Iguasu Falls, Blog 11

Iguasu Falls, Blog 10

WOW!   I would fly to Brazil just to see Igasu Falls.  We got off the plane and went directly to see the falls on the Argentinian side.  The bus ride was delightful as we passed through swarms of delicate butterflies on the way. It was as if they were guiding our path.

Iguasu Falls have been described as “Niagra on Viagra.”  Although Niagra and Victoria Falls have more water (which I can’t believe!) they are the widest falls in the world at about 2 miles wide.  The walk along the trail was one “ooh, ahh” after another.  Evidently this is a spectacular year because the falls have more water than usual.  In some spots we were at the top of the falls adjacent to the swift flowing rivers going over the sides: at the same time we were able to see other falls each with a rainbow across the river.  We then had the option to walk along the bottom of the falls, a whole different view.  At one point we were right in front of the falls and received a good soaking.

The buffet dinner at the hotel, which is on the Brazilian side, was the best of the trip.  Since I haven’t been enjoying the food, I pigged out.  Are 5 desserts really too much?

Today we toured the falls on the Brazilian side, which is even more spectacular.  It was a panorama of fast flowing water as far as we could see.  As we walked along, there were more and more falls.  The highlight of the day was taking a ride through the jungle to the river where we boarded raft-like boats.  Our guide had told us we would get wet.  It was an understatement.  I wore a bathing suit and a plastic covering and got completely soaked.  At motor- boat speed, we went down the river and sailed under the falls about 4 times. 

The hotel has a jungle like park behind it.  While Dan napped, I went for a walk.  At first it was a bit spooky with a narrow path, tall dark green trees, and no one else insight.  Then I came upon a tent with a massage table.  I knew I was in civilization!  A little further on, was a large area of sunny gardens growing all kinds of fruits and veggie.  In the very back I found an ecological center where animals are being raised to be put in the wild.  I saw emu, toucons, loros, small monkeys (starting with an “m”—can’[t remember)  peacocks, and ostriches.  I spoke with a man who was feeding the birds.  He took out a loro and placed it on my arm, crawled around my back, tried to eat my hat.  Fun!