The Floating Island Cookbook

CROWD-PLEASING RECIPES FOR BUOYANT LANDMASSES

- Ana Kourrant 

Totora Rafts

These artificial islands float in Lake Titicaca, a body of water high in the Andes Mountains between Peru and Bolivia in South America. Living on the islands are a native people called Uros.

These days, most Uros live on the mainland. But those who remain on the lake host a parade of tourists who are eager to glimpse their unusual lifestyle. Makes about four dozen islands. Small islands can hold a few families; larger islands may hold a school.

Phumdis

Loktak Lake, a large body of water in northeastern India, is chock full of drifting islands called phumdis. These spongy rafts carry local fishermen and their huts. Serves about 4,000 people.

Ingredients

• Loktak Lake
• vegetation
• fish
• sangai deer
• waterproof boots

Ingredients

• Lake Titicaca
• large supply of totora reeds

Directions

• Weave totora reeds together into a mat of the desired size.
• The roots of the reeds will form a dense layer at the bottom of your island and keep it afloat.
• Be sure to anchor your island to the bottom of the lake so it doesn't drift!
• As the underside of your island rots away, you'll have to periodically add new layers of reeds to the surface.
• Totora reeds may also be used for food, tea, or medicine.

Directions