The Jungle Life

I have just returned from Iguazu and I could not help myself but come straight to the keyboard to record the details of our trip. From our start to finish, this trip was the smoothest traveling experience I have had in Argentina. We decided to fly to afford ourselves more time and it was completely worth it.

When we arrived we were taken to our hostel, (Hostel Inn which I recommend 100% for anyone traveling there). It was beautiful, clean, and was basically a hotel for a hostel price. The staff and grounds were exceptional and we made ourselves right at home. 

The first day we ventured over to the park and went to "La garganta del diablo" or "The devil's throat." It was slightly overcast, which added to the ominous atmosphere of the falls. As we walked along the bridge we passed different types of fish swimming under our feet, plants and trees we had never seen before, and droves of people from all over the world! From large tourist groups, to class trips, to locals, to study abroad students there was a wide variety of languages. As we drew closer to the falls, we lost sight of the bridge which was swallowed up by mist. Likewise, we could hear the powerful pounding of the water warning us of what was to come. Peering over the edge, our jaws dropped. I have never been filled with such awe, beauty, and fear. The power of the falls is astonishing and at the same time somewhat terrifying. as we made our way along the bridge the mist and wind strengthened. It was incredible to stand with your eyes shut and just feel the fresh, crisp water. After two minutes I was drenched, but it was well worth it. 

While we were there I met and Argentine who was an actor from BA visiting as well. We got to talking and his friendliness astounded Sarah and I. We ended up exchanging phone numbers and hopefully we will meet up in the city soon! I have found Argentines to be so welcoming and so willing to offer their friendship, that sometimes we north americans think "something's up", but they are genuinely being nice people (or at least all the people we have encountered). We enjoyed the falls then went on an ecological tour with a guide. We saw all types of flora and fauna native to this jungle region along with rare species of birds. We ended the day and called it a night pretty early.

The next morning we set our alarms to soak up the sun. We laid by the pool, swam, and slacked off as much as possible. Later in the afternoon we went back to the park and embarked upon the "Great Adventure." We were in a truck with a group of Argentines and road through the jungle while learning all type of "fun facts." We arrived at the water and prepared ourselves for the next leg of the trip...a boat ride under the waterfalls. We found two empty seats and got to know the people around us. We soon learned that there was a group of 22 Irish men who play golf together and travel together every two years. Argentina was their destination this year. They were loads of fun! One was funnier than the next and the accents helped ;)

The boat ride was breathtaking. Rainbows appeared everywhere and we passed by other boats from the Brazil side (as we were on the river which separates the two countries). After ten minutes on the boat we were drenched head to toe with the most refreshing water I have ever experienced. It was incredible. When the ride finished we got out and walked up the mountain side and were able to take AMAZING pictures. There were all different pathways which lead to different cataratas. Breathtaking! When we finished we walked back home, completely content with the day.

At the hostel, we met a group of amazing people. A couple from the UK and Australia, two girls from Ireland, a group of Dutch, and lastly two best friends from New Zealand who actually lived in Iguazu for 6 months. We were quite the crew. They are what made this trip for us. We laughed, talked, drank, ate, and shared an amazing experience together. The two guys from New Zealand took us to places that no tourist would even know existed. On Sunday we went to a river in the neighborhood of the local people. We played with the kids in the water, searched for quartz in the river, and met a family that lives in the jungle quite literally. From start to finish it Sarah and I said to each other "What are we doing?" and "Where are we?"Also, I can finally check off riding on the back of a truck off my list. I feel like I can now really say I was in South America!

When it came time to leave, we were in tears. Although it had only been 48 hours it felt like a week. I wish them all the very best and hopefully our paths will cross again :)

Las fotos

Feria de los Mataderos

This weekend I went to the Feria de los Mataderos with my friend Sarah and we enjoyed a beautiful day outside of our normal routine. Although still inside the city, I was shocked out how much I felt outside of the city. Sarah and I discussed how we felt like we were in a different country. I particularly loved the spirit of this fair. There were so many people, families, and friends just enjoying the day. We watched people dance, listened to music, went to the museum, and had delicious choripan and tamales! All the people were extremely friendly and there were as many foreigners as locals. It was the first time I had the sensation I was back in Peru. Many of the people carried the distinguishable Latin American traits, but we were met with such warmth.

One thing I found particularly interesting was that before we reached the main fair, there was a park busy with commotion. From families picnicking, to vendors selling anything from socks to soccer jerseys, the hustle and bustle of this barrio was astonishing. I found this feria before the main, traditional feria to be fascinating. Literally anything was being sold from used shoes, to burned DVD’s, to fishing rods. Although these goods were not of the highest caliber, I was amazed at what pride people had in what they were selling. Just as the picture shows the lines were straight and a lack of tables did not deter them from displaying what they had to sell in an organized manner. I began to think about the U.S. and how so many would look at what was being sold as junk and not even take an interest, but I was content to walk around and converse with those who had their displays carefully positioned on the ground.