Stuck in Puno

The transporter's strike has me stuck here, which, for today, wasn't half bad. It was in the mid 60's, maybe even into the 70's during the day. I'm sure that will change tonight. Since I cant afford to stay in this swanky hotel like last night ($25 bartered down from $35, a fair price for actual heat in your room, even if it is just from a little space heater), I'll be back in Antarctica, AKA The Uros Hostal, across the street. Which is not a bad place, it's just really cold right now at night. Oh well. With some luck, the strike ends in the next few hours and I hop the 7pm to Cusco. I missed Inti Raimi (there is some info here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inti ) which is too bad, because I saw some pictures in one of the tour books here at the hotel and it looks awesome.

I was supposed to leave at 7:30 this morning, but the strike, which was expected to end last night, didn't. So I went to the famous floating Uros Islands (once again, Wikipedia to the rescue http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uros the picture they have is quite exemplary) on Lake Titicaca. For the low low (seriously) price of S/.10 (10 soles, about $3.20) you can hop a boat ride that visits three of these islands. They look like big bails of hay, just floating there in the water. When you step on, they dont bob or anything, they're quite solid. On the islands, the locals, who are indigenous, go about their traditional activities, which include cooking, fishing, weaving, and selling their crafts to tourists. I, being the savvy tourist that I am, purchased a small 6"x2' rug/wall ornament for 5 soles ($1.60), adorned with authentic looking inca designs. It'll go perfectly with the llama finger puppet I purchased from a little boy at the marina for one sole ($penuts).

I just finished negociating with one of the managers here, and instead of the 75 soles I payed last night, I'm going to be able to live here for 45 soles/night, which works out to about $15/night. Not at all bad, for a place that normally charges 110 soles/night ($35) and has three stars (awarded by who? I dont know, but they're on the doorway out front). For those wondering, yes this is within my budget, because I spent so little in Lima. Plus they have a really good breakfast here, and to sweeten the deal, its free. Now I realize that the only reason I'm able to regocate at all is because the large group that WAS going to be staying here this week cancelled due to the transportation strike.

I've yet to try Inca Kola ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inca_Kola thanks Wikipedia). I've heard, as the article states, that it tastes a lot like bubble-gum. I dont know about you, but when I want bubble-gum I'll pop a stick in my mouth, I dont want to drink it. But I dont want to come off like I'm "cutting on" (do the quotes with your fingers) Inca Kola. Untold millions guzzel it by the gallon here. They love it. And if that many people like it, it cant be all that bad. Then again, that's what they said about Duran Duran.