Liam and I spent some time on top of the boat on our way to Taquile. At one point, it was just the two of us. We enjoyed a lovely view and quality mother son time.

There are only a few islands on the Peruvian side of Lake Titicaca. Taquile is small and hilly. It's about a mile wide and three miles long. Taquile used to be a prison during the Spanish Colony up to the early 20th century. Now there are just over 2,000 people on Taquile and they have only been in charge of the island since 1970. There are no roads, cars, buses or bikes. Any power is provided by the recently installed solar panels. Water was obtained by walking to the lake-no easy feat if you are in the center or at the top of the island. They recently have installed solar powered pumps to get water and that has made their lives so much easier.

There are some pre Incan ruins on Taquile. There are also agricultural terraces. The people of Taquile practice community collectivism so they share what they grow and rotate crops. They follow the Incan code which is 'Do not steal, do not lie, do not be lazy.'

Aliquio's place is situated at the highest point, which means, we had to hike up with all of our stuff. Fortunately, there are new rock paths. These are almost complete and have been a task for the island residents for the last two years now that tourism is increasing. Tourism was controlled by non Taquileans, but after a two year training program, they now have community controlled tourism. Taquile gets about 40,000 tourist visits annually most of whom stop by for lunch after visiting Uros. A few lucky ones get to spend the night with a host family.

Aliquio was hosting a tourist luncheon the day we arrived

This is a part of the adobe house where we ate.

The iconic archway...Aliquio's backyard entrance

Aliquio's house probably had the best view on the island. Since he was at the top, you could see the ocean on both sides. We could even see Bolivia. There were stunning views in every direction, remeniscent of a mediterranean island without the humidity.

Aliquio's family was preparing to host a luncheon for other tourists when we arrived. He needed to help out, so we had a little time to relax from our long travel day. We went in the yard and met the family pet, a bad-ass rooster named Chico. We've had our share of run-ins with roosters on this trip, but that didn't stop the children from trying to befriend him. Maeve and Chico quickly became enemies as he allegedly attacked her as she tried to walk to the bathroom. We heard her scream, but never saw what happened. She was not happy and Chico was disciplined by having his legs tied together in order to slow him down and prevent him from jumping. Even so, I had to escort Maeve to the bathroom from that point on.

After lunch we were able to explore some of the island. We were advised to check out the beach. The small beach was about a 30 minute walk. The stone path ended about half-way there.

Definitely too cold to swim, but it was nice to frolic in the sand.

Our accommodations were modest, just a separate, small adobe room with two beds. Several blankets were piled on the beds because it gets quite cold at night. Aliquio offered for two of us to stay in the other house for more room, but we declined. It was cozier this way, plus no one wanted to hike any further or try to find an unfamiliar outhouse in the dark.

Just trying to stay warm....got chilly quickly

Aliquio's family prepared our meals. They made accommodations for our vegetarian lifestyle. They usually eat fish, but they made us eggs (of course Michael ate the fish). Everything was delicious. We were served soups, fried bread, quinoa and vegetables. We were definitely spoiled.

In the morning, the family and neighbors had prepared a craft demonstration for us. On Taquile the women make yarn and weave. The men exclusively knit. Their work is some of the highest quality in the world and has been recognized by UNESCO. They showed us how they weave and knit. I couldn't follow all of the yarns that made up the complex designs in the looms. I have no idea how they organize the patterns. We had to come back with something from them so Maeve and I bought knit hats and Liam and Michael purchased knit gloves. I bought a small woven purse that I think was intended for a man and his coco leaves, but it will fit a cell phone and cash perfectly.

Liam looking for the perfect pair of knit gloves

Soap is obtained by grinding a locally grown plant and mixing it with water.

After the demonstration and musical performance, Aliquio's nephew escorted us to the main square. This is where there are some shops and a government building. It is a 45 minute hilly walk. He told us that Taquile meant tranquil or peaceful. Ironic since every time I try to type it the word tequila shows up in autocorrect.

The start of our walk to the main square

Aliquio's nephew showing us the way to the main square. This is part of the new path.

The people of Taquile dress traditionally. The men make their own hats (see above). If you are over 17 and married, your hat is red. If you are single, it is generally white. Apparently the way you display your tassle lets others know if you are looking for a partner or not.

The school in the background with a new soccer field

Our boat back to Puno would arrive at the port at 2:15. We had to walk back from the town square, eat lunch and pack up. It would be another 45 minute walk to the port. No matter where we went on this island, I had to stop and take pictures (I know I posted a lot, but I still have more). It was truly breath taking.

Inca Kola even offered on flights. I guess it's like Mountain Dew.

We were sad to leave Aliquio and his family. They were such kind and generous hosts. We had to get a picture of them all before we left.

Aliquio's proud family. His nephew and his wife, Aliquio's wife and Alex on the far right.

A lengthy, but beautiful walk to the port

Aliquio spoke to me as we were about to get on the boat. He touched his heart and said that he was so happy that our family could come and visit them and that we were welcome to visit again. It was a sweet moment.

So we were off for our three hour boat ride to Puno where we would wait for over four hours for our eight hour night bus....sigh. Was it worth it? Absolutely!

Our captain for the return boat ride to Puno....wait for it........

Somehow I don't think this is a traditional shirt, but it does match the knit hat and cumberbun