The motorized rowboat sped onto the sapphire, blue water of the Bay of Puno, and I held tight to its side. Wilbur, the boat captain, raced past the tall grasses growing inside the narrow passageway and took us onto Lake Titicaca, the world’s highest lake. The wind whipped my hair into a frenzied mess, and as I pushed it out of my eyes, the scene in front of me opened onto an fantastic utopian community of islands made entirely of dried plants. Momentarily awestruck, I never imagined seeing so many small, habitable islands in one place.

“Bienvenidos! Welcome!” A plump woman wearing a yellow, straw, sun hat and billowy, fluorescent pink skirt shouted at us as our boat floated toward the shore. Wilbur threw the thick rope to her, and she pulled us in. I stood up, a little wobbly from the teetering boat and grabbed tightly to her outstretched hand. Stepping hesitantly onto the dried, spongy plants, my feet sunk down an inch and I almost toppled over. Chuckling with surprise, it took me a bit to get used to tramping on top of the thick layers of dried reeds, which felt more like bounding onto a large, springy mattress, than treading on firm ground.

Families lived on approximately half of the forty-two self-made islands that were created from layers of buoyant totora reeds. The reeds grew in abundance along the shallow ends of the lake and were considered to be the life-blood of the Uros people. They lived in them, slept on them, and, because they were rich in calcium and iron, even ate them. Also, nearly everything else on the islands—huts, decks, boats, lookout towers—were constructed from the durable, greenish plants.

The islands became permanent homes for the tight-knit, indigenous Uros, ever since the Incas encroached upon their territory and drove them out.  With nowhere else to go, they moved onto the lake and built their own floating villages where their traditional culture and way of life remains the same, except for the addition of electricity powered by batteries and solar panels.

One of the highlights for me, of visiting other cultures, is finding local, handmade crafts, and the Uros didn’t disappoint. Every afternoon, the women, in their ancestral skirts and vests and long, dark braids with furry pom-poms attached to the ends (meaning they were ready for marriage), rolled out their blankets atop the reedy ground and laid out their intricately woven tapestries. With big smiles, they watched and waited, picking up one or two of their prized pieces and waving them at me.

“Buy from me!” they seemed to say as they put on their most hopeful, pleading faces.

It didn’t take much to entice me into buying, even though each woman, and the occasional man, had the same, exact design, only in different colors. After spending more Peruvian soles than I originally intended, I nevertheless, walked away the proud owner of several cherished pieces.

The daily life of the Uros prevailed in peace and harmony. The women sold their unique, handwoven items, as a means to supplement their small incomes. They also cooked over open fires and cared for the children. The men took care of the building and repairing the island and fished and hunted birds for food. School-aged children traveled back and forth by boat to their island school, while younger children, with runny noses and rosy, chapped cheeks, from the high altitude and thin air, raced around the island chasing one another. Falling and hurting themselves, was never a major concern as they seemed to simply, bounce off the reeds.

I visited the floating reed islands during December 2017, and at that time of year, the mornings and evenings got very chilly; I was thankful that I brought along a wool sweater to wrap up in. For three nights I stayed in one of the cozy huts, with its walls, floor, and ceiling fashioned from sturdy totora reeds. The hut provided zero warmth but was somewhat cozy. A large rectangular window covered one entire wall and gave me a sweeping view of the wavy lake. The cheery, striped wall-hangings that adorned the walls added a much-needed spot of color to the neutral shade of the dried reeds. My minimalist lodging had only one lightbulb, and the electricity was turned on from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

The teeny-tiny bathroom was outfitted with a porcelain toilet that had no flushing device, and, emptied into a large, plastic bag. A sink with a faucet and knobs, but no running water, completed the space. Two comfy beds sat in opposite corners of the hut and were piled high with scratchy woolen blankets. The layers of blankets kept me warm at night, however, what really helped to combat the nightly, cold temperatures was the 32-ounce, cloth-wrapped, plastic bottle filled with boiling hot water, which was delivered each evening by one of the kindhearted island ladies.

