There are more remote and intimidating border crossings in the world I'm sure but there was a slightly weird yet funny feeling sitting at the border by myself waiting for the next bus to come. I had gotten my exit stamp from Brazil but was now waiting for the next bus along to take me to Argentina. Yes, Argentina was only a few minutes away and this was a generally busy border crossing but I still found it slightly amusing.

I had enjoyed Brazil and will probably actually miss it but was now looking forward with anticipation to Argentina. Puerto Iguazu probably serves the same purpose as Foz do Iguacu in Brazil but there was a slightly different feel to the place. At first glance it almost felt as if the Argentinians were a bit more reserved than the Brazilians but I know this is not the case. I guess I was just getting used to the Brazilian smile, swagger and sense of cool. The accent of course is the biggest difference. For me this is the most distinct accent in all of South America.

It seemed like another small touristy town and there was not much charm to this place but I found a food market that seemed authentic and nice to just hang out in and have a drink and something to nibble on. There were meats and cheeses and olives as far as the eye could see and most people seemed to order a platter of all 3 with some beer or wine...if the language was different I could have been in Greece, Italy or Spain I think. Well since I'm not a fan of cheese or olives it was a couple of empanadas and a glass of Malbec for me. Coupled with some people watching and for the princely sum of 2 pounds, I was happy.

An evening was spent down by the intersection of the 3 rivers which form the tripartite border of Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina. A kitsch little place with a few tourist shops and monument to commemorate this union but it was a beautiful evening and very picturesque, so there were lots of families hanging out down there watching the sun go down and drinking Mate (ma-teh). A very Argentinian pass time, it is essentially tea but made with special mate herbs crushed up and held in an ornate cup. You then keep topping this up with hot water and sipping it through a metal straw. You see people walking around with their thermos and mate cup all day and just drinking this stuff, some even have impressive kit bags to hold it all. I've yet to sample this but I am told it is an honour to be invited to partake in such a process with someone so I am still waiting for my opportunity.

The main reason this town exists I guess is to service the tourist attraction which is one of the new seven wonders of the world. Iguazu falls on the Argentinian side is billed as more impressive so the anticipation was high after I enjoyed the Brazilian side so much. It didn't disappoint being more extensive and providing the opportunity to view a wider variety of individual waterfalls from very close. All based around a huge national park it allowed you to explore all the falls relatively easy along purpose built paths but I also decided to take a boat ride along the river which brought you up close and personal with the falls. All in the boat got completely soaked as expected but this provided another adrenaline based activity that I really enjoyed, even if it was for only 12 minutes. The views around all the falls were ....(insert superlative here).... but what you could see in Argentina that you could not in Brazil is how the waters started from very calm beginnings to become the roaring menaces that they were. Mother nature clearly demonstrating she is not to be underestimated.

Feeling pleased with the activity of the day and that I had earnt it with adequate physical exertion, it was off to a parilla for probably more meat than I needed. I think this may become a common theme over the next few weeks!

Tomorrow, it's off to Buenos Aires!