Incredible Iguassu

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Geo: -25.5478, -54.5881

On Monday we left our hotel in Buenos Aires and stopped at Le Recoletta on the way to the airport. This is an above ground cemetery built over 100 years ago and is a necropolis not to be missed. The tombs and statues are works of art and there are many streets and lanes to be negotiated. The main attraction is seeing Eva Peron's modest tomb with several plaques on the wall dedicated to her.

From there it was to the airport and the one hour forty minute flight to Iguassu Falls. We arrived on the Argentinian side of the falls and were collected and bussed into the Brazilian side and the National Park. Our hotel, Das Cataratas is a beautiful building built in the twenties and with a fabulous view of the falls. It is a 5 star hotel, but the bar and restaurant prices reflect that so it is expensive to eat there and there is nowhere else within walking distance. On the first night we had dinner in the bar which wasn't too bad.

The next morning, Fletcher;s birthday, we left the hotel at 7-25am to see the Argentinian side of the falls Fletcher was sung to at breakfast and given a card from Kenn and Neil.. We then had to drive back across the border, needing passport checks again and then into the National Park on that side. We walked about 700 metres to a train station which was to take us closer to the trail into the Devil's Throat, one of the largest of the waterfalls. There was a long queue at the station and we had to wait for 45 minutes before we boarded the train for the short ride to the main station. From there we walked along a man made walkway which spans the river and takes visitors to the lookouts over the spectacular Devil's Throat Falls. This is just over one kilometre in length but there are wonderful views of the very wide Iguassu river on the way. The spray can be seen from a long way out and we had been warned we would get quite wet. I put my spray jacket on but too late. the scene was spectacular and the roar of the rushing water quite overpowering. I discovered how to use my panorama function on my camera so went back to take some shots. Jesus waited for me and we then walked back briskly, stopping only to view the huge catfish visible in the river.
Back at the train station I was hurried on to the train only to find there were only 3 of us on it. We then had to wait a half hour for the others to join us with Fletcher grumping as he waited for me and was cross that I went on.

Then it was off for another walk to the boat station. This took quite a while as we trekked through the park. We saw many coatis, native to this area with their striped tails making them look like racoons. We had a steep descent down a narrow stone stairway to get to the boat ride which was to take us close to the Falls. The views along the way were spectacular with more falls visible. We got to the boat platform and there we donned our life jackets and boarded a rubber dinghy type boat. We were given waterproof bas we could put our belongings in and warned we would get rather wet. The driver first took us near to the two waterfalls so we could get close up pictures and then we were warned to put cameras into the bags. Then we were driven in so close we were under the falls themselves and being pounded by the falling water. I could hardly see as my glasses were completely wet as was most of the rest of me. It was so much fun though!!

Dripping wet after the boat ride we then had to retrace our steps, this time having to climb back up. That took a while with frequent stops along the way for "viewing the sights" aka getting your breath back. We had lunch at a sandwich bar within the park which let us dry out a little and then it was back to the hotel for a change of clothes and a rest. We got back to the hotel about 5pm.

I had booked at the a la carte restaurant to celebrate the birthday and we were pleased when Brian and Kim and Jim and Lorraine asked if they could join us. We sat out on the terrace under a starry sky with a beautiful crescent moon visible between the trees. A wonderful setting. When the waiters found out it was Fletcher's birthday we were given a glass of champagne for free to start. Fletcher and I both had the quail as main course which was absolutely delicious. A couple of excellent bottles of Argentinian Chardonnay and Malbec accompanied the meal. Later we retired into the bar where we had after dinner drinks and were given free cake to celebrate. Fletcher was also given a free cocktail which he said was pretty lethal. A fantastic night and a birthday he won't forget!

The next morning we met at 8-30am to see the Brazilian side of the Falls. This involved a kilometre walk starting from just in front of the hotel. The view from here is spectacular. We could see all the Argentinian side open to view and the noise was constant. We walked along, admiring all the different scenes we were presented with as each corner was turned. There was a magnificent rainbow stretches out across the water which was very spectacular.At the end of the trail was the Santa Maria Falls. A walkway has been built out over this so we could feel we were above, below and within the falls all at once. It was fabulous, and though we got wet again it was well worth it. I have now seen Victoria, Niagara and Iguassu but I would say see Iguassu before the other two.

We returned to the hotel and packed. Before we left for the airport Jesus and Oliver, our local guide , had organised a birthday cake and drinks for Fletcher which he then shared with David who is turning 70 on the 4th and Graham whose birthday is the 6th. A lovely end to our stay in this fantastic place.

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Comments

[Lucy McEwen]

I want an aplaca t shirt like Dad has!!