Each night I placed that bottle between my legs and succumbed to its toasty warmth all night long. Those water bottles, the thick handmade quilts, and the sounds of slapping waves right outside my hut lulled me into a sound, dreamless sleep each night.

By mid-afternoon most days, the fierce sun burned brightly and the air heated up. It was the best time for me to lounge on one of the outdoor reed decks, look out onto shimmery Lake Titicaca, and contemplate the bucolic life of the Uros people.

The cap to my visit was a ride atop one of the two-story traditional reed boats. Two men in native clothing and wearing authentic reed hats rowed and steered the craft onto the lake, while two woven, puma heads perched on the helm and stared straight ahead.

Pumas represent courage to the island-dwellers, and the courage displayed by the Uros seemed to contribute significantly to everything they accomplished–the preservation of a self-sustaining lifestyle, the establishment of their own land, and a life lived as their ancestors once had.

After stepping aboard the tall craft, I climbed the ladder to the top deck, and we set off. Floating leisurely past the islands, I waved at the Uros men, women, and children who waved back, as they went about their quiet, simple lives.

My last glimpse of the enchanting Uros culture and their extraordinary, man-made reed islands left me in a state of awe.

The visit to the island was an unforgettable, off-the-beaten-path travel experience that adventurers continually long for, and still hope to find out in the world.

This article was written by Guest Contributor Jill Dobbe.

On August 13^th, 2015, I landed in Quito, Ecuador. I had no plans. I didn’t even know the name of any other city of Ecuador. The very first day I just roamed the streets of Quito with the enthusiasm of a kid in a candy store.

I sensed a unique kind of freedom because since I was a kid, I wanted to travel around the world.

I was truly free, and I could do absolutely anything I wish or even do absolutely nothing. I kept roaming the streets of Quito, looking for nothing in particular. The first was one of the best feelings of my life. I stayed for 2.5 months in Ecuador. Then, I flew to Brazil and spent three weeks there.

The winds of travel took me to Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Colombia, Chile, Cuba, Guatemala, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay.

Highlights included visiting 3 Modern Wonders of the World: Christ the Redeemer (Brazil), Machu Picchu (Peru), & Chichen Itza (Mexico), 29 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and hitchhiked (traveled taking lifts) 4400 kilometers for 2 months (January & February 2016) in Argentina and Chile, also stayed in tent on the side of highways, beaches, forests etc while hitchhiking.

What did I like about each country?

Ecuador: It was like my first high school crush. I loved everything about Ecuador. The best experience was snorkeling with sharks, golden rays, spotted eagle rays, turtles, sea lions, penguins, and seals in Galapagos Islands.

Brazil: The charm and seduction of Brazilians. They live and celebrate life to the fullest. I fell in love with the Portuguese language. The highlight was a 3-day road trip in Chapada Diamantina National Park in Bahia.

Bolivia: The barren landscape and high altitude leave you breathless at the beauty created by the devil himself. People could feel a bit cold. But, with time they show their friendly nature. Salar de Uyuni and Isla de la Luna surely the highlights.

Paraguay: It is sad that very few travelers ever make it to Paraguay. This is one hidden gem waiting to be explored by the hardcore explorers. People are supremely friendly and highly curious about the world. Attractions rarely see tourists, and the landscape is romantic. Time is well spent sipping terere with locals.

Uruguay: Another country that people often overlook. I enjoyed the slow pace of life in Uruguay and the relaxed attitude of locals. I camped at a beach near the illegal hippie beach town of Cabo Polonia. It is a great place to meet some revolutionary minds in Cabo Polonia.

Argentina: Ah! Messi, Maradona, Mate, Tango, Fernet, and mile after endless mile of Patagonia. What is there to not like about Argentina. I hitchhiked 2000+ miles in Argentina. People were amiable and intelligent. They educated me about the local landscape, economy, and culture. Even took me to their houses. And, the beauty of Patagonia is serene & pristine.

Chile: Chilean charm and hospitality is as good as Argentinean. I enjoyed the Carretera Austral. It has to be one of the best road-trip destinations in South America. I sold sandwiches in Santiago de Chile to earn some money. That was a great experience, as well.

