Iguazu Falls

I wrote this blog post like a month ago and never uploaded it! Sorry!!

Last weekend my program took us on an excursion to Iguazu Falls, in the northeastern part of Argentina (on the boarder of Brazil and Paraguay).

It is newly added to the seven natural wonders of the world so I went to two world wonders in two weeks (along with Machu Picchu!).

It was such a beautiful place, if you ever go to Argentina, please go! I have heard it's better than Niagra Falls, although I have never visited there. It was also extremely beautiful because we walked through a jungle to get to the falls! Over rivers, through the woods to the falls!

We took a 14 hour bus Thursday night and got into Iguazu Friday morning. We spent Friday at an estancia (a ranch). This estancia is family run and it produces mate (the typical Argentine drink, kind of like green tea). We spent the day swimming, playing games, eating, and lounging around. First we toured the mate plantation, then they had an asado for us (an asado is a barbecue full of grilled meat where they roasted a whole pig, cow, etc). It was absolutely amazing meat, probably the best steak I have had here.

The Estancia

Mate Plantation

Where we had the asado

I then spent the rest of the day playing in a highly competitive volleyball game between 8 of us in the residensia, dominating with Team Skyball. Although half of the time was spent arguing over the rules of volleyball (which CLEARLY I know them all, thanks to my brothers gosh no one would listen to me). Although in the end team sky ball lost the match, we were clearly the winning team.

Roommies at the top of the falls

At the top of the falls

Devil's Throat

Cara, me, and Arielle at Devil's Throat

At the bottom of the falls on the boat ride

Boat ride

The next day we headed to the falls. I will let the pictures tell you how great it was. Although the day started out rainy and gray, it didn't matter. The falls were breathtaking and so powerful. I told me roommates "If I see an animal today, I'm going to freak out". Thank god the rain came, because it scared all of the animals away. It was my lucky day. The boat ride was by far the best part of the day and it was such a thrill. We all got soaking wet, actually it looked like we all showered in our clothes.

The next day we went to an indigenous community. We saw how the Guarani tribe lives and how they preserved their culture and traditions over the years. It was kind of a weird experience I kind of felt like an impostor on their lives, but I guess it was a good experience and put life in perspective.

Guarani children singing to us

My children (can you spot Cara?)  

It was a great weekend and was truly a once in a lifetime experience. It was so beautiful, although I do wish it would have been sunnier throughout the weekend. But it was amazing and I am so lucky to have been able to go!


Besos,
Ellen