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Published: November 13th 2023
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Visually and Acoustically Stunning Natural Wonder of the World Every day I try to consciously practice reverence for nature, appreciating it more and more as I age and realize how small and insignificant we are, and yet also how connected we are to this great life energy. But I prefer to believe that we are only insignificant if we perceive of ourselves as separate from nature, and much prefer to believe that we are part of this life system called nature, that is also known by other terms - creation, the universe, cosmic energy, God.
Well, for one whose respect and reverence for nature grows every day, a visit to Iguazu Falls is a year’s worth of growth - or perhaps a lifetime’s. Witness energy in movement. Power. Force. Abundance. Flow. Symmetry. Symbiosis. Tenacity. But words alone fail to adequately describe the phenomena that is Iguazu Falls. It must be experienced.
First impressions left us awestruck from our Argentinian park perspective, at the sheer distance they extend off as far as the eye can see, being the widest waterfall system on the planet, comprised of no less than 250 waterfall drops. The Brazilian park offered a different perspective,
as the view of the falls is much closer, often facing you. Both were breath taking, and humbling, and left us completely mesmerized.
Yet one simple image I loved was one of the tenacity of life I witnessed within the falls. It was of a relatively small spiked fern like plant - seemingly less than a foot tall - which was thriving on the precipice of a cliff, while countless tons of water relentlessly pounded on it. I watched it for some time, amazed at the tenacity of this small plant, clinging to life, refusing to let go and be washed away by the tidal force waters that never ceased turbulently roiling over it.
But words, as I mentioned, fail to communicate the essence. Perhaps the photos will be more successful at attempting to convey that which Iguazu Falls is - one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
In addition to walking the trails in both the Argentinian and Brazilian National Parks, we literally took the plunge and signed on for the wild boat ride that had us river rafting through the wickedly fast currents of the Iguazu River, then diving right under the cascading
waterfall, several times. No protective rain gear succeeded in protected you from being fully drenched upon return to shore. This was precisely the time that Stan decided to decline the opportunity to store all his valuables in one of the provided lockers, opting instead to test out his ingenuity in creating a plastic ziplock bag to cover his pouch sling, where he stores his passport, his credit cards, and his currency. It wasn’t the best idea he ever had, as his waterproofing measures completely failed, but he got to pass on his newfound wisdom to some other traveller’s who were making decisions about what to take, or not take, along on the boat ride. Its truly impressive the lengths Stan will go to, to help others 😊
A couple of days after we returned from the falls, someone informed us that the waters are supposed to be sparkling white, not brown, in colour. They are only discoloured at this time because of all the rains and recent storms in the region that have raised the water levels by sixteen feet, forced temporary closure of the Devil’s Throat walkway, and temporarily suspended some boat excursions. As we had no idea
Adventure
Look closely and you will see the inflatable boats. They take turns repeatedly propelling themselves into the torrentiel cascading falls. We were on one of them babies! what colour the waters were supposed to be, we thought the amber colour quite lovely, distinctly different, and even felt a certain joy witnessing it. Perception, tainted or otherwise, is so important, as is attitude without expectation, which brings to mind again a quote we both appreciate. « Comparison is the thief of joy » (Theodore Roosevelt)
Thank you for your interest in our travels and philosophical musings.
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Marcia Marino
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Wow!
Your experience at the falls sounds beyond amazing. I'm so glad that you and Stan are enjoying each day and each experience. I share your feelings of awe. Take good care! Marcia