Peru: Hands down my favorite country in South America. Delicious vegetarian food, sweet smiling people, natural & human-made wonders plenty, and just the positive vibes and spiritual energy in the air. Peru holds a special place in my heart, lest I forget, Machu Picchu.

Mexico: The people of Mexico will win you over no matter what. I enjoyed spending time with the locals, visiting Mayan ruins, eating spicy vegetarian food, drinking tequila, and those blue waters. And, Chichen Itza, probably the least known wonder of the world is in Mexico.

Guatemala: Guatemalan forests, colonial towns, pristine lakes, fury-bound volcanoes, and Mayan ruins magnetized me to this beautiful country. People are friendly and the cuisine delicious.

Belize: In a region dominated by Spanish-speaking countries, Belize is an oddity. A former British colony with all the flavors and energy of the Caribbean. Hanging out with locals is very different compared to the same in nearby countries. Snorkeling here is world class: saw sharks, rays, and manatees.

Cuba: Cuba, Oh Cuba, mi amor. Cuba is an ode to the 60s. It is like entering a time machine and going back to the past. Not just cars and buildings, but even the people are old school, which translates to timeless chats with neighbors, impromptu salsa on the street, kids kicking a ragtag football and other beauties that our internet-crazy world has long forgotten. I can write a book on the virtues of Cuba.

Financing my trip

Initially, I used my savings (travel around the world money, as I call it), thanks to two years of a full-time software development job. As I started moving, my Spanish improved, and I started working to earn some money. I taught English, helped locals put their businesses on the internet, and also sold food on the streets to make some cash.

My Biggest Challenge

The most difficult challenge was to get visas for different countries. It is not easy being an Indian traveler. Western travelers can flash their passports, and they are welcomed into these countries. On the other hand, I had to visit numerous embassies multiple times, tell them why I want to travel, submit many documents and all this without a guarantee of a visa. But, I learned a few things through these ordeals.

The other beautiful challenge was Spanish and Portuguese. I learned both languages on the road, and it was a surreal experience talking to locals in their language. It opened doors to incredible conversations.

Another challenge was finding places not mentioned in guidebooks and blogs. I was seeking unique experiences, and through the locals, I saw plenty of secretive places that travel around the world tours would not visit.

If I had to do it all over again, what would I do differently?

I would do it much slower. I would adequately document different aspects of local life. I would work or volunteer in every country to better understand the culture and lifestyle. Also, I would prefer traveling on a motorcycle so that I could reach remote Andean villages or forest settlements.

My advice for global travelers

Travel around the world is becoming a trend. Don’t follow the trend. Create your own style of travel, seek out original experiences, go to unheard places, learn languages, understand the culture, read local history, and if possible do give back to the community in form service or education. Make sure travel educates you. Keep a diary and note down things you learned. Evolve as a traveler.

My favorite place in the world

Cuba. It is unlike any other country in the world.

The internet is limited, which is why there is more action and interaction on the streets and in the plazas. There are more opportunities to build organic relations with locals and engage in rewarding conversations.

It is a thought-provoking country. It makes you wonder if we need all the things we own. It is a country that gives you a glimpse of how life was during simpler times. Cuba es Amor (Cuba is love)

Conclusion

While traveling, we often find it is easy to bond with fellow travelers. I see that as a Catch-22 situation. By bonding with fellow travelers, you are not stepping out of your comfort zone. I prefer bonding with locals over fellow travelers. You will learn more about the land by conversing with locals.

Disconnect! When you travel around the world, put Instagram away, sign off Facebook, and put that camera down. Breathe in the location, hear the sounds, look for any peculiarities, meditate on the surroundings, and if you want to document it, then write it down. I only reserve 10{3e606923dd75739fa0997ea01c1efa34f2a8d56b6ebb334122bb9153c0608d88} of my time for photography that too at the end.

Also, invest in workshops and classes — culinary lessons, dance, music, local sport, martial arts, or any other local art form.

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Varun’s blog: Winds Of Travel