Hola and yay - I am finally back in a Spanish speaking country where I know enough Spanish to get around and no Portuguese speakers in sight. I must admit, I was over being in a country where I can´t say a single thing except for thank you. It was great to get over the border, walk into a shop, ask for what i need, get the information and then thank the lady for her time and wish that she has a lovely day. And I have also found that taking that break from Spanish has solidified what words I know and can use and what i need to focus on when I return home.
Speaking of returning home, we made the decision to cut our trip early by ten days just to save us from the wrath of Uncle Visa when we return. While it is the wise decision it was still a hard one to make, I feel at the moment that I am not finished with our Adventures yet despite the overwhelming longing for familiarity and home. But come the 27th of March, we will land at Perth and hopefully be greeted by the Family that we have missed so much.
Our last two days have been amazing and I have seen the most impressive sight I have gained on these travels. While Galapagos still rings as the number one experience because of the Fauna, the sheer beauty of nature mixed with a little bit of Gravity has made the Cataratas del Iguazú or the Iguazú Falls rank as the most amazing nature site I have ever seen.
We got the to Brazilian side of the falls yesterday and Sandra and I first took a Helicopter flight over the falls, while I do not want to dwell on the saga about the 7 ATM´s and their lack of operation, the bellypopper ride was an exciting 12 minutes of circling around the falls for a very impressive overview of this natural wonder. From the sky we could see all of the falls below us and we could also see how the spray of water from The devils throat rose up like a cloud of smoke from a bushfire.
From there we went to the park where we got to see the falls from a closer look on the Brazilian side. While the path we took was not close to the Falls like on the Argentinian side, it gave us a better overview of the falls from closer up. We walked past the first section of falls and continued up to the Devils throat where we walked over the water and were blown away both literally (by the spray of mist that continually spews from the drop of the falls) and by the sight of thousands of liters of water tumbling down to the rocks below. It was a great sensation to be so close to the falls and also getting drenched from the spray. We were also grateful for the waterproof camera that we have.
We headed right up to the base of the Devils throat and went up the observation tower that over looks the entire area. Of course many photos were taken and I am pretty sure that Sandra and I spent out time saying that each new view we were treated to was more spectacular than the last.
We returned back to Doris (our bus) and headed over to the Argentinian side, where the ATM´s worked, the weather was cooler and the campsite was very very pretty.
The next day we went back to the Argentinian side of the falls and went on a boat ride up to the base of the falls, fighting very swift water currents and getting sprayed by the Falls that we went under. The boat ride was worth every cent and there is no way you could get up close to these giants without help. We then went on the path ways that went past all of the great viewpoints over the actual falls. We were standing on the precipice of the falls that we had seen from afar the previous day. They were more impressive up close than from far away. We got to walk along the falls that lead up to Devils throat and then we went to over the river Pirana (spelling is similar to Piranha but pronounced differently) and stood looking down the throat of the devil, again getting drenched. I have video on facebook of this part.
As allways, pictures are worth a thousand words so we can not wait to upload some of the photos.
Needless to say I have been impressed by the whole thing. It was well worth the visit and I still can´t believe the sheer power and beauty that I have seen.
Please check out the video on Facebook and we will upload more photos onto our albums after we have a free day in Salta.
Miss you all and see you soon
Glen
All I can say is WOW!! But I'm sure that is what everyone else says when they get there. I saw the video and photos on face book. It is mind blowing as a spectator. I am very impressed.
All is good here, just dealing with the normal every day things like lawyers and children misbehaving. All good though!
Like I said in the facebook sight, Sandra is lookin extemely hot and you scrub up ok too. though don't like the 3 day growth!
Local news, teachers are going on strike next thursday, so Brock gets a day off school. The NAB cup has started (football), the aussies are doin ok in the cricket, and the V8 supercars are starting again - well that's not all in the news, that's all I pay attention to. No doubt Ma and Pa can keep you a little more updated on the important stuff.
Can't wait to see you both.
lots of love
Sandy.
xxx
Posted by: Sandy and Matt | February 21, 2008 at 07:29 PM
Hi guys - as I sit and read about the wonderful scenes and amazing waterfalls with thousands of litres pouring ove the top, makes me want to pack my cameras and bag and take off. Unfortunately my boss wont sponsor me.
I must admit I am envious of you two, everytime I look at the galapagos shots (which is everyday) and now the ones of the Iguazu Falls - you have captured the might, the richness and beauty of the falls as well as the "wild life" in the galapagos. I realise that yes they are taking you to the "touristy spots" but looking at your photographs, they havent cleared hectares to put in coffee shops and other touristy knick knacks etc which is great.
Its now 12.30 and I guess I better get some more work done before the lunch interval!
Love you both heaps & missing you like crazy, looking forward to seeing you on the 27th. Dad:)
Posted by: Nigel Innis | February 21, 2008 at 07:43 PM