steep hillsides have the Inca terraces.
Luckily the hotel had sent a van for us because it was uphill. J womanhandled the big bags and a porter took 1 of them upstairs. The bus trip here cost $6.
Our room is beautiful. Circular in shape in the corner of the 2nd floor facing the lake. Glorious views. A lovely bathroom and striking mural of a typical Bolivian scene. This is costing us $30 per day including what is ranked as one of the best breakfasts in Bolivia.
We descended after an oxygen rest and researched the all day trip to Isla del Sol tomorrow ($5 - you have to love Bolivia). Downhill to the lakefront with dozens of little restaurants and souvenir shops etc. Just realised we havent bought a fridge magnet for too long. Fixed menu lunch (mushroom soup, trout or steak, and banana with chocolate - $3.50 the lot) at a little outdoor restaurant with comfy chirs under a tree and Bob Dylan reincarnating the 60s. Very pleasant.
Just when you think you have seen EVERYTHING, you see something quirky. Today it was a bloke leading a cow and the cow had a giant shirt on. ?shrugs¿ I have no explanation. There are 3 ways people look after their herd animals. Very occassionally they actually have a fenced yard and they are kept in that. Mostly they are out on the fields with a shepherd, usually a woman. Because there is no fencing I guess her main role is to keep the stock off the crop areas. The other method is quite common and it used for cow, sheep, pig, llama etc. That is to tether the animals for the day and return them to the farms at night.
J walked to the Cathedral this afternoon. Very large and ornate. One of the Priests was out the front blessing a car, apparently a regular occurrance. He had his blue plastic bucket of holy water and what looked like a squeegee. Blessed under the bonnet and back and front seats. Then family blessing and they then go into the Church and place flowers with the Blessed Virgin.
A very hippy feel to this town. Hardly any vehicles, which makes it very pleasant to walk around. Napped through the sunset then went next door to the classy hotel for dinner. They do a very nice trout here. Home to watch cable TV comedies.
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