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Published: February 8th 2010
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Day 17
I arrived in Foz Do Iguacu this morning on an overnight bus from Florianopolis, where I was seated next to a kiwi guy, Tony. He was everything I expect of a kiwi guy, easy to get on with, laid back, into sport and generally really genuine. We hit it off almost immediately and had a real good laugh for the first few hours of the bus trip, before he decided to catch up on some sleep. This was my second lengthy bus journey, but didn’t sleep too much, thanks to the slightly erratic driving style of the guy behind the wheel. Every time I felt myself dropping off, matey up front seemed to swerve out and overtake someone or steam around a corner at what I would perceive as slightly too quickly…I’m sure he knew what he was doing! Don’t worry mum, I arrived in one piece!
Tony was supposed to go straight across the border into Argentina and view the falls only from that side, but because we had arrived so early in the morning, he asked if I minded him tagging along for the day and having a look from the Brazilian side. It was
a no brainer for me as he was such a decent bloke and thoroughly enjoyed his company. The falls are incredible! I had done quite a lot of research about them at home and had seen plenty of pictures on the net or other people’s blogs, however I really wasn’t prepared for the sheer size and scale of them. The force with which the water flows over them is incredible. They really are breath taking and an experience I recommend to everyone. It’s one of those situations where I’m sure the photos (and I took plenty) really wont do them the justice they deserve.
The pathway along the falls gives way to some spectacular viewing platforms and is just another example of the stunning scenery this country has to offer. Apparently seeing them from the Argentine side is better, so early to be tonight and eagerly await what lies in store tomorrow!
Days 18 - 21
I set the alarm for 07:00 in order to get across the border into Argentina and meet up with Tony to explore the falls from the Argentine side, where you are able to get a lot closer to them and take
photos from different angles…which I did!
It was my first experience of a land crossing in South America and it all went relatively smoothly considering how little Spanish I know. I had to get a bus from my hostel to the border, get off and receive an exit stamp from Brazil, before getting on another bus to the frontier of Argentina. I got my entry stamp into Argentina and was then supposed to get back on the same bus, which would then take me into town. All very well in theory, but when I went to get back onto the bus, the driver had driven off, leaving what appeared to be only me behind…cheers mate! I couldn’t see a taxi anywhere and as it wasn’t a bus stop, couldn’t hop on another one and ended up walking the first kilometre into Argentina! It was a strange feeling entering a country by foot and don’t want to have to repeat it too often. After hailing a cab, I was soon at Tony’s hostel, where my bags were dumped and we were off for a day in the national park.
If the day before had been impressive, then today was
just as much so, if not better. On this side you can get a lot closer and in certain places can almost stand underneath them…and yes you do get soaked. There are different walks you can take which all give different perspectives of them and I honestly did not tire of looking at them all day…though the heat was pretty draining. They captured my attention like nothing else really has and their force completely drew me in. It sounds weird writing this (and not really like me), but they were so captivating - I found myself just staring at them for what seemed like hours. Definitely make this part of your itinerary to South America. We also took a power boat trip which allowed us to get up close and personal with them from the river. It only lasted 15 minutes or so, but was another great experience… and yes Mum, was completely soaked at the end of it.
That night we went to a restaurant that had been recommended to Tony for their amazing steaks. I had heard a lot about Argentinean beef and coupled with the bottle of Malbec, was not disappointed! Two big pieces of melt
in your mouth fillet steak, a beer and half a bottle of red wine, all for a little over a tenner! No complaints from me…which is why I went back there two nights later, this time with a Dutch guy from my dorm and a couple consisting of another Dutch guy and a Swedish girl, who we shared a cab with and ended up spending the evening with. I love this about travelling - there is no way you’d bump into someone at a cab rank back home, spend a lovely evening exchanging stories, say goodbye and then probably never see them again. It’s great!
The rest of my time in Puerto Iguazu was spent lazing around the pool at Hostel Inn, which I totally recommended, although maybe a bit big for those looking for a more traditional experience - it is more like a resort than a hostel.
Pretty happy at how the tan is coming on and very much looking forward to getting back to Argentina later in the trip!
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