SO I realized I left off with the post that we were going to bike down the most dangerous road in the world (aka death road) and then I never wrote again. Do not fear, we survived with sweat and smiles. It was an amazing bike ride from 4,000 meters down to 1,800 meters, practically jungle. Breathtaking scenery, although it was hard to appreciate as we were trying to not fall of the cliffs that marked the entire ride. The death road is no longer used for public transport as there were so many fatal accidents on the road. A new highway was built on the other side of the mountains, and that is the road we took back to La Paz.
From La Paz we headed to Tiahuanuco, pre-Inca ruins near the Peruvian border, said to have been the centre of the universe due to the strategic location of many of the carved rocks that create perfect harmony during the solistice. We actually got stuck in this town because we found out too late that the border crossing closes early on Friday. The next morning it was a challenge getting to the Peruvian border due to heavy rains and overcrowded minibuses with old women going to the market. We were wet and tired at 9 am when we had to stand in line for an hour in the migration office on the Peruvian border.
In Puno we felt like we were coming home, although we still have a week of vacation. We visited the floating Uros island and had the bad luck of being stuck on a tourist boat that didn´t take us to visit an authentic island. None the less, it was a cool experience weaving throughout reed islands that form a unique community.
One of the highlights for us during our honeymoon was the start of the Candelaria celebration yesterday. (Candelaria is the Virgen Saint for Puno) Puno is known for being the follore capital of Peru and yesterday I understood why. Hugo and headed to the city stadium to join the locals in witnessing the day long (7am-7pm) dance and typical dress contest. Dancers from small towns around Puno came to proudly display their typical dress, song, music, dance. I was stuck inbetween joyous, sweaty, and amazed all day long. Some of the most colorful, detailed, bright, playful traditional dress I have ever seen. We got lucky mid-morning because a guard saw me taking pictures and said, ¨you´re not from Puno? why don´t you get closer so that you can take better pictures?¨ So Hugo and I got VIP front row seats right where all the dancers were coming in and out of the dance floor. If I was a better photographer I probably would have got some national geographic shots.
The official competition ended in the stadium, but the dancing and music continued in the street. I danced with some of the women from Juliaca in the street while Hugo shared a beer with the musicians that had feather hats. We fell in love with Puno yesterday. When I awoke this morning at 4am, I could still hear one of the bands playing down below in the plaza!
No comments:
Post a Comment