Iguazu

Ross:
Argentina! We caught a 23-hour Kaiowa bus from Rio to Foz do Iguacu (Brazil) on Saturday which put National Express to shame (though our seat allocation next to the toilet was a bit stinky). Almost fully-reclining seats meant we got a relatively good amount of sleep on the journey. After a few pick-ups on the way to Sao Paulo the rest of the journey through rural Brazil consisted of large-scale agriculture on rolling plains. A few short stops at service stations helped to break up the journey. Arrived in Foz do Iguacu yesterday (Sunday) and hopped on a local bus to the urban bus station with a German girl called Julia. A second bus from the bus station took us to the Brazilian border control where we had to obtain exit stamps in our passports. The bus didn't wait so we caught the next one over the Rio (River) Iguacu which denotes the boundary between Brazil and Argentina. Half the bridge is painted in the colours of the Brazilian flag and the other half in the colours of the Argentine flag. A second stop at the Argentine border control ensured our papers were in order before heading on to Puerto Iguazu (Argentina) a short distance away. We wandered to the nearest ATM to get some Pesos and settled at a Parillada (read 'meat') for a beer and burger.

The Lonely Planet guide had suggested an ex-casino hostel just out of town but when we arrived the place was full to the rafters. We headed back to Centro where we settled for the Peter Pan Hostel just around the corner from the bus station. Nice and clean with a pool and the ubiquitory hammocks. Back in a shared dorm for four. Had a quick dip in the pool before showering and cooking meat with tomato and cheese pasta. The meat was good! Sat up speaking Frenglish to three french students before turning in.

Everythings a lot cheaper in Argentina. The exchange at the moment is 6 Pesos to the GBP. A litre of beer in the Supermercado is about 30p.

Woke up this morning as leisurely as possible before jumping on a bus to the Falls. Entry to the National Park is a bit steep at 40 Pesos (special price for 'foreigners', it's free for the locals!) but we're heading back there tomorrow to see a few bits we missed and get a 50% discount for the second day. We covered a good few miles wandering along the various trails and view-points. The falls are breathtaking but the place was still fairly busy, even though it was Monday morning. Took loads of photos and saw a fair bit of wildlife as well. Monkeys, tortoises, coatis, birds, etc. We jumped on a RIB which took us right into the white water and got us soaked. Luckily, we'd been advised to take our swimming stuff so changed beforehand. Pol's camera is turning out to be a real asset in the wet.

We didn't get to see the famous Devil's Throat, hence the return visit tomorrow.

Just been out for more meat at a BBQ place. The steak is good though I fear we have much more to come...

We're contemplating sacking off our Sao Paulo flight to Buenos Aires in exchange for a bus trip. The Argentinian buses are a lot better and cheaper than the Brazilian ones and it seems silly to travel for 18 hours back to Sao Paulo for the flight when we can be in BA in less time by bus. Will have to wait and see what STA Travel can arrange for us.

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