ctd from the previous Baraizl one

Igassu contd

In light of the hangovers from the night before and the clouds we decided to leave the Brazilian side of the falls to the day after. Chilled out all day, cooked a massive tasty paella of sorts and enjoyed a few beers. Thankfully we declined the offer from the barman (not Diego this time) to go out. A wise decsion!

Brasialian side of the falls - I was abit worried that Id get to the falls and be like oh well another waterfall but it was not the case. The sheer size of them and the volume of the watertook our breaths away - truly immense! Apparently there are 275 waterfalls and 10m litres of water flows over them every second! the Brasilain side gives a more panaramic view of the falls but also the chance to view Devils throat from the bottom. You can walk out on a walkway to get closer and we got absolutely drenched!! Bumped into Josh and Tanaya again

Got the transfer to the Argentina side and checked into Hostel Inn. (Rach stay here - its a hotel with a massive pool complex inc water volleybal net, table tennis pool, bar etc and top notch amenities pretening to be a hostel)Relatively chilled out night in preparation or our big day tomorrow.

Up early to hit the Argentina side of the falls. Didnt think it could get much better but it did. Argie side gives you the up close and personal view of the falls. We splashed out for the boat ride which was well worth it. It takes you to the mouth of the falls and you get well and truly soaked! The girls Ponchos were no match for it! Ride was loads of fun and we bought the DVD so can bore anyone who wants to see it when I get back.

Full day out viewing the falls from all sorts of angles including the top of the Devils throat whcih words cant descirbe! Igassu defiabtely lives up to its reputation!

After a party at the hostel inluding Brasilain dancing, 2 quid bottles of okish wine and Conga dancing around the hotel we realxed around the pool the next day playing water volleyball and sunbathing.

The Pantinal ( 5 nights) - Said goodbye to the Manc clan and got the oevrnight bus to Campo Grande in Brazil, the gateway to the Pantinal which is wetlands area (similar to the everglades I imagine) full of Wildlife!

The best day of the trip involved a jeep safari in the day followed by a boat trip and Piranha fishing in the aternoon (with wooden rods) and a night safri at night. The wildlife put the Amazon to shame. HUndreds of differnet tyrpes of birds, shedloads of Cayman, fishes jumping out of the water into the boat (one of which hit this Brazilian/JAanese woman in the face - she was ok so its ok to laugh uncontrolably!), Piranhas only too keen to be caught and searching through the muddy wetlands for the elusive Anneconda (which didnt turn out to be so elusive - result!). The heat was immense (40 degrees) so we had 3 hours at lunch out of the sun. Great timing again though as it was Brazilian Kids day and Mary (Jesus ma) day so it was a national holiday. Me and this fuuny as Dutch guy got the boat across to the other side to explore the party! Bumped into another guide and our boozed up boat driver who took us over to the local party. Free beer, free beef straight off the barbecue next to the discarded cows legs and head just around the corner, locals dancing, music pumping and kids playing footy.Great insight to the local way of life especially with one guy trying to sell us his daughter and wife for 2 beers. Would have taken him up on the offer but Id already drank my beers! lol

Sadly I had to cut my 4 day trip short by a day as I came down with a mystery 24 hour illness and the heat became unbearable so I missed out on the horse riding. Nonetheless the Pantenal is an awesome place and I got my moneys worth, even getting to see a 2m snake on our campimg site before I left.

Bck to Campo Grande to recover and finally do my travel blog. Next stop Florionopolis on the coast for beaches and sun! Fingers crossed.