Wrapping Up - Journal from Thur. 7.16.09

We didn’t have much to say this morning – we were solemnly trying to accept that we were leaving Amantaní for the last time. Breakfast was pancakes, bread, and jam, and then our host mamá walked us down to the port. Either the water was choppier today or our boat was just not built with comfort of the passengers in mind. We rocked back and forth on the swells so much that both of us felt seasick for the first hour of the ride. Our boat did make good time to Puno despite this, and by 1pm, we were walking to the bus station to purchase tickets for Arequipa tomorrow.

We wanted to give Puno a worthy goodbye and decided that the best way to do so was just to explore our favorite spot, the black market, one last time. We didn’t actually buy anything, as usual, but we did have some exciting finds: an iPod for 300 soles, an awesome stand selling slippers, and all the ingredients to make s’mores (Hershey’s chocolate AND marshmallows)! I was also on a quest for some interesting graffiti as we ambled around, and I surprisingly did have some success. For example, I learned from one specimen that Peru has a national food assistance program (PRONAA – Programa Nacional de Asistencia Alimentaria). I will definitely have to do some research to learn more about this!

We invited Victor and Ivan to our final dinner in Puno. The highlight of the night - I tried to get rid of my torn 50 soles bill, but I guess I underestimated just how much Peruvians avoid any rips in money at all. We left it on the table and quickly left, but our waiter soon came tearing down the street after us to point out the tear! Oh well, I have now officially delegated this piece of currency to the status of souvenir.

So, our bags are packed, our Arequipa adventure begins tomorrow, and we will be home in less than a week! Dios mio!