Puno

In the afternoon, we decided to go and explore Puno a bit – we needed an ATM, and by now, it was very evident I needed some antibiotics for my increasingly painful tooth/gum-ache.  Before setting off, we cancelled the boat trip for the next day, as no way could it live up to our morning, plus I was not keen to be at sea all day in case my self-diagnosis was wrong and I might urgently need a dentist!

We decided to walk the 2k in, en route visiting an interesting old steel-hulled steamer, the SS Yavari; British built then shipped in pieces around Cape Horn to a port called Arica.  From there the whole thing was sent by train to the foot of the Andes then taken over to Puno on mules, bit by bit – taking 6 years in all! It is in the process of being beautifully restored, and will soon be running sixpenny-sicks around the lake.  It can accommodate 7 passengers on board – look it up if you are thinking of coming to Puno!

 

Lots of other interesting sights as we walked on, too – llamas; yet another fiesta band practicing (and drinking!) down by the shore; a huge concrete slide – what would ‘elf an safety say?!

 

And in town, lots of goings on – at the local street IT and phones market, this lady was making her choice; Lockhart Rd has some interesting Interior choices; the local classifieds are posted and studied; and, of course, colourful ripped-off DVDs!

 

We finally found the main square as black evening clouds rolled in, ruining my pix, so  we sorted the dosh and the penicillin, had a quick pisco sour in a rather nice café, then  high-tailed back to the hotel in a taxi.

 

 

All plans for walking down to a near-by restaurant for dinner faded as the thunder rolled and sheet lightning lit up the sky! Even the hotel restaurant required a dash through the rain, so we snuggled by the fire at the bar and made do with a hamburger! 

 

 

 

And today is  a Quiet Day In – well, mostly - as I fight off the infection and Mick catches up with posting the Copa blogs. A breath of fresh air later perhaps, and maybe a nice massage – it’s been a while….

 

Then tomorrow – a ten hour bus ride to Cusco! Will I still want to be a Traveller after that??!!