Shared Illusions

Here are a few random thoughts I had on our first night, March 6, in Puerto Iguazú:

Our travel day to Iguazú Falls was rainy with low-slung clouds washing the sky in shades of grey. The earth responded with shouts of color as the red of the iron rich earth and the brilliant green of rain-slick plants livened the scene.

We passed shacks, nothing more than boards put together as 4 walls and a roof; a family (?) of 12 or so outside of one, fires burning, clothes hanging on the line.

We witnessed the vastness of the forest, the hills, the trees stretching far into the distance.

About air bnbs: the paucity of accoutrements, yet how much, what can be done with them and how in the end you had just what you needed – at least for the limited time staying there.

Thinking about England, maybe NYC, too and other places, post WWII. Families of 5-12 living in 1 or 2 room flats; barely a kitchen; bathroom outside and down the way, shared by numerous other families. It’s a wonder more didn’t die of TB or cholera or flu or any other possible rampant illness that could spread or be incurred through less than hygienic conditions. And now, we – USA we – have gone in the other direction. So fearful of bacteria that our own systems do not have the opportunity to develop immunities as bacteria have grown immune to our barrage of poisons and chemicals (antibiotics) to eradicate them, or at the very least, to severely limit our exposure. (This as part of my reflection on living in 2 rooms, for the most part these past two months. The two rooms being bedroom and living area; there is also a small kitchen area and a bathroom, so technically 4 rooms, though the actual living space is two rooms.) 

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And now it is March 11 as I write this. We are in Santa Fe! We haven’t posted in days. Why? Iguazú Falls took all of our energy on the first day. We arrived early and stayed until closing. We walked miles and miles of trails to see the as many of the hundreds of falls as we could. We got soaked on the boat ride on the river and into the falls. Oh my, what a hoot, that was!! Drenched. The boat pilots know just how to angle the nose of the boat in between shattering walls of water. As we were up front we got hit with it but good. Breathless, invigorating, joyful.

Notice that boat on the river below? That’s the type of boat we were on, heading into the falls!

A light rain began as we were making our way to La Garganta del Diablo, the Devil’s Throat, the very large horseshoe falls. It soon turned into torrential rains, made more soak inducing by the wind that blew in sideways, and swirled around making it impossible to escape. As it was pretty warm out I eschewed the use of poncho and just got wet. At the overlook to the Garganta del Diablo, the mist pushed up from every which way. It was not a good day to see the Garganta due to the clouds and rain, but it was an exhilarating day to be there.

Fortunately, weather cooperated the next day. We returned early and beat a hasty advance directly to the Garganta. We could tell it was going to be a busy day at the park. We arrived at the entry point to the path just after a train pulled in carrying about 200 people all headed to the same place we were. We opted to again walk as fast as we could and pass as many as we could to get there, ahead of as many as possible. I’m happy to report that we were successful in this endeavor. Of course there were still lots of folks there, but not as many as there was about to be. It was worth the rush and I almost don’t feel sorry for any number of people I had to push aside to get there. Carpe diem.

As we left it apeared that there were close to a thousand people along the walk lining up for their view. I wonder how many cell phones have gone into the falls as people bump and push for the limited space.

There is a point in Puerto Iguazú from which you can see Brazil (on the right) and Paraguay (on the left). We made our way there that afternoon. I don’t think there are too many places in the world where you can be standing in one country and see two more. Sarah Palin would have a field day.

How quickly the rains come and go. Above you see two countries under cloudy skies. In no time a’tall, this was the view:

I gained a new appreciation for the phrase, “When it rains, it pours,” while in Puerto Iguazú. 

It took some travel to get from Iguazú to Santa Fe. The first leg was on the Crucero del Norte bus and took seven hours as it stopped at every little town, and picking up and dropping off people along the road at bus stands or sometimes just a wide spot. I wonder how those who live along the road, in an unincorporated area know when the bus will be by. They stand there with bags and babies and children by the hand and flag down the bus. It’s one of the mysteries for foreigners. After a four hour lay-over, we boarded Rio Uruguay for the 13 hour over-night to Santa Fe. These butacas were even better than the ones on Andesmar. The seats reclined 180 and the foot rest came up level with the seat for a fine flat bed. A full size pillow and blanket made for a comfortable rest.

Goodness, it’s already March 12! I don’t understand why this computer has trouble saving and uploading photos sometimes, but that is always my delay. But now we are in BsAs, it will be easier and I will post again tomorrow. Right now I’m falling asleep.

Pampas Grass

Best love, Paula