My 3 Favorite Lakes
Nov. 15, 2009 — In the waters around the world
I’m a water person. Actually, I think in terms of Chinese astrology, I’m a fire person, which means I crave water – or at least the sight of water. Whatever the reason, I’m drawn to water.
Here’re my top 3 lakes in the world:
Peru: Lake Titicaca
The highest lake in the world, Lake Titicaca, can be considered the Daddy-o of lakes. It’s located on the border of Peru and Bolivia and is 3,812 m (12,500 ft) above sea level. In terms of volume of water, it is the largest lake in South America. Lake Titicaca is a sacred place for the Incas since it’s the birth place of the first Inca king Manco Capac. According to the Incan mythology, the world was created from Lake Titicaca, when the god Viracocha came out of the lake and created the sun, the stars and the first people. I specifically went to Lake Titicaca because I wanted to see the famous Uros floating islands. I had seen a Nat Geo special on how Peru’s indigenous Uros tribe is dwindling and their lifestyle may be extinct within a generation. Get there quick! Read more about my horrendous poisoning experience on Lake Titicaca: No Mas, No Mas
Siberia: Lake Baikal
Nicknamed the “Pearl of Siberia,” Lake Baikal is located in the heart of Russia. With a depth of 1,642 meters (5,390 ft) it is the deepest lake in the world and the world’s second most voluminous lake (after the Caspian Sea). Lake Baikal contains roughly 20 percent of the world’s surface fresh water. (Wow — This is an astonishing statistic!) At more than 25 million years old, Baikal is also the world’s oldest lake. Folklore has it that if you go in the icy waters you’ll be 10 years younger. Sign me up! There were only 4 of us who braved the chilly waters. Our group leader Kym dunked herself twice for good measure.
Read more about my journey through Siberia: Train Tripping: Trans-Siberian Rules of Engagement
Uganda: Lake Victoria
Named after the England’s Queen Victoria, Lake Victoria is as large as 68,800 square kilometres (26,600 sq mi). It is Africa’s largest lake, the largest tropical lake in the world, and the world’s third-largest freshwater lake. Lake Victoria has a shoreline of some 4,828 kilometres (3,000 mi) and is surrounded by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.
Originally I was going to try and work my way around each country from the perimeter of the lake, but then I didn’t have enough time. I also didn’t have enough huevos. After digging deep, I found a modicum of self preservation and decided to grab hold of it. The chance of me returning from a trip like that would be nil.
Read more about my solo adventure on Lake Victoria: Children of the Sse Sse Islands Have a favorite lake experience? Tell me about it!
This entry was posted on Sunday, November 15th, 2009 and is filed under Travel Favorites, Travel Favorites.