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Foz Du Iguazu (brazilian side)
WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW!!! is all i can say about these absolutly mind blowing day at Foz du Iguazu waterfalls. Our camp site is amazing here with luxuries like a swimming pool and bar!! Arrived on a very hot day, so we half heartedly put up our tent in a huge rush, and jumped into the cool pool!!! Started off our main day in Foz Du Iguazu with a helicopter ride. There was much controversy in camp about whether the helicopter ride was worth the money, because it was quite an expensive excursion and it was only 12 minutes long - however it was well worth the money. Queued for about 30 mins and then realised that the helicopter blades do not stop as you enter the chopper, this caused a large problem as i was wearing a floaty little baby blue skirt. Entered the chopper in the most un-elegant way i think possible whilest furiously trying to flatten my skirt much to the amusement of my friends and the guy filming us!!
The ride was incredible and we got to see the falls from a fantastic arial view. Well worth the money and it also gave you a perspective of how preserved the area around the falls is. For about 3 minutes of the flight all we saw was lush, green, rainforest. It was quite shocking, there were no houses, no hotels just the 2 huge,wide, perfectly meandering rivers which meet to form the Iguazu falls. These 2 rivers also provide a natural barrier between Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil. As a result of this the falls can be seen from both the Argentian and Brazilian side. From a distance we could see the huge wafts of spray coming from the falls and more specifically the imfamous ´devils throat´. The devils throat is the most powerful area of the falls with the highest number of waterfalls in one area as a result there is a constant spray above the area. After the ride we went to the bird park which was across the road. I did not think i would enjoy the park very much as i am not a keen bird-lover but it was nearby and cheap so i thought why not! Very very glad i did because we had a great time. The birds were kept in cages but the cages were identical to their natural surroundings and there was 2 or 3 birds per HUGE cage. I saw lots of different species of birds, many of which were endangered or had been saved from poachers who had clipped their wings or stollen their multi-coloured feathers. We saw so many incredible colours and species of birds i was so glad that i went!! Also managed to have my photo taken with a toucan and snake!! Next stop was the falls which was a mere 10 pounds entry for tourists. The park could so easily charge more because the sights were just mind blowing. We went on a 2 hour walk along the falls and we saw the falls from quite a distance from the brazilian side. The day was scorchingly hot but dehydration and sweatyness was a small price to pay for incredible shots and a good tan at the end of the day. Words cannot describe how amazing the panoramic views of the falls from this side were. i hope the photos can do a better job because it honestly took your breath away. The closer we got to the end the closer we got to the falls and soon enough we had to put our cameras away and walk along the wet walkway. This was where you got soaked from the spray from some of the nearby falls (deliciously refreshing after the humidity and heat of the forest walkway) and at the end you can look over the water cascading down another bunch of waterfalls. This was possibly the most enjoyable part of the day because you got drenched and the roar of the water just toppling over the rocks was deafening. At the end of the day i was completely stuck for words. i was so happy at seeing the brazilian side and i never thought that the argentian side could be any better despite that being the vast majority thought. the ancient civilisations of the area thought that the falls where because of a love story. Basically the prettiest woman of the village had to be sacrifised to the water god, but she fell in love with a man who saved her from this practise and they ran away together. Apparently the water god then got so angry that he plunged his staff into the ground causing the ground to shift; hence the two different levels and the might of the Iguazu falls was created. a pretty cool story i think, and had i lived in those times and seen the falls then, i most definately would be terrified and in awe of a god that could create such a phenomenon.
Iguazu falls (argentinian side)
After crossing the border into Argentina it wasnt long before we were on the other side of the falls. The Argentinian side is by far the most touristy and apparently better side for wildlife, boat trips and primarily because it has the devils throat on its soil. There was no helipcopter ride on this side and the Brazilian choppers are not allowed into argentinian airspace because the government says that it will disrupt the wildlife in the area. There were many more walkways on this side and the whole group booked to do a boat ride into the devils throat. We also had to pay for a compulsory guide. Another crazily hot day which posed problems when we had to wait for 2 and ahalf hours for the boat ride. Along a small little ridge we waited with no protection from the sun and it was the most draining, dehydrating experience of my life. NOT FUN AT ALL especially when we heard the screams of delight and fright from the people in the boat we were waiting for, whizzing past!! There were a lot of dirty, jealous from us to the boats. In all fairness i wouldnt even say the wiat was well worth it. the boat went as far into the throat as possible and we all got utterly soaked but it really wasnt that great. Most of the group went home after that, but a few of us stayed and got on the train to go to the devils throat walkway. This really was amazing as we got to walk directly above the might of the water and saw it some crashing down past us. The noise was immense and from a distance it honestly looked like a giant hole in the middle of the river where the water was seen mercilessly thrown off the edge. It was amazing, and the walkways were fun but i definately prefered the Brazilian side of the falls (which goes strongly against the majority).
Rafain Dance Show (Argentina)
The swampy crewe decided to go to a typical argentina dance night with an all you can eat buffet. Very yummy and i was very very tempted to eat some of the lovely argentinian steak which was carved at the table, but i managed to stop myself! The dancing was great fun and the tango was too quick to catch on camera. We saw lots of different types of dancing but the tango was by far the best and the most exciting and passionate. All got pretty drunk that night on cocktails and had a great night.
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