Floating island/tourist crap...er trap

We had come to Puno to see Las Islas Flotantes and Taquile. Encarna had been there 8 years ago and had enjoyed it very much. We got on a boat and our guide that day was a swarthy Elvis-like fella. He was quite funny in a dead-pan kinda way.
 

 Uros - these are the reed islands made out of tatura reeds. When we arrived we were asked to sit in a circle while they explained how the islands were made - all very well rehearsed. Then we were "invited" into the "homes" of the "locals". Once they had 3 of us trapped in each house, they tried to sell us stuff. Encarna was smart and got out quickly. After that the "village" sang us some songs, awkward. And then they asked us to sing a song in our respective languages. The whole thing was contrived and awkward. We did get to go for a ride in one of their reed boats (for a price) and that was kinda cool.

We then got back on our boat for a 2 hour ride to Taquile. This is supposed to be the place for fine weaving and knits. Knitting is done by males, and the women make yarn and weave. Sadly, this island too, felt awkward and contrived. Most of the villagers were in their traditional costumes...so that they could charge per picture. But fair enough really, I can´t even begin to imagine how annoying it would be to have loud, strangers come and take my picture while I´m at work or relaxing at the local restaurant. They did have their wares for sale, but although there were some beautiful things, most were available in many of the towns we had visited.

 

 

It was interesting to hear the difference that 8 years can make. Encarna´s initial experience was quite different. I guess as foreigners we are looking for that "authentic" cultural experience. Unfortunately, as soon as word gets out that that´s what sells, well, people are smart - it gets more and more commercial and it becomes a marketing tool instead of a way of life.

I guess as visitors to a foreign land we need to understand that time is the key to that authentic experience - it takes time to get to know one person - it takes longer to know a people. You can´t really do it in a one week vacation. Sadly, our culture doesn´t allow us the luxury of that time, so I guess we have to compromise and get that watered down version they have packaged for us.