Back in the US, back in the US, back in the USSR... Ok, not true. But back in Spanish speaking countries, which is nothing if not a little confusing. While I'm understanding more again, which is a relief, trying to speak Spanish again is being severely hampered by certain Portuguese verbs and words..but I'm sure I shall overcome this terrible struggle soon, fear not. Right. So yeah, I am in the wonderfully cheap and cheery Argentina, sitting in an internet cafe in the centre of Buenos Aires. From what I've seen so far (although I arrived only this morning), it's a beautiful city, with much to see just by wandering around on foot - there are plenty of museums too, but I think the buildings and plazas can be ample for the cheap-carp tourist. Cheap-skate. Never mind. Last night, I caught a bus from Puerto Iguacu - the Argentinian border town closest to the incredible Iguazu falls (z in Portuguese, c in Spanish...take your pick or just don't worry about the inconsistencies). Incredible is definitely the word. The photos one sees truly don't do them justice - except, obviously, the ones I took and will upload at my earliest convenience. Walking around through the parkland was a pleasure in itself, and then the motorpowered rafting under the falls themselves was stupendous (a new adjective I think there - not used that one before). Something to see if ever you come to Argentina. Puerto Iguacu also provided me with my first taste of the famed Argentinian steak. Mmmmmmmmm. Dining with a German girl, Annette, and three Israeliteeheees (Miss Israeliteehee, heard it on the radio...no? Something like that), Noa, Dana and Noa, at a Parrilla - a grill-in-front-of-the-customer's-eyes restaurant (catchier in Spanish, I'll admit) - twas a beautiful night. And I think steak may be on the menu again tonight. This is going to be a very healthy couple of weeks, I can tell - a bottle of Argentinian red and a peppered, medium-rare steak, served with creamy potatoes. For breakfast. Yes please. So yeah, got the bus, and what a bus it was - fully reclining seats (comfy seats, almost beds), van damme films, three course meals served with a choice of wines. I began to like Argentina. Yep, back to the bus - got it, and arrived here. The plan now will be to head to Montevideo in Uruguay for a couple of nights, then return here, then to northern Patagonia for a few nights, followed by Mendoza in North-West Argentina (great for treks etc...) and then finally to Chile and Santiago for our flight to New Zealand. It's going to be a sad day, the day we leave South America. But wait, I hear you cry. (Nope, sorry, that was someone behind me...bloody gringos ;) ). How did you ever leave Brazil and Rio? The answer, my furry friends, is with a great deal of difficulty. Having been there for over a month (with a short break in Sao Paulo), the departure was not a happy one, matters of the heart making it all the more tricky. But that's a story for another day, as we sit around open fires and roast chestnuts. Ok, ok, I've been drinking. No, but seriously. Gotta go, they're coming. Love to all, keep the messages coming, they make this awful trip bearable ;) . (Do though, I love 'em). xxx