The Diligent Reed People of the Floating Titicaca Islands!

In Peru you can find the floating islands of Titicaca Lake. The Islands are made completely from reeds that are harvested by the Uros tribe. Generation after generation has kept up the tradition of adding the totora reeds.

The dense root system of the reeds, called Killie, are anchored to the bottom of the lake by sticks. The bottom layers of the totora deteriorate in the water over time and must be completely replenished every three months. The Uros must add reeds to the top layer in order to keep up with the reeds that have rotted away. If they neglect too long from this duty a foot has been known to break through to the icy waters beneath the island.

They have been doing this since the time of the Incas and have outlasted their stone temples.

The Uros use the reeds for everything including:

Medicine:

Goiter- The white root contains iodine and is eaten to prevent goiter.

Pain releif- The reed is wrapped around areas of pain for relief.

Hang overs

Reed Flower Tea

Hunger- is eaten as a supplement to meals.

Heat-For relief from hot days the reed is split open and the cool white part is spread over the forehead.

Transportation:

Housing:

Churches:

Baskets:

Art:

Demonstration of how the islands are made.

Happy People

A great lesson is to be learned by the example of the Uros. Be diligent! Choose a goal and continue toward it. It may be difficult, it may be tedious, it may seem that you are forever working at it, people may call you crazy, but a long lasting reward comes to those who keep to the task and perservere through obstacles and strive for their dreams.

I hope you have a goal that you can be passionate about. Remember that your dreams are not dependant upon others expectations and only you can make them happen. So stay steady and be diligent towards your goal and you will achieve it!