Iguazu Falls.... spectacular! A trip to both the Argentinan and Brazilian side!

I left Rio on Sat 20th and took what should have been a 21hour overnight bus to Iguazu Falls... which turned out to be more like 25hours!!! A number of stops on the way- either to pick up people or drop them off... or a refreshment stop! It took HOURS... especially when a couple of hours prior to our expected time of arrival, we were kind of getting psyched up to the arrival! But that was prolonged.... but what followed made us forget about our long trip!

The journey was nice in some ways, getting to see the countryside, some greenery and farmland! It was one of my first occasions to see cows and sheep! A welcoming change to the cats and dogs of Rio.... (and there were plenty of dogs especially in the city)

Combine harvesters, tractors, harvesting... John Deere outlets as well sa Massey Ferguson, New Holland.... kind of reminded me of home!! Land became a bit flatter and more roaming hills than mountains. Somewhat reminded me of New Zealand too as the fields were vast and spotted the odd glider over farmland too.

We, that is, Sandra (one of the volunteers from Ireland) arrived in Iguazu and shared a taxi ride with other travellers to the Hostel. Stopping at Immigration before finally arriving in Argentina!!! A couple of nights at Puerto Iguazu and a chance for us to explore the Falls. Whilst we had intended to do some sight seeing that afternoon, due to the journey time, we didnt, but explored the little town of Puerto Iguazu instead.

Finally.... some proper food.... well... nicer food in comparisson to what Brazil offered. Had some lovely pasta and red wine! Beautiful shops around the town and plenty of places to eat.

The next day we headed off on the Argentinan tour of the Falls. An incredible sight and a wonderful, though very wet experience on the speed boat beneath some of the Falls! I am so glad I had my plastic ponchos! Saved us a couple of bob! Mine was a Western Mail poncho I found at the farm, I guess Euros or Myfanwy got it at an Agricultural show... so it proved very useful!

Following a trip by truck and the boat, we then ventured by foot and followed the many trails along the falls! Beautiful sights and plenty of rainbows. Also got to see some wild animals and birds. Plus it was the first time we met tourists... Israelis... and they were the first of many and the only toursits/travellers I met for a couple of days... on at least 6 occasions! I thought the place was overtaken by Aussies... but so far, had only come across Israelis!

The next day and my final day at Puerto Iguazu, we ventured to the Brazilian side, stopping at Immigration again, which took longer as ther was a problem with a fellow passenger, but that soon got sorted out.

It wasnt until we got to se the Brazilian side, we recognised the magnitutde and span of the Falls.... they stretch kilometres and are vast and majestic! Plenty of beautiful rainbows to be had and the sound of the water crashing beside us!

Absolutely magnificent and highly recommend a visit to the Falls if you ever are in this part of the world!!

Next stop Buenos Aires.... whilst Sandra gets a 2hour plane back to Rio!

I musnt forget either the ´hostel´experience! On returning to our room on the first night, having dropped stuff off initially... we thought burglars had been in (our stuff was locked away safely), but our new room buddies must have arrived dropped their bags and basically rummaged through them... there were receipts and clothes across the floor! It was quite humourous! We never got to meet them, as they were in bed by the time we hit the sack and we had left the following morning before they got up!