By way of brief update, we made our way to Puno, Peru, and set sail on Lake Titicaca. Also known as the North Pole. Because it is so freaking cold all of the time always. You guys. I think my body has been cryogenically frozen just from walking around outside this week. I'm asking not to be brought to until everyone responsible for Glee has left this Earth.
Machu Picchu was magnificent. Even more so than I ever imagined. Also, I am totally convinced that all of the buses in Peru were made by the same people who make the buses in Harry Potter. You know. The ones that can twist and morph into whatever size is needed so they can fit through cracks and drive sideways across cliffs. Because I can't think of any other way to explain how I have gotten to or from anywhere in this country without my body ending up at the bottom of a very deep pit in a burning pile of automobile.
Speaking of which, we returned from Machu Picchu last night and immediately began an all-night 9-hour bus ride with the stinkiest backpackers that have ever wandered this planet. Be ye warned. The smell will likely hit your home in the next 24 to 48 hours (depending, of course, on the winds).

We have spent a long day in Puno, touring floating islands that are made of reeds that have to be replaced every 14 days by what must be the toughest human beings that currently roam Earth. As one friend just told me, "these people replace their entire world every 14 days and I can't even get myself to do laundry."
We were invited into one hut on one of these floating islands by a 78-year-old woman (pictured below) who showed us bundles of reeds she will be using to replace her roof over the next day or two. I have never felt less handy in my entire life.

Machu Picchu.


Near Machu Picchu.


Hiking in the Andes. 


Wandering the floating islands on Lake Titicaca. 


Passing some floating islands. 


Our boat from the floating islands.

~It Just Gets Stranger