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Day 40: Iguaçu Falls - Brazilian side
The agenda for the day was to go see the Brazilian side of the Iguaçu Falls. The general suggestion is to go see the Brazilian side before the Argentinian side. From the Brazilian side you see more panoramic views (it also only takes a few hours) before visiting the Argentinian side, which is a much more immersive and therefore time consuming experience. This meant we had no rush on us the first day and so took it handy in the morning.
I wandered back down the hill towards this busy junction I visited the day previous and found the supermarket I'd been looking for it - bewildered how I missed it on my first venture! Maybe it was too big and too obvious? Or else I was just walking around with my eyes closed... Eitherway, I picked up some groceries, discovering for the first time in South America, a strong understanding of GF - "nao contém glútem" printed on most GF things... even water!
We had a nice chilled out breakfast, having the chats with our friendly hostel-mates, before crossing the road to catch the 120 bus to the falls. We came to the National Park and disembarked. Immediately we were met with a cheery guide called Jonas who offered to guide us around the park, and explained a range of different excursions we could take in the park and how best to plan our two days at the falls. We just took the info and ran! We paid in, leaving poor Jonas behind...
Once in, a bus takes you from the entrance and through the park to the falls. Journeying through the jungle lined road, with the bus piping out sounds of the wildlife found in the park all the while. We passed the pink hotel (a landmark here) and we climbed off the bus. We saw some pretty viscious signs of bloody tourists hands - don't feed the animals! They'll attack! We walked a short few steps before we saw what they were referring to. These super cute, long nosed, bushy tailed creatures with big eyes! Quati, they're called. Awe... They were so adorable it was a second or two before I even noticed the incredible view behind! There, beyond the viewing platform, the breathtaking vista of the falls. Stretching out, a long continuous line of waterfalls. Wow.
We stood to take in the view for a few moments before following the path that linked a number of viewing platforms the length of the falls. It was such a gorgeous sight. Unfortunately, the viewing platforms were totally hogged by people not actually viewing from the platforms but taking selfies. We kept moving.
We came to a length of path that bridged over the water and extended closer to the falls. The spray of the falls, drenching, we had to put on rain ponchos, before immersing ourselves in it. It was awesome. I was blown away by the sheer enormity of the falls, but Lynn lost her s*** at the sight of the rainbow! (something I'm pretty sure is a common occurance there, but didn't have the heart to say). "Oh my God! Oh my God! A RAINBOW!!!" It was so funny, her excitement - " We're IN a rainbow, IN a waterfall!". Her enthusiasm was infectious - it was special! She was right!
We spent a few hours walking the paths and trying as best we could to imprint the vision of beauty before us into our minds. The path came to an end at a food court (of course) and we explored the fast food options, before deciding on the fancy, buffet lunch option which had a terrace that overlooked the river and the falls.
And it was a fine option. The buffet was filled with heaps of delicious options. Self control, out the window.
Still early in the day by the time we'd finished, we decided to do one of the activites the lovely Jonas had suggested. A boat trip on the river which included a trek through the jungle and some kayaking(125 RL or €33). It was bizarrely quiet. We had the boat, and our guide Beatrice, a speech therapist in training, all to ourselves! We were taken for a ride along the wide, jungle lined river in a flat bottomed speed boat. We then, rather terribly, kayaked about for a little bit while the boat followed behind us (cringe). With wet bums from the kayak, we left. It was a slightly underwhelming experience, but we convinced ourselves it was great. Ah sure, it was grand...
We took the 120 bus back to our accommodation, hoping people didn't think we'd wet ourselves, just in time for a quick dip in our little pool. And I say quick. It was like an ice bath!
With nothing else to do in the town, we settled in for a relaxing evening. Showered and dressed, we made the short journey back to my favourite restaurant, Emporio com Arte, hopeful Lynn would love it as much as me. And she did. In her inimidably Lynn way, she latched onto the funny mispronunciations of the adorable waiter ("for the mainly course we have..."), and would go on to chuckle to herself periodically, reliving the moment over and over again. She was tickled. It was quite funny to watch!
After the enormous buffet lunch I told myself to eat light, so, trying to sample all their gorgeous gluten free options, I had a delicious savoury pancake (15RL or €4) and Lynn had a curry. For the second time, Emporio com Arte had impressed. I already knew what I was going to order the next day...
Accommodation: Tetris Container Hostel
Weather: balmy 20 degrees
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