Isla del Sol - day one

We reluctantly checked out of the lovely La Cupula and headed down to catch the 8:30am ferry across to Isla del Sol. We had intended to catch the ferry to the North and leave our bags on the boar while walking to the ruins. It turned out the company we got tickets through only went to the South though so we figured that would work better as we could drop our bags at the hostel and do the return walk of the island instead since we had been serious lacking some decent exercise lately.

During the 1.5 hour ferry ride we chatted to another Aucklander that we had seen the night before up at the sunset. It's always strange hearing our accent here but it's actually quite rare as I'd say most travellers we have encountered are either French, English or German. After arriving on Isla del Sol we hit the stairs that led up towards where we knew our hostel was located. We didn't really have any idea how far it was, just that it was up the hill. It turned out probably a good thing as I'm not sure I would have agreed to walk up hill with my pack on for the 40mins it ended up taking us. But the view was SO worth it. We couldn't believe our luck with the incredible view from our room, all for about NZD$25. You'd pay hundreds for a view like that back home!

I was feeling for the poor donkeys as they wandered past our balcony, laiden down with heavy loads. But I was also kind of jealous that I hadn't had my own donkey to carry my bag for me!

By this time it was nearing lunch so we thought we would go and try and find a spot to eat. I love it how when you are on holiday your days just revolve around your next meal! Anyway, we headed back down the hill some of the way but couldn't see anywhere decent looking so we decided to try out the place that had a sign for "gourmet chef". After walking about 200m through a eucalypt grove we reached this house on the crest of the hill which looked decidedly closed. After milling about outside for a minute a guy appeared and asked if we wanted lunch.

We excitedly said yes and took a seat on the only outdoor table. He promptly gave us menus and recommended the trout so we went with his recommendation. We did note the menu said to be patient as prep only takes place once you have ordered but we were happy to wait as had cards and ordered beer to go with.

After about an hour our meals arrived and boy were they worth the wait.

Our best meals in Bolvia by far and plenty of vege which was a nice change. I even happily ate the steamed carrots!

We were so happy with our meals we promised him we would be back for dinner. 

After a siesta we figured we had better fit in some more exercise so it was another hike up a hill to the highest viewpoint to watch the sun setting over the lake.

What's so impressive about Isla del Sol is you are on this warm, sunny, absolutely beautiful island that reminds us of Waiheke, but then you look across and there are snow capped mountains right there. Not something you get to see in NZ very often. 

After the sunset we thought that we may as well head back to the restaurant as we knew dinner might take a while, after our lunch time experience. When we arrived the restaurant was nearly full and it was clear that the same guy from lunch was the only person who was working, both orders, drinks and cooking. 2.5 hours later, all 16 of us in the restaurants meals appeared from the kitchen in quick succession and we were once again happy to have waited so we could get such a delicious meal. Definitely a record wait for food but I'm not sure I would be any faster cooking for 16 people all on my own without having done any prior prep. 

After dinner it was straight home for an early night in preparation for our 20km walk we had lined up for the following morning.