Argentina

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ARGENTINA


Foz de iguacu waterfalls [Argentina/Brazil border]


The next day we crossed the Ponte Presidente Tancredo Neves bridge into Argentina. The first thing I noticed is a big blue and white sign 'Las Malvinas con Argentinas.' [The Falklands belong to Argentina]. Refering to the war between Argentina and Britain in 1982 over the Falkland islands. "Stop, stop, por favor" I shouted. This has to be photographed. The driver Pablo following. "I take photo, give me camera." he shouted. "Show that to Margit Thatcher." [British leader in the 1980's] Pablo joked with a roar of laughter. So that's the message loud and clear.
The Argentine side offers closer views of the individual falls in their forest setting. We would approach the Devils throat from above the waterfalls. Evidence of a concrete walkway is scattered. Swept away by the shear force of water. Boats transferred us to a platform, an overhead position view. Fast photo shots to keep the lens dry. A constant heavy spray blowing. One hundred and thirty thousand cubic-feet of water per second, plunging ninety meters. Fourteen falls in this tight pocket. Much larger than Niagara falls on the U.S.-Canadian border.

Buenos Aires


In Buenos Aires, the capital we stumbled upon a massive demonstration, as Mick, Ronnie and myself viewed the parliament buildings. A huge grew structure with a weather worn green coloured dome. Students were protesting tuition hikes. I wondered about the military and how strong they are today. Perhaps lurking in the background. 'The military are gone, no army thank god.' 'We would not be allowed to march if the military were here.' Students informed upon my inquiries.

Amongst the crowd were the 'Madres of plaza de mayo' [the mothers of plaza of may]. Voicing their disapproval of past governments who kidnapped their sons and daughters and killed them for dissenting the powers at hand. The crowd cheered and applauded as this group of elderly humble folk marched through.

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