From the Road to Iguazu Falls

Iguazu Falls

My companions and I are currently on the road to Iguazu Falls, sitting on what’s quite possibly the most comfortable bus I’ve ever been on. For 166 pesos (about $55 US) we get spacious and cushy seats, head and leg rests and seats that recline considerably far, so that sleeping well is not impossible. We also get one snack, one meal, and one drink before we reach our destination.

The bus ride, however, lasts approximately 15 freaking hours. Unless they also throw in a bottle of Nyquil and a few beers, it’s going to get a little uncomfortable.

It could be worse, though. I have a full stomach, with not as much steak over the last few days as I’d like, but plenty of flaky, delicious empanadas. I think I’m a little over budget, but I purchased a sweet souvenir for my brother (this will be your birthday present, Wah.) I have my health, which isn’t something I could say yesterday, when the Argentinian spring brought along an allergy attack. I have a fully charged iPod to help some of those hours pass by. I have my companions, Chrissy and Katie, and we made friends with Colombians, Dutch, and Australians during out stay at San Telmo. I have heard stories of how people don’t just make travel and new experiences part of a yearly vacation, but adopt it as a real lifestyle.

My bus driver has a tendency to follow dangerously close behind vehicles, then pass them as oncoming traffic approaches. But I still hold the belief the Universe takes care of me. So if you’re reading this, then we can assume everything worked out for the best, no?

A day after I posted about first heading to Uruguay, then Iguazu Falls, plans adjusted in order to accomodate for Octoberfest in Cordoba. That is the beauty of having an open itinerary and booking hostel stays only a day or two in advance. After spending five (has it really been five?) wondrous days in San Telmo, we’re headed to see Iguazu Falls. Its described in Lonely Planet as “spectacular,” and “you’ll be taken aback,” but they’ve been wrong before. Water floats down a river, then gravity pulls it down thousands of feet. Supposedly this is a big deal. I won’t be impressed until I see it. You can’t trick me again, Lonely Planet!

Edit: I am impressed.

At Sequoia National Park, a few CTY friends and I climbed alongside a waterfall the size of one of these guys. It takes Iguazu in terms of adrenaline rush, especially since we didn’t have the right equipment and didn’t know what we were doing. But if you’re talking about sheer power – Iguazu makes Niagra Falls look like a leaky faucet.

More photos later when I´m not paying for Internet by the minute.

Edit 2 – 10.13.08: More photos from Iguazu

me @ Iguazu

iguaz falls 2

I forgot what this guy is called. Something in Spanish...

iguazu falls 3

Katie and I underneath the falls - we are ants.

Katie, Chrissy, and I beneath the falls.