29 October 2007 - Iguasu Falls

Well, from the frozen waters of the glaciers our next destination was to be the fast moving waters of Iguasu Falls on the border of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. We had our first real travel hiccough - at least of the South American leg - when our flight was overbooked and we got bumped on the next flight 3 hours later. When we boarded they had new seats for us - Marianne got upgraded to business and I got demoted even further back the plane than I already was!

When we eventually arrived it was too late to visit the falls that day. We were staying in a tiny little b and b with only 3 rooms. There were, however, free caipirinhas in the evening which Marianne was delighted about at the time (maybe not so much in the morning!) and we went out to dinner with the other people staying at the b and b.

The next day we were eager to set out and visit the Argentinian side of the falls. At first the weather looked promising but by the time we had finished our breakfast we had an almighty storm to deal with - thunder, lightening and torrential rain. We still went out hoping it would pass quickly - but it didn't - it lasted for hours! We did a couple of the walks by the falls and got absolutely soaked. Then just for good measure just in case there was any part of us that wasn't wet we got on a speedboat that literally dunked us right under a couple of the falls! However, inspite of all the rain it did eventually clear up and turn into a beautiful, sunny day as we visited the most impressive part of the falls - 'La garganta del diablo' devils throat. On the way back some guy offered us a boat ride back instead of taking the tourist train. So we floated back down the river to the exit of the national park – very pleasant!

The next morning the weather was beautiful and we crossed the border into Brazil to take a look at the falls from that side. Its a good job I got a jumbo passport before I came away as its getting pretty full! The Brazilian side has a different more panoramic perspective and is equally beautiful. We revisited the Argentian side on the way back to the airport to do the last walk there.

Bonus, we both got upgraded on the way back and were able to toast our falls visit with a glass of champagne!