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Published: January 17th 2023
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So we thought we’d mix it up today and see some waterfalls. Not content with what Argentina had to offer from a slushy perspective, we ventured into Brazil (strangely without any contact with immigration however). Given yesterday’s heat and the pleasure it brought for all, we decided on the boat ride for today. A trip through the jungle on an electric train to learn about some of the plants, followed by a hot walk through more jungle before we arrived at the boat landing.
The number of people changing into their swimmers and leaving their shoes behind could maybe have provided some indication of what was to come, but the girls placed all their confidence in the two-dollar shop ponchos to protect them from the raging waters of Iguassu Falls. It was misguided. Apparently cheap plastic raincoats are no match for thousands of litres of water pouring on your head. After the feedback we received on yesterday’s activities, you’d maybe think that a total cool down in the middle of the day would be welcomed. Some may even call a thrilling ride in a jet boat towards that tumbling water a ‘thrill’ or ‘fun’. Who are those stupid people?!? And
what do they know?!?
Anyway, Geoff and I (and eventually Beeb) embraced the drenching and had a blast on the boat ride. And despite the dire predictions of our cherry co-passenger, we lived to tell the tale. At least that gave us the opportunity to explore some whacky Brazilian food, that we’re still not entirely sure what it was.
Given the general feeling towards the tumbling water and the heated (despite its cooling effects) anticipation of the bird park, we decided to pass on the ‘official’ Brazilian side view and head straight to our winged tormentors…ok, just me then.
We had booked into a behind the scenes experience at Parque de Aves and were collected by our guides and taken through to the first scene of terror - feeding the formally dressed bin chickens, apparently officially known as the red ibis. There was a minimal amount of flapping but quite a lot of pecking, but I was able to keep most of my hysteria at bay, specially once we heard the squeaky-toy call of the Whistling Duck.
Next feeding stop had tortoises who were luckily flightless and slow moving. There were some birds there too, minimal
flapping but some truly funky hairdos.
Than the macaws. They knew I was coming, you would have been able to hear their squawking from Paraguay. And they were big and very flapping and very fast moving. The girls loved feeding them and yes, I can appreciate that they are very beautiful and majestic. But their wings are big. And one flew into my head. So when we left, I was a quivering mess, so they thought we’d go and find some more flapping - smaller wings but larger in number. Parrots - much much more flapping. Thankfully better navigation and I was able to cower on my seat with my bag on my head for protection.
The gods were obviously then sympathetic to my plight and opened the heavens and we were free from the flapping terror. We ran for cover and were greeted by a lovely spread of bush foods and drinks where we learned all about the work they do at the park from one of the vets.
The rain eased slightly and we headed back to Argentina, unfortunately not avoiding their immigration!!
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