Uru people, who live on these floating islands, use totora reeds to build houses, boats, and the floating islands. The bottom layers of the reeds will be rotten away and the new layers will be placed on top in order to keep the "island" float safely. Tourism has been a main source of income for these people.
The salt flat in Bolivia is a natural wonder that is not only awe-inspiring, but also seems to be the best place to play with perspective. With reflections that play tricks on the eye and constant bright sunshine, Salar de Uyuni is a veritable dreamland for the photographer with a sense of humor.
Visiting Peru/Bolivia has been my dream. To have finally made it was more than thrilling. I simply loved every scenary I saw during this 19-day trip. Ollantaytambo, our jump off city to Machu Picchu, is a tiny, charming, friendly ancient town; it is also famed for its terraced fortress. Very much worth a visit.
The Machu Picchu citadel itself is as spectacular and mesmerizing as its surrounding tall moutains with clouds. The sheer size of it was overwhelming - something to be experienced in person in order to feel its magnificence, The picture alone can't convey it.
In summary, La Paz is an extremely unique and beautiful city, but probably not one that I would revisit again due to its chaotic traffic and diesel-polluted air. I can't help but agreed with what one writer said, "La Paz either appalls or amazes for all who enter."
I am amazed at the fact that a Bolivian man who speaks no mandarin, through the internet, got exposed to and enjoyed a mandarin song by a Chinese boy in a far away country. The beauty of technological advancement!
A city that is so filthy rich in archaeological sites and artifacts, but without a written language, the history of this city remains mostly a mystery. Some circumstantial evidences found here have drawn comparison to ancient Eygpt that built pyramids.
The splendor of Cusco was a very pleasant surprise to me. This is one city in South America that I would intentionally get lost in the narrow cobblestone streets.
Potosi was probably the most humbling, most haunting, and most horrific experience in all of my travels. The visit to Potosi gave me a history lesson on the ugliness of greeds.
The excursion involved many grueling hours of endless miles bouncing, in a 4X4 jeep, over bumpy, rutted, sometimes non-existence, roads and staying at basic accommodation with no heats at altiplano. Despite the physical discomfort, we were greatly rewarded with the otherworldly views and wildlife that had permanently ingrained in my mind.
