I shared my friend Matthias’ brief description of the life on these floating Islands. I understand that there are about 95 floating islands each of which owned by a family. Each Island is home to at least couple of generations of a family.

What struck me was the amount of hard work the people have to do and this story, I think, is a good example:

Shortly after having been welcomed to the Island, I am sitting at the lovely terrace enjoying the view when the family starts moving a few things around, including the view tower. Soon, all men and women of the family start offloading this massive pre-built house from the boat onto the Island, apparently it is their new kitchen and there is also a new small toilet!

Seeing all of them at work I offer if I could help, they are hesitant as I am a guest but quickly accept the offer. Soon, I am joined by Matthias and two other guests and we are all pushing and pulling as instructed, to move this huge new kitchen.

They are using a method whereby they lay long logs underneath the structure and with the ropes attached to both sides  we pull from one side while the other side pushes the same. Then we all move to the other side to do the same and repeat it all again. A few cm at a time and it takes us good two hours.

We, tourists, are concerned that by the time the kitchen is fully moved it will break into pieces but finally, after about 2 hours of effort, we successfully offload the kitchen from the boat and move it to the ideal spot identified by Felix and his wife Milagros.

I realise how strong all family members are especially Milagros’ father seems much stronger than his son in law, Felix. There is no gym or fitness facility but the reality of their lives that require them to physically work every day. Even their youngest Axael, who is only 6, is excited about the work and surprises us by his strength.

Overall, I envy them and feel that their way of keeping fit is harsher but more natural than our artificial gym sessions. That’s of course all we have and I do greatly appreciate this luxury in my daily life. However, I cannot keep but wonder how different our lives would be if we all needed to make a little more physical effort that is actually “necessary” instead of forced!

My respect to this family and their way of life has increased every minute I was able to observe them. When I saw Milagros’ grandparents, who also live in a small hut on this island, I almost had tears in my eyes watching them lying down next to each other and chatting for hours as if they’ve just seen each other after a long time. I could not help but wonder if the secret of their happiness was this luxury of a simple life in this magical place!

Final note of 2017 as summary of the my great year is coming up next…