365 Inspirations--255: Homestay on Amantani Island, Lake Titicaca

Yesterday, we headed to the docks of Puno and haggled with boat drivers. We wanted to visit Uros (Floating Islands) and stay overnight with a family on Amantani Island. We were late to the docks and most boats had already left, but we found a few drivers who were eager to take us.

Two other fellow travelers were looking for
A boat and asked to join us--Philip is from Holland and Sabrina is from Switzerland and they've turned out to be great travel companions.

I can't fully describe what an amazing experience it's been to be with this traditional family on the island. They welcomed us with open hearts and made us part of their family. They cooked for us and their youngest daughter guided us to the top of Pachamama mountain where we saw the most incredible sunset and all the surrounding islands and Lake Titicaca in all directions as far as the eye could see.

I made an offering to Pachamama (Mother Earth) just as the sun was setting. I offered a stone shaped as a pyramid and then meditated there. I felt so full and high--perhaps from the altitude.

We went back to the house and had dinner and wine and then walked up the outdoors steps to our sleeping quarters overlooking the lake. A zillion stars were above us and I felt like I could see the Milky Way. The moon is upside down below the equator and it made a happy face!

We woke up refreshed from all the hospitality and country air.

Now we are on the boat headed to another Island. It's been an unforgettable experience.

Have you ever done a homestay in a foreign country?