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Published: September 19th 2006
Iguazu Falls
Iguazu FallsFirst of all, we must give unholy praise to the Argentinian bus service. I know we´ve mentioned them before, but this last trip was something else. After leaving Buenos Aires at 7pm, we settled in for our 20 hour bus trip on our fully reclinable seats with private television. About an hour in, our cabin steward, compensated us for the paltry conditions with a wee dram of whisky. We were still not suitably impressed, therefore they attempted to appease us by serving a steak dinner that "Harvester" would struggle to match. And to wash it down with afterwards, what else but a chilled glass of champagne. All for the princely sum of 20 quid. National Express take note!!!!!
So into Iguazu falls, the site of one the most impressive sets of waterfalls in the world with no less than 275 interlinking waterfalls. For those of you that watched it, there was an episode on David Attenborough´s "Planet Earth" series based around it.
As it sits on the border of Brazil and Argentina, we decided to view it from both sides as Brazil gives you a grand overview, while you can get up close and personal on the Argie side.
La Garganta Del Diablo
From the Brazilian side So off we went to cross off one of the "50 things to see before you die".
And unfortunately, it was a bit of a dissapointment. As luck would have it, they were going through an incredibly dry period and there was probably 50% less water volume as there should be this time of year. Where there should of been gushing falls, were now only dry river beds. It was really gutting at the time, but if four months away has taught us nothing else, it´s that you just cant second-guess nature. Whether it be whale-watching, looking for lava flows or waterfalls, I guess you pay your money and hope for the best! But in retrospect, it was still hugely impressive and I think we were the victim of our own preconceptions. If we had just turned up with no prior knowledge of the falls, we would definitely have still been blown away. But seeing as we spent the 6 months previous to going away, excitedly staring at the "best photos" online, we built up the hype to what it could never match on the day. Lesson learnt I believe.
What was a huge bonus though was our
visit to the Brazilian "Iguazu Bird Park" which was absolutely fantastic. You can really get up close to the kind of birds that you´ve only ever seen on Guinness adverts. Speaking of which, Toucans aint as cute as they look. One tried to make sausage rolls out of my fingers with its foot long beak. Saying that, I guess I must have been like a Paparazzi. You stick a camera in somebody´s face, you´re gonna get a clout. Therefore we renamed our friendly Toucan: Jay Kay, the frontman for Jamiraquai, due to his penchant for battering journo´s.
All in all, it has been great here although the shine was slightly tarnished. But its another one of the Earths great natural wonders ticked off the list, and i guess many people wont be lucky enough to see it for themselves so we should be grateful in that respect.
So off once again now to Rio de Janeiro and Ive got my thong ready! Bet you cant wait for the next installment now!
Lots of love
Stu and Nadine
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Irene and Rob
non-member comment
New Zealand
I think Robs shown me these last letters in the wrong order. Anyway New Zealand is fantastic we envy you, when you are on North Island you must visit The Gumdiggers Tea Rooms, if you are passing, fabulous pies and puddings, Rob will give you directions...... from Auckland north on SH1 for 115k to Maungaturoto, turn left onto SA12. 20k from turn off is GTR, great tucker.....who's ate all the pies. you fat b.....d!!!!! Take care