On Visiting The Islands of Taquile and the Uros

After visiting the Island of Taquile, I understand why it is said that to fully appreciate the Island it is necessary to stay one full night. The island is relaxed, its people trying to lead traditional lives. I think it is much the way it was when the Inca ruled all the surrounding land. The clothes, dresses, cloth, all in bright colors; reds, pinks, oranges, greens, and browns. The people of the floating Islands of Uros; incredible the way they live life. On nothing more than several layers of reeds, some live their entire life. The islands last 12 - 13 years, then must be replaced. As Westerners we pass through and wonder how they live that way, seemingly on a floating prison, the only company seven other families. But that is always the Westerner perception. Who are we to question their way of life when they've survived in just this way for decades; predating the Inca by one-thousand years? Modern day western civilization has been in existence for just over 100 years and it has come through like a hurricane and pushed the environment to its limits. We should be taking a lesson. As we cruise through Lago Titicaca we are simply exposed to a glimpse of their lives. I see people like this and I feel sorry, but why? Because I feel they have nothing? Because I feel I've so much more? I suppose it is all in the eye of the beholder: a car, a house, schooling, a career If I want one, are all things we as Westerners seek or tend to think of as what one needs to survive or succeed. But it is untrue. They've so much more out here. We all need to realize this. That our lives are not better, just simply different...


Zach