Puno Actually Rocks!

Okay, I admit when I'm wrong.  Everything else I said still applies,  but it turns out that the gunshots were firecrackers as there is now a brass band going up and down the street which is making the horns beep more but all in good fun.  Yay!  Wonder what the occasion is. . . .
It's La Celebracion de Los Universidads and the fun doesn't stop.  After an incredible day on Lake Titicaca today - and I really mean totally cool - we were dropped off near to our hotel because there were people dancing in the streets.  It's still going on and it's a really big deal with some of the coolest angel and devil and monster costumes I've ever seen!  The guys are amazing dancers.  They jump and flip and really get into it.  The girls are all beautiful but don't get into it as much (probably because they want to look sexy, which they do).  Anyway, I feel very fortunate to be here for this.  I have taken photos and video but nothing can capture the spirit of joy and celebration that is going on in Puno.  So, I was way off base in my initial judgment and apologize to the Ciudad de Puno.  (It's still dirty and noisy though.).

Parade

Isla Tequile 

Isla Uros

The voyage on the lake was also amazing involving three hours to and from Isla Tequile.  The Uros aren't so far.  I loved the Uros people and walking on their floating island,  riding on a reed boat and even being invited into their home was incredible.  The Tequile people weren't as friendly, but made us a meal consisting of lake trout, quinoa soup, unleavened bread and some spicy salsa that was amazing!  The most incredible part was just being on this beautiful lake that's close to 12,000 feet in elevation!  The colors of the water and the sky were breathtaking.  Pictures will not do it justice.  And I'm really sorry Puno for the bad review.  You definitely don't deserve it.