Let the good times fall!

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As the bus drew nearer to Iguazu Falls, I got more and more excited, I could see the mist rising in a part of the forest a couple of Km's away. As we entered the park we rushed to the mini train station, ditching the walking path, and boarded the train that would take us to the Falls. Unfortunately it was also raining, only lightly, but enough to get decently wet! I was swearing to myself, I had definately brought the weather with me, Buenos Aires had been covered with rain for a few days before I left. I was assured that the rain would make for great for the Falls, as the water level was a little bit higher than normal.

My Brazil crew (Pato, Craig & Lisa) and I hung out in BA for a week or two and decided to spend a few days in Iguazu before going our separate ways. The Hostel we stayed at was big, with a pool, and many activites, unfortunately I felt like I was on the set of Dirty Dancing (minus Patrick Swaze) with all the organisation of the place, tours, Volleyball, Soccer, Dinner, dancing etc. But Other people I have talked to really enjoyed it, so I guess it a matter of "whatever floats your boat".

Back to the story at hand, I was flabberghasted with the Falls themselves, huge, powerfull and very loud. Disembarking the train we walked along red, muddy paths to the upper circuit which offered views of the falls from where the water starts to fall over the edge. The metal walkways were wet and slippery, my heart skipped a beat every time I slid a little bit, I got flash backs to Rio and decided to take it easy. Down on the lower circuit it was a different story, slippery stone and metal steps that lead us to the best opportunity to get close to the falls. As my camera is not waterproof, it was a case of; run out (carefully) to the platform, remove camera from case hidden under top, aim camera, focus, shoot, turn around with lens against chest, run back (carefully), get sarong out, dry camera and lens, put camera away! Then swear to yourself when the shot you just got was complete and utter crap. The ferry ride over to San Martin Island went without drama and managed to get some footage of the falls, after the Island it was time for our ADVENTURE BOAT RIDE! Yay!

It was decided to pay extra for this little boating experience, so we could feel what Iguazu is all about! These speed boats run as often as required can can fill up to capacity, fortunately no one else wanted to do the ride the same time as us, so it was just the boys and me on the boat. We put our life jackets on and boarded the boat, "where's the best place to sit, at the front?" I asked the Driver, "Si" his partner says followed by "Mucho Agua" meaning lots fo water! "Excellent" I thought to myself and shared dumb grinns with the boys, this was going to be good! Off we went and had just a quick look at the falls, and then doubled back around closer to the Brazilian side of the falls. Ever so gently the driver brings the boat right up under one of the falls, about a metre from the wall its self. I might add here that we were warned about the water factor, but it was amazing to feel the waterfall coming down
on you in the boat, we were saturated. We couldn't stop laughing, I put my hands up and tried to look up, but its a bit hard when water is falling on your face and your are wearing contact lenses! As the driver took us back along the rapids around to the other side, he sharply turned the boat to the left, next thing know this wave of water comes over the side of the boat, I let out a squeal as Craig and I have water wash over us from chin to feet. If there was a part of us that had not been wet up to that point, it was certainly more than damp now! My shock was replaced with laughter as we continued up the the falls again for some more water action. Pato spotted a duck getting hammered by rapids from the falls, it was trying to get out and eventually found shelter in some rocks. The adventure boat ride was so much fun, I wouldnt hesitate to do it again!I had to take my clothes off and wring them out so I wasn't dripping.

As we walked back to the train station I envied the boys for wearing board shorts, they dried quickly, whilst I looked like a drowned rat for a few hours. People were giving me surprised looks as I waddled down the path, my shorts sticking to me. But I began to dry off as we approached Garganta del Diablo or Devils throat fall! Hundreds of metres of metal walkway had been constructed over the waterways that form the Falls, we walked and walked as sun began to come out. Garganta del Diablo is the biggest fall at Iguazu, its power and volume took my breath away (and maybe the fear of falling into it made me appreciate it even more). Plus the rain from the night before made for a very impressive water cascade. After changing into some dry clothes, we made our way home!
Iguazu was spectacular, and I would return in a heartbeat! However, just a few recomendations;
I would recommend seeing Garganta del Diablo first, then the upper circuit, lower circuit, the Island and then the Adventure boat ride last!!! Or if its a nice day, do the boat ride first so that you can dry off. But make sure you do it!

I also kissed my only cashcard goodbye in Iguazu! The process goes; card in, get your money and receipt, say "no" to another transaction and then take your card! But I just walked off and forget to take my card! Maybe its just habit from back home (where you have to take your card out before you take the cash, so you cant possibly leave without it). So anyway, the mean, horrible security guard said that I couldnt get it back until Monday morning (this happened on a Friday night, the night I was heading back to Buenos Aires). So no cash for Lauren :(

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